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Aaron Cook News & Rumors

Contract details on Casey Blake, Aaron Cook
January 10
Denver Post
 
"The idea that Casey Blake could play a significant role for the Rockies is hinted at in his new contract. Blake's deal provides insurance for the Rockies at third base and $1 million in incentives for the player if he becomes a starter. Aaron Cook's deal with the Red Sox, meanwhile, is equipped with escape clauses if he's not added to their 25-man roster by June 1. The Rockies announced Blake's signing on the day they introduced free agent Michael Cuddyer. Blake has a one-year, non-guaranteed, $2-million deal. He can make an additional $1 million with regular playing time, according to contract information obtained by The Denver Post. Blake will make an additional $200,000 for 350 plate"
Rockies decline $11 million option on Aaron Cook
November 1
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook, the winningest pitcher in the Rockies' history, has left the building, but he could return. Cook hit the free-agent market Monday after the Rockies, as expected, declined his $11 million option for 2012. He instead will receive a $500,000 buyout. While Cook has severed ties with the organization, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has told him that the club is open to him returning at a significantly reduced salary. And make no doubt, Cook wants to stay."
Rockies' Aaron Cook will make his final start next week
September 16
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook has appeared in 120 games and thrown 675 1/3 innings at Coors Field. He has started a World Series game on Blake Street. But when he walks to the mound Wednesday against the Padres, it will feel different. It likely will be his last appearance as a Rockie in Denver, the franchise's all-time winningest pitcher receiving a last start as a parting gift for his contributions over the last 10 seasons. "It's going to be really great. I am just going to be myself," Cook said. "In an ideal world, it will be a quick game with a lot of groundballs. Throw in a hit in a win and that would be the perfect day." Cook, 32, lost his rotation spot last week, ceding to the future in left-hander"
Injuries to Rockies' Tulo, Cook not serious
August 3
Denver Post
 
"Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki left Tuesday's game after eight innings with an injured right pinkie. He said the injury occurred while throwing during the game. "It's not serious. I should be able able to go tomorrow. I will know more in the morning," he said. Aaron Cook exited after four innings with what he described as "stinger" on the right side of his neck."
Aaron Cook has second straight solid outing as Rockies beat Dodgers 3-1
July 28
Denver Post
 
""Iron Man" was a hit at the box office. Beyonce was talking about rings more than the New York football Giants were. And Michael Phelps was a human dolphin. The year was 2008, the last time Aaron Cook pitched like he did on Wednesday night. That season, the right-hander made the National League all-star team, using a sinker that was the equivalent of a bowling ball rolling off a picnic table. That pitch, in witness protection forever it seems, returned in full force Wednesday as Cook strong-armed the Rockies to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. He avoided a sweep, broke a four-game losing streak and made fans think. What if Cook could have done this when he came back a month ago?"
Cook maintains his role in Rockies' starting rotation
July 11
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook will get a chance to rediscover his trademark sinker in the Rockies' rotation, not in the bullpen. Manager Jim Tracy has reshuffled the deck in the rotation, but Cook will remain. Ubaldo Jimenez will get the first start after the all-star break vs. Milwaukee, followed by Juan Nicasio, Jhoulys Chacin, Cook and Jason Hammel. Cook had preceded Nicasio in the rotation since returning from a broken finger suffered in spring training. But Tracy decided he needed to separate the two, given the strain their short starts had put on the bullpen. "With where Aaron has been of late, splitting those guys up a little bit so that we're not involved with taxing our bullpen . . . you have to be"
Third start for Cook includes "some mistakes"
June 20
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook had that sinking feeling in the first inning Sunday against the Tigers. That was a good thing, and it produced three groundball outs. It's when he started elevating the ball that the Rockies pitcher found trouble. "After that first inning I started throwing my sinker flat and leaving it up a little bit," said Cook, who allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings in his third start of the season since coming off the disabled list. Cook began using his off- speed pitches after the first inning, with mixed results. "I started to use my slider and curve a little bit," he said. "My secondary pitches have been working really good for me, and I've worked really hard on them." But"
Rockies' Cook ready to make his case for rotation
June 4
Denver Post
 
