Mariners News: M’s Sign Free Agent Reliever Ryan Cook

Sep 2, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Cook (46) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Cook (46) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners have signed free agent reliever Ryan Cook to a one year major league deal.

Ryan Cook has been a reliever for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Oakland Athletics, and the Boston Red Sox.  Cook was claimed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs on November 6th, but on December 2nd was not tendered a contract and became a free agent.  Today, the Seattle Mariners signed him to a one year deal.

The 6-foot-2 right hander was an All-Star in 2012 while with the Oakland Athletics.  That was his best season as he earned a 2.09 ERA, 0.941 WHIP with a 2.96 strikeout to walk ratio.  In his five year major league career, the Clovis, California native has pitched 207 innings in the majors.  He has earned a 3.43 ERA, a 3.31 FIP,  and a 1.237 WHIP with a 2.36 strikeout to walk ratio.  He’s had 17 saves and had 13 wins and 12 losses.

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The 28 year old spent most of last year in Triple-A as he kept getting hit hard in the Majors.  That made him a fairly cheap free agent to sign.  This is exactly Jerry Dipoto’s type of signing.  Cook’s career numbers show potential and Jerry has to be hoping that Cook will regress back to his career numbers.

The 215 pound hurler throws four pitches. His best pitch is a hard four-seam fastball at 94–97 mph. He also has a sweeping slider (84–86), hard splitter (88–91), and two-seam fastball (94–97).

Greg Johns reported Jerry Dipoto’s comments on the signing of Ryan Cook.

"“We’re looking forward to seeing Ryan in a Mariners uniform.  He remains just 28 years old and is just one season removed from being one of the more effective setup relievers in the American League. His presence enhances both our bullpen depth and overall upside.”"

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Ryan Cook fills a spot opened up on the 40-man roster vacated by Anthony Bass who the Mariners released so he could pursue an opportunity to pitch in Japan.  Anthony Bass came to the Mariners in the trade earlier this offseason for Leonys Martin.  

The Mariners continue to add players to compete for Major League spots in Spring Training.  It could be very rewarding to see some of these low cost signings succeed on the Major League level.

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