New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole tosses first bullpen session (WATCH)

New York Yankees, Gerrit Cole
Dec 18, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole speaks during a press conference at Legends Club at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees‘ $324 million dollar man has thrown his first pitching Pinstripes as catchers and pitchers reported to spring training on Wednesday.

In what seems to be an extremely optimistic season for the Bombers, Cole brings a bevy of skills and talents to New York, his childhood club.

Cole had a stellar 2019 season with the Houston Astros, racking up 326 strikeouts and a 2.50 ERA, both career-highs in a season that brought him to the World Series. Having pitched in two consecutive WS, Cole could reach a third in 2020, especially with a starting pitching rotation that includes Luis Severino, James Paxton, and Masahiro Tanaka.

One of the big reasons Gerrit accepted the Yankees’ bid was due to their advancements in technology. Cole is an intelligent person, looking to improve his game with slight tweaks and twists. The computers and cameras set up behind Cole will give the Yankees plenty of knowledge into how they can help him improve and make the most of the $35 million per season he is earning.

Moving forward, I anticipate new pitching coach, Matt Blake, to have a significant impression on one of the game’s best pitchers. His ability to develop star pitchers is another reason Cole is wearing Pinstripes.

Nonetheless, let’s enjoy watching Cole sling the ball with a big Yankees logo on his chest for a little while.