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Seattle Mariners: Ryan Cook Signing is Definitely Worth the Risk

By Paul Taylor

Jul 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Ryan Cook (48) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Ryan Cook (48) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The decision to pick up pitcher Ryan Cook makes good business sense for the Seattle Mariners, with the positives far outweighing any potential downside.

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The Seattle Mariners have made their first significant addition of 2016, in a move that has a lot of potential upside. As confirmed by Greg Johns of mlb.com, the team has signed pitcher Ryan Cook.

Terms of the contract have not been confirmed. However, Johns reported that it is apparently a one-year deal, worth $1.1 million.

The signing of Cook makes good business sense and represents a risk worth taking. If it pans out, he will help boost the strength in depth of the Mariners bullpen.

Certainly, general manager Jerry Dipoto is excited to have the 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks’ draft pick on board, as per his press release: “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.”

Seattle Mariners
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 /

Cook’s best season came in 2012, when he registered a career-low 2.09 ERA in 71 appearances for the Oakland Athletics. In April, he became the 61st player in MLB history to record four strikeouts in one inning, during a game against the Baltimore Orioles.

The Colvis, California native’s performances saw him named to the 2012 MLB All-Star Game. He rose to the occasion, by pitching a perfect seventh inning.

Cook has experience a frustrating time recently, dealing with a couple of injuries during 2014 and spending most of last year in the minors for the Athletics and Boston Red Sox respectively. However, there is no reason he can’t return to the form he enjoyed in 2012, and indeed 2013, with the Mariners hoping to be the beneficiaries.

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What are your thoughts about Ryan Cook? Let us know in the comments section below.

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