Lefty Phil Coke has declined an optional assignment with the Blue Jays, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca tweets. As was his right given his 6+ years of service, Coke has elected free agency.
Coke, 32, had allowed just one earned run in 2 2/3 innings in Toronto, striking out three but walking two. Combined with his stint with the Cubs earlier in the year, he owns a 5.68 ERA with 8.5 K/9 against 3.6 BB/9 on the year.
Though he’s continued to bounce around, Coke figures to have another big league shot in relatively short order. His velocity is down a tick from last year, but he still brings 92 to 93 mph heat from the left side and has fairly promising peripherals. SIERA values his contributions this year at a 3.15 earned run equivalency, while FIP likewise shows him at a promising 3.39 mark.
It is amazing that they think Phil Coke will get another opportunity. Toronto gave up on him in less than 3 innings. I think if the Blue Jays gave any indication that the move was temporary, he would have accepted the assignment. They must not have. Todd Redmond has gotten another chance, so there is precedence. Some other team will be foolish enough to sign Coke, simply because he throws hard and is Lefty. At some point, you would think his inability to pitch would come into the conversation.
I see this as a ‘meh’ move. Coke is OK as your 7th/8th man in a pen. Jays have many of those and I don’t see Coke as a closer or starter and those are what the Jays need. Smart move on his part to walk as someone out there probably needs an inning eater at the back of their pen.
Don’t do it, Dombrowski. We’re not that desperate yet.