"What pitcher Aaron Cook wants to do when he returns from the disabled list suits the Rockies just fine - namely, pitch like the veteran that manager Jim Tracy and pitching coach Bob Apodaca thought they'd have to start the season. Now they need Cook to help offset the loss of left-hander Jorge De La Rosa to a season- ending elbow injury. Cook is ready to do that, though he's tempering expectations. "I'm not going to be a savior, I'm just going to be Aaron Cook," he said after a rehabilitation start with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. "When I get back, I want to have a low pitch count and be able to give the team a chance to win.""
Cook ready to return to Rockies' rotation
May 29
Denver Post
 
"The rehearsals are over, and Aaron Cook believes he's ready to go back to center stage. After pitching 7 2/3 innings Saturday night for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the right-hander said he was making his pitches and doing what he wanted to do with the ball. It was a final rehabilitation start for Cook, with the forecast calling for him to rejoin the Rockies' rotation this week. The winningest pitcher in Rockies history (69 victories) has been idle while recovering from a broken right ring finger. "I made two bad pitches, and he crushed them," Cook said, referring to two solo home runs by Fresno second baseman Brett Pill. "If I'm getting groundball outs, I'm doing my thing." Cook threw 99"
No need for Rockies to rush Cook
March 8
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"As the noted baseball analysts Mick Jagger and Keith Richards pointed out, time waits for no one, including the winningest pitcher in Rockies history. Nearly halfway through spring training, Aaron Cook is in a race against time to make the club's opening-day roster, and time is winning. The Rockies should let it. For a team that hopes to contend for a division title over a six-month season, it makes zero sense to rush Cook through a truncated spring training and risk a recurrence of arm trouble when the Rocks have viable alternatives to be their fifth starter in April. Cook bristles at the suggestion he won't be ready, so for the moment the Rocks seem content to let it play out. But if"
Cook has no pain in shoulder
March 7
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook is confident he has enough time to win a rotation spot. The clock offers a compelling argument against him. Cook's inflamed right shoulder has responded to medical treatment, leaving him ready to play catch today and throw a bullpen session this week. "Once I get off a mound, my arm strength usually comes back just like that," Cook said, snapping his fingers. "I couldn't even reach my arm to my belt strap a few days ago. I have no pain now." The problem is the calendar. It will be almost impossible for him to reach 100 pitches — where starters need to be entering the season — without appearing in a game this week. Before Cook does that, he must throw two side sessions and face"
Cook, Stewart to see doctor; Tracy will miss Saturday's game
March 4
Denver Post
 
"At this point last spring, the Rockies had more MRIs than RBIs. It's not as bad this year, but health remains a concern with Rockies' pitcher Aaron Cook (shoulder) and third baseman Ian Stewart (knee) still sidelined. Both will be examined by Dr. Thomas Noonan today. According to general manager Dan O'Dowd, Cook underwent an MRI earlier that showed inflammation, but no structural damage in his shoulder. Cook's situation is worrisome for the team because the clock is starting to work against him if he hopes to be ready to start the season. It's not enough for him to get healthy. The winningest pitcher in Rockies' history needs to pitch effectively to make the team. As it stands, there's no"
Shoulder soreness sidelines Rockies' Cook at least a week
March 2
Denver Post
 
"This much is known: Rockies right-hander Aaron Cook will not start Saturday as previously scheduled. This much is certain: Cook no longer has a lock on a rotation spot. Inflammation in his right shoulder has left Cook performing strengthening exercises and playing light catch. Manager Jim Tracy said he would like Cook to throw two side sessions and live batting practice before making his Cactus League debut. That means it will be next week, at the earliest. "Of course it's frustrating. I want to be out there, but I am not a doctor," Cook said. "I have to listen to the advice of the training staff." Cook began experiencing shoulder stiffness after his first side session in camp. The"
Francis, Cook might not return in 2011
September 30
Denver Post
 
