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Kathy Johnson

The presence shown by Aaron Cook is often mistaken for a veteran player of many more years. It's that 'major' attitude that earned him a walk from AA Carolina Mudcats to Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox in mid-season.

"Only 23, Aaron brings his stuff, incredible potential, and a very competitive spirit that gives the team a chance to win," said Colorado Springs Sky Sox Assistant GM Gabe Ross.

Playing the first half of the 2002 season with the Carolina Mudcats, he pitched 86 innings, had 6 wins, 2 losses, and with a stingy ERA of just 1.57. Numbers like that stand out in any farm system. They speak of a player coming of age for a player green in years.

"He has a maturity and arrogance on the mound that you don't see in someone his age," says Bryn Smith, the Pitching Coach for the Mudcats. "Aaron loves to compete, hates to lose, and is a team player."

Aaron's mechanics are solid. "He throws on-line and makes it look effortless," Smith notes. "He has great control and shows no emotion on the mound. And that's ultimately what you want from a pitcher. He is definitely major league material. You will see him there one day."

Aaron was called up to Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox the Friday before the Southern League All-stars game, where he had been elected to play for the Eastern Division All-star Team.  He missed the game, but has already appeared twice for the Sky Sox.

"Aaron has the perfect attitude. He goes after every hitter, every time. He throws his last pitch harder than the first," says Ross of the Skysox new phenom.

Hailing from Hamilton, Ohio, this righty has had a baseball in his hand since he was two. His father got him into the sport and coached him, having himself played ball for the Army team.

"I see myself as a starter, not a reliever," Cook says confidently. "I've always been a starter."

He made his professional debut in 1998 in Portland, OR, with the Short A Season Portland Rockies.

" I am competitive and I want to win every time," Aaron said with incredible seriousness. "I have a good fastball and slider. My only weakness would be my change-up, but I've been working on that and it has improved."

" About moving up, I am excited and I was ready to move up to triple-A's," Aaron said. "This is what your goal is, to move up and play in the majors."

In the off-season, Aaron hasn't played any winter ball. He goes home and makes up for lost time with family and friends. He sets up a routine and stays in shape. He loves to fish and play golf. He really couldn't imagine doing anything else right now other than playing ball. This off-season will be special for Aaron. He will be going home and getting married.

He has spent his first half of the season in AA and looks to be spending the second half in AAA.

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