Red Sox Cook Up Another Potential Starter

Last night, the Red Sox agreed to a contract with free agent starting pitcher Aaron Cook. This is likely just a depth move, but Cook could potentially compete with Carlos Silva and Andrew Miller for one of the remaining spots in the rotation in spring training. Cook was not healthy in 2011, which is becoming a trend-- the last time he played a full season was 2008. This past year, he had a tough season, going 3-10/6.03/48. But remember, his home park for his entire career is Coors Field-- where the thin air lets the ball fly for home runs more frequently than any other park in the majors. His peripherals show a different tale as his FIP was 4.54 and his xFIP was 4.37. His K/9 of 4.45 is ironically higher than his career average of 3.83 while his BB/9 was also higher than his career average at 3.43 to 2.80. However, the biggest reason the Sox signed Cook is that he is an epic ground-baller. In 2011, 55.1% of at bats ended in a groundout, just lower than his career average of 57.4%. The deal is a minor league contract, but if he gets called up to majors it is worth $1.5 million. The deal is very similar to Carlos Silva, and I like how they are taken proven major league pitchers and putting them as depth.