"They've spent more than 13 seasons with the Rockies, winning 124 games, between them. But as the Rockies finished their home schedule Wednesday, there was a lingering possibility that Jeff Francis and Aaron Cook may not start for the team again. Francis is done for this season, scratched Sunday in favor of Esmil Rogers. Since returning from the disabled list, Francis has not pitched well, allowing four home runs in 10 2/3 innings spanning three starts. Manager Jim Tracy said he would "absolutely" like Francis to return as a free agent after the club declines his $7.5 million option. But Francis is a tough read because of his shoulder surgery. His velocity dipped after he was shelved in"
Cook believes he's done for rest of season
September 11
Denver Post
 
"Publicly, the Rockies are holding out hope Aaron Cook could return this season, but Cook believes he has thrown his last pitch of 2010. "I'll do everything I can and hope for the best, but I guess, being realistic, get ready for spring training," Cook said Friday. "That's baseball. It's disappointing, but I'm a baseball player." Cook sustained a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula Wednesday night when he was struck by a one-hopper off the bat of Joey Votto. Cook got the win, having worked into the sixth inning, marking the first time all season he won back-to-back starts. He had just returned from a rehab assignment where he worked through issues with his mechanics. Rockies catcher"
Francis replacing injured Cook in Rockies' rotation
September 9
Denver Post
 
"Veteran left-hander Jeff Francis will replace the injured Aaron Cook in the Rockies' starting rotation as the club heads down the homestretch toward a possible playoff berth. Francis will start Monday in a critical game against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Francis said this morning he could throw 75-to-80 pitches in a start. He has been out for a month with a biceps tendon injury. "This is not how I wanted to get the opportunity," Francis said. "I just hope I can do right by 'Cookie.' He was pitching great for us." The Rockies are optimistic Francis can help down the stretch. "I saw Jeff pitch last weekend at (Triple A) Colorado Spring and he was very efficient," general manager"
Rockies' Cook a longshot to return during regular season
September 9
Denver Post
 
"Pitcher Aaron Cook will likely need the Rockies to reach the playoffs and possibly advance to the second round to have a chance of returning this season. He suffered a non-displaced fracture in his right leg Wednesday night when he has hit by a wicked one-hopper off the bat of the Reds' Joey Votto in the sixth inning. Even if Cook heals quickly in three weeks, he won't be able to throw much during this time because he can't push off. Clearly, the calendar is working against him. "I would consider it a longshot that he's back in the regular season. I don't know any other way to see it," agent Joe Bick told The Denver Post this morning. "He's in reasonably good spirits. It's just obviously"
Cook suffers non-displaced fracture of right fibula
September 9
Denver Post
 
