Cook's effort not pretty, but gets job done

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 3, 2003 | by DAN WOLKEN

HOUSTON - Colorado Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook is considered the top prospect in the organization.

And though he certainly looked like a rookie at times Wednesday, the 24-year-old showed why the Rockies will rely on him heavily this season.

On a night when Cook was far from on top of his game, he managed to get through four innings without self-destructing. When he left the mound after throwing 99 pitches, the Rockies had a 7-3 lead.

"He bent but he didn't break," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He didn't crumble."

For Cook, it was an uphill struggle all night.

"I had no control on my fastball," Cook said. "I fell behind hitters. I just didn't have anything working tonight. My fastball is my main pitch, and it makes for a long day (when it's not working)."

Super debut: Against the Rockies, Jeff Kent is Superman, no matter whether he's playing for the San Francisco Giants or Houston Astros.

Kent, who signed a free-agent deal with the Astros, has continued his mastery of Colorado pitching.

After going 3 for 5 in Tuesday's season opener (including a home run in his first at-bat as an Astro), Kent raised his batting average to .326 in 430 at-bats against Colorado with 26 home runs.

Kent went 2 for 4 on Wednesday.

The only good news for the Rockies is they'll only face Kent four more times this season as opposed to 19 if he were with the Giants.

"His damage per game might be the same, but the quantity will be less," Hurdle joked. "We've tried a number of different things (against Kent) and haven't had any success yet."

Roster moves: The Rockies traded Triple-A first baseman/ outfielder Ross Gload to the White Sox for left-handed pitcher Wade Parrish, who was with Chicago's Triple-A affiliate.

Also, right-handed pitcher Elio Serrano, who made seven spring appearances before being designated for assignment on March 30, was claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Angels.

Etc.: Right-handed pitcher Scott Elarton, in Colorado Springs on a 30-day rehab assignment to build strength in his shoulder, will start for the Sky Sox on Friday.