Changing delivery helps former Tiger Coke make Cubs

Former Tiger Phil Coke signed a minor league contract with the Cubs but made the team after he didn't allow a run in nine spring training appearances.

Coke, 32, who guaranteed his $2.25 million salary by making the team, credited former minor league pitcher Dominick Johnson, who resides in a San Diego suburb, with helping him change his delivery.

Coke, who used to throw across his body, now finishes his delivery square to the plate. The change was necessary because right-handed hitters batted .333 last season against Coke, who limited left-handers to a .257 average.

"That right there is enough for me to keep on trucking with what we're doing," Coke told The Chicago Tribune about Johnson.

"It's been a phenomenal experience for me," Coke said of joining the Cubs.

Coke isn't the only former Tiger with good news. Don Kelly made the Marlins after signing as a minor-league free agent.