RailCats Reliever Aaron Cook to Return; Anthonsen Traded
March 18, 2009 - Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
The Gary SouthShore RailCats today announced right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook, one of the top arms out of the bullpen late last season, will play out his contract option in 2009. The RailCats also today traded infielder Joe Anthonsen to the American Association's Sioux Falls Canaries for cash considerations.
Cook, 25, was signed by the RailCats on July 30 last season and helped turn the bullpen into one of the stingiest in the league. The side-arming Cook made life miserable on opposing hitters in 13 outings for the âCats, allowing only 10 hits in 15.1 innings and recording 13 strikeouts. Cook allowed runs in only three of his 13 appearances and earned three saves to go along with a 3.52 ERA. In the playoffs, Cook pitched in four of the RailCats eight games, going 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA.
Cook spent three years in the Los Angeles Angels farm system before being released out of Double-A Arkansas midway through 2008. Selected by the Angels in the 35th round of the 2006 Player Entry Draft, Cook dominated the Midwest League in 2007, posting a 0.80 ERA for Cedar Rapids (A) in 25 games. Cook has appeared in 101 games as a professional and has been solid at every stop in his career, boasting a 3.32 lifetime ERA and 95 strikeouts in 133.0 innings.
As a collegian, Cook won a Division II National Championship as the closer at the University of Tampa in 2006. Cook was a two-time All-Sunshine State Conference honoree for the Spartans, helping the program to 94 wins in only two seasons. A native of Rockledge, Fla., Cook made 60 appearances for Tampa, going 17-2 with a 1.87 ERA and 22 saves.
By playing out his option, Cook will become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2009 season. His addition gives the RailCats 12 players under contract for this summer: pitchers Cook, Garret Holleran and Brian Halford; catchers Anthony Esquer and Brett Wallace; infielders Jay Pecci, Eric McNamee, Mike Rohde, Jeff Beachum, Paul Bartolucci and Isaac Omura; and outfielder Rob Marconi. The RailCats expect to have at least 28 players in camp when Spring Training begins May 1.
Anthonsen, 26, was acquired from the Frontier League's Rockford RiverHawks on November 14. Despite the RailCats twice holding his rights - he was in camp with the RailCats in 2006 - Anthonsen has never suited up for the RailCats in a regular season game, but was the Frontier League's leading hitter for Rockford last season.
Cook and the RailCats open the 2009 season at home Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. against the Joliet JackHammers. Season tickets, group outings, mini-plans and flex tickets are now on sale by calling the RailCats at 219.882.2255. Don't miss your chance to experience the RailCats Tradition of Excellence in 2009 at U. S. Steel Yard.
Northern League Stories from March 18, 2009
- RailCats Reliever Aaron Cook to Return; Anthonsen Traded - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Northern League Transactions - NL
- RedHawks Re-Sign Three - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Goldeyes Sign Crowell, Release Ehrnsberger - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
