Odds and Ends: Cook, Benoit, Griffey, Riske

Some random tidbits that didn’t get their own posts today…

• The Rockies picked up Aaron Cook’s $4.5MM option as expected.  The bigger question is whether they can sign him long-term, maybe for three years.  They also passed on LaTroy Hawkins for $3.75MM but may still sign him.
• The Rangers agreed to a two-year contract with reliever Joaquin Benoit for two years and $6MM.  He would’ve hit free agency after 2008.  Smart move would be to let him rack up 10-15 saves next season and then trade him for something good. 
• The Braves aren’t expected to get their next center fielder through free agency, and Terence Moore suggests trading for Ken Griffey Jr. to fill the position.  More reasonable targets might be David DeJesus or Coco Crisp.
• The Royals may yet retain David Riske, who wants a multiyear deal and would like to stay.  They’ll definitely offer him arbitration, since he’s a Type B free agent.  Also, longtime Royal Mike Sweeney might finally play elsewhere.
• Free agent Shawn Chacon is looking to start in 2008, and he’ll make over $4MM.
• Charley Walters says the Twins won’t pursue Barry Bonds.  If Bonds is to land in the AL, the Orioles, Devil Rays, Royals, Angels, and A’s may be his only options.
• McCovey Chronicles suggests a Noah Lowry for Bill Hall swap.