Sunday, October 20, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates' Renaissance ─ Gerrit Cole

Gerrit Cole, Pirates’ rookie sensation, has developed into their first legitimate top-of-the-rotation pitcher since Doug Drabek. He posted a 10-7 record in 117.1 innings with a 3.22 ERA of his 19 starts. The lack of strikeouts was certainly worrisome in seven first half starts; nevertheless, it did not take long for Gerrit Cole to figure out how to translate his electric stuff into missed bats. In 12 second half starts, Cole has managed to put up a 2.72 FIP, 2.80 xFIP, 8.92 k/9, 3.95 K/BB and 25.3 K%.