March 06--MESA, Ariz. -- Phil Coke hates being labeled a left-handed specialist.
So if Coke wants to shed that title with the Chicago Cubs, he'll have ample opportunities to show manager Joe Maddon he can retire right-handed hitters as well in spring training.
"I'm a baseball player, man," Coke said before undergoing an MRI that would make his signing official once he passes the examination. "That's part of my job. That's what I'm here to do. I'm not a guy that's every felt really good about the title of lefty specialist.
"I've always felt like I get my back up about that, just because it's too fine of a pigeon hole. It's very limiting. And I've grown up playing the game my whole life, and part of the game, it didn't matter what side of the plate he didn't' hit from. You try to get him out. And that's what I'm here to do, do the best job I can for the team and search for that post-season berth."
Left-handed batters are batting only .243 lifetime against Coke, who has pitched for playoff teams with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. But right-handed batters hit .333 against Coke last season and have a lifetime .303 mark.
Coke said he corrected some flaws with the help of a former major league pitcher whom he declined to disclose.
Coke confirmed he had a major league offer from another team but elected to sign with the Cubs because of their potential to go to the playoffs. He visited the Cubs' complex earlier this week.
