The New York Yankees, at the moment of committing $324 million to Gerrit Cole last offseason, did every background check, on and off the field. They knew they were getting an ace, an absolute stud on the mound. But they also probably knew that they would be signing a great clubhouse guy.
In the last few days, that facet has been on display, as the New York Yankees’ star pitcher has bonded with several of his teammates, such as Gary Sanchez and most notably, Masahiro Tanaka. There is a mutual feeling of admiration between the two hurlers.
Last weekend, Cole said he talked to Tanaka a lot, not just about baseball.
“We didn’t just talk pitching,†Cole said Tuesday to NJ.com before the Yankees’ 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. “He’s such a cool dude, so we were just hanging out. But by and large, I just wanted to get to know how he became who he’s become and how he’s been so successful. I think I asked questions like, ‘What’s your favorite sequence? What’s your favorite pitch?’ Things like that to get to know the person.
“His English is getting so much better and he’s a really funny guy, so by and large I’m just trying to enjoy the conversation and take anything I can because he’s a consummate professional.â€
Avenging his Yankees’ teammate
Cole will take the ball today, one day after Tanaka couldn’t limit the Rays’ offense at Yankee Stadium.
Even Yankees manager Aaron Boone has noticed Cole’s willingness to chat and to learn.
“He’s been just a really good teammate on top of being this dominate pitcher,†Boone said.
Cole has had a great season, with a 4-0 record and a 2.76 ERA. But he wants to be even better.
“I think there’s room for improvement still,†Cole said. “You know, fine-tuning. I think at this point we’re always trying to get better.â€
He feels his command could improve. “I can be a little bit better inside and outside of the zone when I want to,†Cole said. “I just feel like eliminating some of the pitches I wasn’t quite happy with. There weren’t a whole lot, but there’s a little bit of room there.â€