"Well, of course. What, you expected the Rockies to get through the final month of the sesaon without another major injury? It didn't happen. Aaron Cook, in cruise control tonight for the second straight start, sustained a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula after being struck by Joey Votto's wicked one-hopper in the sixth inning. The injury isn't necessarily season ending, but it's yet another blow to a team that has lost four-fifths of its rotation and its closer to the disabled list at one time or another in 2010."
Cook wins final rehab start
August 30
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Aaron Cook threw 92 pitches Saturday in his second rehab start for Double-A Tulsa, giving up two runs in 5 2/3 innings in his final outing before rejoining the Colorado Rockies. Recovering from a sprained right big toe that put him on the disabled list retroactive to Aug. 4, Cook gave up five hits and two walks and struck out six while throwing 59 strikes. Cook was the winning pitcher as the Drillers beat Northwest Arkansas 8-4."
Cook has successful rehab outing at Tulsa
August 24
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Aaron Cook, in his first rehab start for Double-A Tulsa, allowed three hits, one of them a homer, and one run in five innings against Frisco. He walked one, struck out four and took the loss as the Drillers fell 2-1. Cook, who has been on the 15-day disabled list for nearly three weeks with a sprained right big toe, threw 60 pitches, 41 for strikes. He got eight outs on ground balls and three on balls hit in the air. This was his first appearance in a game since his last start with the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 3."
Rockies' Cook goes to DL with sprained toe
August 6
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook lost his rotation spot, but because of injury more than ineffectiveness. Actually, to hear him talk Thursday, the ineffectiveness was related to his sprained right big toe. It had been quietly bothering him for three weeks, the right-hander keeping it under wraps because he didn't want to make any excuses for his poor outings. But after Tuesday's loss to the Giants, there was no denying the obvious. "I wasn't helping the team," Cook said. Promising rookie Jhoulys Chacin was expected to fill Cook's spot but started Thursday for the Sky Sox, throwing more than 60 pitches that could knock him out of consideration. That leaves Esmil Rogers as the likely starter Sunday. Cook will"
Cook's status in jeopardy after Rockies fall to Giants
August 4
Denver Post
 
"Even for Aaron Cook, patience has an expiration date. He is the franchise leader in wins. And no pitcher has spent more time in a Rockies uniform. But in a pennant race, the past and tenure don't necessarily matter. Challenged to give his team a chance to win Tuesday, Cook dissolved again before the Rockies' eyes in an ugly 10-0 loss to the Giants, their worst at home this season. The performance jeopardized his rotation spot after Colorado dropped 6 1/2 games behind San Francisco in the wild-card race. "Every team is giving me trouble this year," Cook conceded. "I have been pitching badly." Manager Jim Tracy elected not to discuss Cook's status afterward, saying there would be"
Tracy says key to untrack cook: keep throwing
April 24
Denver Post
 
"So, Aaron Cook was asked, is there an inevitable adjustment period on the mound for a pitcher who loses 20 pounds in the offseason? "Apparently there is," Cook said. "I used to be built like an SUV, now I'm a little bit smaller . . . a Rav4, maybe. So I've got to get my timing belt and everything going." There's a reason Cook is taking his early-season struggles in stride. He has been there, survived that. His career record in April is 8-10, with a 4.75 ERA. When the calendar flips to May, he's 13-8, 3.86. Rockies manager Jim Tracy has a master plan for getting Cook turned around. His advice: "Keep letting him go out there and pitch." Cook, who reported to spring training at 200 pounds, 20"
Cook-ing up a plan for 30 starts
February 21
Denver Post
 
"In an attempt to become more of a pitcher, Aaron Cook has become less of a man. Of all the sights and sounds at the Rockies' spring training camp, none is more startling than Cook's 18-pound weight loss. Add in his retro red hair, a dramatic departure from his shaved-head ways, and Cook is a candidate for one of those "Hi, my name is . . ." stickers that were all the rage at the Rockies' first-ever camp at Hi Corbett Field. Make no doubt, this isn't about aesthetics. It isn't about a new look so much as a new outlook. Given his injury and health history, there will always be a certain what-if aspect to Cook's career. But having turned 31 during the offseason, he wanted to get in better"
Postseason isn't life or death for Rockies' Aaron Cook
October 9
Denver Post
 
"It was the fourth inning Thursday afternoon, and the Rockies' Aaron Cook couldn't seem to get through a 1-2-3 frame. The Phillies had a man on in each of the first four innings, and while they hadn't scored, you figured the world champions were ready to break Cook - and the Rockies' season. Ryan Howard led off the fourth with a single. Up stood Jayson Werth, he of the 36 homers, 99 RBIs and Wednesday's triple that, if not for the wicked wind, might still be flying. A packed house of 46,528 at Citizens Bank Park screamed for purple blood while twirling white towels. Cook felt as if he were inside of a loud washing machine. What'd he do? When times got tough Thursday, he stepped off the"
Off the back burner, Rockies Cook sizzles
September 26
Denver Post
 
