Despite a decent spring, the Phillies have released pitcher Aaron Cook, who had been competing for a spot on the Phillies roster. In six games, Cook was 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA.
Today was an opt-out day in Aaron Cook's contract, but the Phillies feel they have better options internally at AAA or else they may have kept Cook. According to David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Phillies decided to let Cook go on their own instead of Cook opting out.
A few weeks ago, Cook was willing to accept a bullpen spot:
"I think I'm flexible," he said. "It's been a while since I pitched out of the bullpen, but I was able to do it when I was with the Rockies. I would love to be a starter. If the opportunity comes up to do something else, I'll take the ball anytime they give it to me."
However, the Phillies' bullpen appears to be set with Raul Valdes and Chad Durbin providing long relief options, making Cook expendable in the bullpen.
With an injury on their major league staff, the Phillies could turn to one of the following: Jonathan Pettibone, Tyler Cloyd, or Adam Morgan, who has impressed in recent days. It is not unreasonable to think that those players could put up the numbers Cook could in a spot start. Last year with the Red Sox
