Aaron

Cook

Blood clots were found in both of Cook’s lungs in August, and he had surgery in September to remove a portion of a rib in order to improve his circulation. The Rockies hope he’ll be ready for spring training.

The surgery will involve the joining of an artery and a vein under the skin on his right hand. Cook, who is recovering from blood clots in both lungs, could join the Colorado rotation a month or two into the season.

The Rockies don’t know if Cook will be ready for Opening Day after he missed the final two months of last season with blood clots in both lungs. It’s possible that he’ll be a month behind, but he does expect to get bck to full strength eventually. “All the doctors, all the trainers seem to think I’ll be back to where I was or better,” Cook said.

The hope is that Cook will be ready to rejoin the Colorado rotation about two months into the year. He’d pitch in extended spring training in April and begin a rehab assignment in early May.

Cook, used in middle relief during the second half of last season, won’t be back in the bullpen in 2004. If he doesn’t win a spot in the Rockies rotation, he’ll return to Triple-A Colorado Springs. The Rockies are using the right tactic here. On any other team, Cook would be a fantasy sleeper in 2004.

With Chin-Hui Tsao’s injury, Cook is first in line when one of the current starters stinks it up.

Scott Elarton and whoever has pitched in the No. 5 spot have been awful, but Hurdle says, ''(Aaron) Cook needs to get people out consistently at Triple-A, but he is going to be an option. Brian Tollberg needs to build up his arm strength, but he could be an option,’' just ''not quite yet.’'

The Rockies apparently prefer Scott Elarton and Darren Oliver to Cook right now. From a fantasy perspective, it doesn’t really matter who they choose. However, Cook is the best bet for the rest of the season.

Cook has a 6.14 ERA in 88 innings with the Rockies. Bernero is more suited to pitch in middle relief while Cook can start in the minors.

Shawn Estes will start on four days’ rest Wednesday. Manager Clint Hurdle is just trying to break up the three lefties in his rotation.