Right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook experienced the most frightening moment of the Colorado Rockies' 2004 season on Aug. 7, although few knew just how scary at the time. Cook left a start against the Cincinnati Reds with serious breathing difficulty. What were originally thought to be flu-like symptoms actually were blood clots in both lungs. Leaving the game and being taken to a hospital by the Rockies' athletic training staff saved Cook's life. The hot streak Cook had been riding -- 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA over five starts and 4-2, 2.74 over eight starts -- was understandably pushed into the background. But with dreams of 2005 dancing in fans' heads, attention turns to Cook's recovery and whether he can regain the form he demonstrated before his frightening condition flared. How is Aaron Cook doing with his recovery from surgery? Will he still be a part of the starting rotation when he returns? -- Zack B., Wilmington, Del. Cook underwent surgery to remove the top rib on his right side, which should reduce the constriction that led to the clotting. The training staff has set a goal of mid-May for Cook's return, but would not be surprised if he returns to full form later than that. But the best way to get an update is to get it from Cook himself. Cook spoke from his Cincinnati area home on Monday, right after his first session of short-toss -- easy throws from 40-45 feet -- since the injury. "Right now, I'm going through the rehab process for the shoulder, trying to get it strong again," he said. "But there's no timetable right now for me to come back. We're playing it by ear and seeing what happens." After the holidays, Cook will be driving to visit Dr. Robert Thompson at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for a follow-up surgery. Cook explains: "In the wrist, they tied an artery to a vein. One reason was to keep the blood pumping back to the heart. That's supposed to help healing. With the surgery, they're going to undo it." Rockies head trainer Keith Dugger said the surgery will occur on Jan. 7, and Cook will rest for 10-14 days before re-starting his throwing program at 40-45 feet. He'll gradually work to 120-foot long-toss sessions before building up to pitching off a mound. Then a new program will be constructed to prepare him ready for game action. http://0rz.net/b406d -- 看來Cook在開幕rotation中的機會似乎不大 --

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