"While the Rockies took care of present business Friday night, right-hander Aaron Cook put a possible down payment on the future. After sitting idle since Aug. 21 with a shoulder injury, Cook stepped up with what manager Jim Tracy called a clutch performance just when his pitching staff needed a boost. With five scoreless innings, Cook may have taken a gigantic step toward a spot on the postseason roster if the Rockies make it there. "I'm not worried about the playoff roster," Cook said. "I'm worried about going out and keeping us in games. Tracy will decide when the playoff-roster time comes. We have to make the playoffs before we worry about any other decisions." Tracy was impressed with"
Cook gets start in bid to make playoff rotation
September 25
Denver Post
 
"Forget about his shoulder, Aaron Cook's stomach will be twisting and turning tonight. He returns from a five-week absence, making a bid to stick in the potential four-man playoff rotation. "I am excited," Cook said. "But it's all about going out there and performing." There are no courtesy appearances at this point in the season. Cook is out there because the Rockies believe he can help. He lost that ability before he landed on the disabled list. In his last three starts, bothered by a sore foot and achy shoulder, he was tagged for 14 runs in 10 1/3 innings. "This is an opportunity to get a real good look at Cook against a real good opponent and see how good his stuff is," manager Jim"
Rockies Cook excited to make return to the mound
September 23
Denver Post
 
