Aaron Cook’s three-year, $34 million contract extension provides the Rockies’ pitcher not only with security but financial escalators to discourage trading him.
According to information obtained by The Denver Post, Cook’s base salary for 2008 through 2012 will increase by $1 million if he’s dealt during this time. Cook can also earn an additional $125,000 from 2008 through 2011 for each season he reaches 200 innings pitched. Cook, who went 8-7 last year and started on opening day, will make an annual donation of $50,000 to Rockies’ charities, a common practice for Colorado players given multiyear contracts.
As part of center fielder Cory Sullivan’s new one-year, $1 million contract, he can earn an additional $200,000 total for plate appearances, beginning at 250 and capping at 500.
Footnotes
Pitcher John Koronka’s minor-league deal with the Rockies is a low-risk investment as he competes for a spot in spring training. He will make $450,000 if on the big-league team, $12,000 a month in the minors. In his deal, $78,000 is guaranteed. … Edgardo Alfonso, a one-time star with the Mets, has signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers. He will make $650,000 if on the big-league roster. … The Dodgers’ contract with center fielder Andruw Jones is back-loaded. He will make $9 million this season, $15 million in 2009 and his signing bonus of $12.2 million is payable between February 2008 and January 2010. … The Dodgers have re-signed former pitcher Chan Ho Park to a minor-league deal. … One-time Rockies’ infielder Jason Smith has signed with the Kansas City Royals.
