The Philadelphia Phillies signed veteran right-handers Aaron Cook and Juan Cruz to minor-league deals with invitations to spring training. Cook will compete for a spot in the back of the Phillies rotation, and Cruz will try to settle in with the Phillies bullpen. Cook will earn $1.625 million if he makes the 25 man roster.
Cook returns to the National League where he enjoyed a measure of success while pitching for the Colorado Rockies. Cook started 18 games for Boston in 2012 posting a 5.65 ERA. his deal with the Phillies includes opt out clause that allows him to become a free agent if he has not made the big league roster by a certain date. Cook is a sinkerball are an induced ground balls a rate of 58.6%.
The 34-year-old Cruz spent 2012 with the Pirates. Cruz pitched to a 2.7 ERA with a .3 strikeouts per nine innings in 43 games. he was released by the Pirates in August and refused assignment to the minors , leading to his release. Cruz has spent time in his career with the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Oakland A’s, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays and the Pirates. Earlier this month the team signed Rodrigo Lopez. Reportedly, the Phillies are still looking to add an veteran outfielder. Left-hander Antonio Bastardo, the Phillies only player eligible for salary arbitration this offseason, was one of 133 players to formally file on Tuesday.