"How eager is Aaron Cook to get back in the pennant race? "I told (manager) Jim Tracy the other day to just give me 20 minutes notice and I'll be ready," Cook said. Tuesday afternoon, Tracy informed the right-hander he would start Friday night's game against the Cardinals. Cook will be limited to about 70 pitches, but at least he's in the mix to pitch in the postseason, if the Rockies get there. "I don't care how many pitches I get Friday," Cook said. "I just want to go out there and do what I can." Tracy chose Cook over veteran righthander Jose Contreras. Contreras' strained right quadriceps appears to be healed, but Tracy isn't ready to chance Contreras having to make a quick play in the"
Rockies' Cook to start Friday vs. Cardinals
September 23
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook will be rewarded for a month of tireless rehab, starting Friday at Coors Field against the St. Louis Cardinals. Cook has been out with a strained right shoulder, but has been making steady progress. With his mechanics improving and arm strength building, the right-hander will be back on the mound in what could be an audition to make the playoff roster. "We are looking to get 70 pitches from him," said manager Jim Tracy, who will now have Jason Hammel pitch Thursday in the series finale against the Padres. For Cook to have a chance to be on the postseason roster, it's important that he get into a game. Those who have faced him in simulated game said his ball is sinking well."
Cook works out, holds out hope for 2009 return
September 14
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook knows the plan. He also knows it's not written in ink. The Rockies right-hander threw a 25-pitch side session Sunday at Petco Park and still believes he will pitch again in a major-league game this season, though it's not currently mapped out that way. "That's my goal," said Cook, out since Aug. 22 with a strained right shoulder. "I understand they are trying to be cautious, but I believe I will be in a big-league game based on how I feel right now." Manager Jim Tracy explained Saturday that Cook would go to the instructional league, with no plan to have him return during the regular season. That would make it highly unlikely that Cook would be in the Rockies' playoff rotation."
Rotation plans don't include sidelined Cook
September 13
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies have never had a better rotation. But Aaron Cook, a key member, will not have a chance to contribute anymore during the regular season, according to the plan mapped out Saturday by manager Jim Tracy. Cook, who has been sidelined since Aug. 22 with a strained right shoulder, is making steady progress. But after throwing a bullpen session and facing hitters, Cook is scheduled to throw in the Arizona instructional league rather than the big leagues. That conservative route makes it highly unlikely Cook would rejoin the rotation for the first round of the playoffs. "We don't want to push Cook too quickly. We will set up one to two simulated games," Tracy said. "And we can turn up"
Off day a good day for injured cook, Fowler
September 2
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook played catch. And Dexter Fowler didn't limp. As such, Monday represented a day of progress for injured Rockies. Cook threw from 60 feet, testing his strained right shoulder. He believes he will pitch again this season, though it likely won't happen for another two to three weeks. Newly acquired Jose Contreras will replace him in the rotation for the time being, making his Rockies debut Saturday against the Diamondbacks. Fowler is inching his way back to the active roster. He had his right knee drained of fluid. It eased the pain, allowing him to ride a stationary bike Monday. "It's feeling better," said Fowler, who is eligible to come off the disabled list next Tuesday. The"
Cook gets 'glowing report' on shoulder
August 25
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies might be breathing a sigh of relief Monday.Manager Jim Tracy announced that the MRI result on Aaron Cook's sore right shoulder was completely clean."We got just a very, very glowing report that there's absolutely nothing structurally wrong with the shoulder," Tracy said.Cook, the ace of the staff, hurt his shoulder in the fourth inning Friday against the Giants. He walked Nate Schierholtz on four pitches and motioned to the dugout with his glove that there was something wrong with him."
Cook on DL, could miss September
August 23
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' opening-day starter might be robbed of another closing kick. Aaron Cook was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday and will undergo an MRI on his strained right shoulder Monday. Manager Jim Tracy anticipates Cook will miss three-plus weeks at the minimum. That means with any setback, Cook will run out of time in the regular season. "I will have more information for you on Monday, but he's going to be out for a while," said Tracy, comparing Cook's injury to that suffered by Franklin Morales, who missed a month earlier this season. This marks the third consecutive season Cook has been hit by late-season injuries. He lost time in 2007 with a strained oblique and last season"
Cook sidelined for weeks with sore shoulder
August 23
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' opening-day starter might be robbed of another closing kick. Aaron Cook will undergo an MRI on his strained right shoulder Monday, but manager Jim Tracy anticipates Cook will miss three-plus weeks at the minimum. That means with any setback, Cook will run out of time in the regular season. "I will have more information for you on Monday, but he's going to be out for a while," said Tracy, comparing Cook's injury to that suffered by the Rockies' Franklin Morales, who missed a month this season. This marks the third consecutive season Cook has been struck by a late-season injury. He lost time in 2007 with a strained oblique and last season with a back problem. Cook has not been"
Cook cleared to make Saturday start
August 13
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook grimaced a few times during his side session today, but it was because of tight tape, not his sore big right toe. The Rockies' ace was able to throw all his pitches, clearing the way for him to make his scheduled start Saturday against the Florida Marlins. "I feel fine. I am ready to go," Cook said. Cook was pushed back from Tuesday to Saturday after developing inflammation in his toe. Basically, it's a turf toe. As protection, Cook will wear a cleat with a metal shank and his toe will have a rubber donut around it. "And he won't be taped as tight," said trainer Keith Dugger with a smile. "It was a really good bullpen.""
Cook pushed back to rest big toe
August 9
MLB.com
 
"Rockies manager Jim Tracy announced before Sunday's game against the Cubs that staff ace Aaron Cook's next start will be pushed back. Cook was slated to start Tuesday against the Pirates but will now pitch on Saturday against the Marlins. The right-hander suffered a hyperextension of the right big toe in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Phillies when he was backing up third base on a Jimmy Rollins triple in the fifth inning. Cook said the toe began to irritate him in New York, which was the first stop during the Rockies' recent 10-game road trip. Cook said he feels discomfort when his right foot is pushing off the pitching rubber. He will see a foot specialist Monday. "As you're pushing off,"
Cook's Start Pushed Back
August 9
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Aaron Cook, who had been scheduled to start Tuesday against the Pirates, instead will start Saturday at Florida, manager Jim Tracy announced. Josh Fogg and Jhoulys Chacin would be candidates to replace Cook, who has a sprained right big toe, in the opener of the series against Pittsburgh. Cook had been dealing with toe soreness and aggravated the injury in his last start Wednesday at Philadelphia when he went to back up third base and had to reach for an errant throw. "We're making very, very good strides with it," manager Jim Tracy said. "But we really feel, similar to the Marquis blister that if we push this and run him right back out there on Tuesday, we're running the risk of having"
Cook will miss start with toe injury
August 9
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook's jammed right big toe has put the Rockies in a bind. The injury will force the ace right-hander to miss Tuesday's start against the Pirates. He's penciled in to start Saturday in Florida against the Marlins. Manager Jim Tracy said this morning that either veteran Josh Fogg or rookie Jhoulys Chacin will replace Cook for Tuesday's game. Tracy's preference is to go with Fogg, but that plan would be scrapped if the Rockies need Fogg for long relief today or Monday vs. the Cubs. "We are making very good strides with Aaron," Tracy said. "But we feel like if we push it and start him on Tuesday, we running the risk of having this be a toothache that won't go away for a while." Tracy"
Cook reinjures toe, vows to make next start
August 7
Denver Post
 
"During the fifth inning Thursday, Aaron Cook gave up a triple to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins. When Cook sprinted from the mound to back up third base, he felt searing pain in his right big toe. "I had it taped up, and it was feeling good until today," Cook said after his seven- game winning streak came to an end with a 3-1 loss. "When I was covering third today and got up on my toe, it felt like somebody had jammed something up through the bottom of my foot." Cook has been dealing with what he called "a jammed toe" for a few games now. He said it won't keep him out of his next start, scheduled for Tuesday night against the Pirates. In five innings, Cook allowed three runs and seven"
Cook one step closer to being Rockies' winningest pitcher
May 11
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook gained his 54th victory in a Rockies uniform, leaving him alone in second place for most wins among pitchers in franchise history. He entered Sunday tied with Pedro Astacio. Cook now trails only Jason Jennings, who had 58 career wins with the Rockies. Cook improved to 2-1 this year, whittling his ERA to 5.03. He pitched six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) and four hits. His effective sinker yielded 10 groundball outs. Calling on "Q." Omar Quintanilla made his first start of the season, getting the call at second base. He was the last player on the Rockies' opening-day roster to make a start. Quintanilla went 0-for-3 and had a walk. Still struggling. Garrett Atkins, who"
Cook of old returns
April 30
InsideTheRockies.com
 columnist Jack Etkin
"It's impossible to minimize the importance of Aaron Cook to the Rockies. He won 16 games last year, pitched in the All-Star Game and was the Opening Day starter. If the Rockies are going to contend, if they are going to make some noise in the National League West, Cook, plain and simple, is going to have to do well. "I can't overstate it," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's our guy. He's our ace. You want your No. 1 out there. You want him pitching big games. He knows that. He takes accountability and responsibility every time he takes the mound." Lately, he had left the mound with more than his share of frustration _ no wins in his first four starts, all games the Rockies lost. What the"
Cook Looks for Positive
April 25
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Aaron Cook was the stopper for the Rockies a year ago. This year, he's been stumped. A year ago, it was Cook who provided the bright moments, particularly during the early weeks when the Rockies dug themselves a hole from which they never climbed out. From a franchise record eight consecutive winning starts - beginning with his third start of the season - to nine times stepping up to stop losing streaks, Cook was a legitimate All-Star. The shine has been dulled so far this year. With the Rockies failing to take advantage of an early schedule heavy on games against the rest of the NL West, Cook has seen them lose all four games he has started. He has failed to get past the sixth inning yet,"
Cook Sinker Missing
April 19
InsideTheRockies.com
 columnist Tracy Ringolsby
"Shrug off Aaron Cook's Opening Day struggle in Arizona. It was, after all, Opening Day, and the ball was carrying at Chase Field, as even the Diamondbacks could attest. Last Sunday against Philadelphia, Cook may not have been Cook at his best, but on a frigid afternoon at Coors Field he was good enough to get a victory if the Rockies late-inning relievers hadn't been so bad. Saturday, against the Dodgers? There's no way to rationalize the mess. The only thing keeping it from being a perfect afternoon was Cook, himself. "Los Angeles in the day time?'' said Cook. "It's warm, You get a good sweat. You get good movement. It was as normal as it can get.'' That is, it was as normal as it can"
Ramirez rough on still-winless Cook
April 19
Denver Post
 
"With homers and dreadlocks flying, plus miscues in the outfield, it was definitely a very Manny day at Dodger Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The end result was a 9-5 Los Angeles laugher over the Rockies and their struggling ace, Aaron Cook. It was the Dodgers' seventh consecutive win. Manny Ramirez hit his first two homers of the season in his first two at-bats, both off Cook. "I just didn't have it," said Cook, a 16-game winner and all-star last season who's winless this season after three starts with a 10.22 ERA. "I had a good game plan, but I didn't execute any of my pitches." Cook's ragged outing was reminiscent of opening day against Arizona, when he left the ball up and paid a heavy"
Cook's sinker aids his rise to respectability
April 13
Denver Post
 
"Aaron Cook is back. That 2 1/3-inning meltdown on opening day last week in Arizona? Just a temporary leave of absence. And although the Rockies lost 7-5 to the Phillies on Sunday, Cook looked much like the pitcher who made the All-Star Game last summer. "He seemed to be more aggressive," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He made pitches; he battled on a cold and challenging day to be out there. He had nine groundballs that he rolled for 11 outs." Cook's pitching line - three runs and seven hits over six innings - wasn't great, but it should have been enough for a victory. Cook's best friend, as always, was his double-play sinker. He escaped jams in the fourth and sixth with inning-ending"
Cook vs. Webb Monday in Arizona
April 6
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Rockies (Aaron Cook, 16-9, 3.96 in 2008) vs. Diamondbacks (Brandon Webb, 22-7, 3.30 in 2008). Cook is 5-4 with a 5.14 ERA in 18 career appearances against Arizona, 14 starts. He was 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in three starts against Arizona last year, including 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two games at Arizona. Cook's headaches: Chris Snyder (.571) and Chad Tracy (.515). Cook's relief: Connor Jackson (0-for-12) and Justin Upon (.111). Webb is 11-7 with a 3.54 ERA in 25 career starts against the Rockies, 3-0 with a 1.84 ERA in four starts last year after going 2-4 in 10 starts two previous season. Eleven wins are second most for him against a team, two fewer than San Francisco. Webb's headaches: Brad"
Opening Day Starter Aaron Cook
April 1
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Tracy Ringolsby of insidetherockies.com caught up with right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook in the final days of spring training to discuss his assignment on Opening Day at Arizona on Monday. Tracy: Any difference starting on Opening Day for a second time? Aaron: It's a good feeling. I've been there before, so I know what to expect. I am able to approach it a little more relaxed. Tracy: Does facing a team like Arizona so many times each year become a problem? Aaron: You face your high school rival all the time, too. It means you know each other. Whoever executes wins. Everybody knows what each other is capable of and what their strengths and weaknesses are. It is a matter of knowing what to do"
Cook pitches five strong innings for "W"
March 23
Denver Post
 
"Crank up the pitch count and Aaron Cook looks regular-season ready. "I feel like I'm in a great place," the Rockies' ace said Sunday after holding the Indians to one run on five hits in five innings. "I feel like I'm able to use all of my pitches. I've been pitching in the strike zone effectively. I definitely feel like I'm pitching well." Two weeks from today, Cook is scheduled to step on the mound at Chase Field in Phoenix for the Rockies' regular-season opener vs. the Diamondbacks. He threw just 59 pitches Sunday, but between now and the April 6 opener he'll start adding volume, beginning with a seven-inning outing Friday against Seattle. Cook's 1.89 ERA is second- best in the Cactus"