Pittsburgh Pirates not inclined to play Gerrit Cole in Spring Training – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates' general manager Neal Huntington believes in meticulous administration and handling of things. This is the reason why he is not willing to go for an undertaking which may be beneficial in short-term but prove costly in the long run.
On Monday, December 3, Huntington almost ruled out landing a spot to Gerrit Cole - the 2011 overall Number one pick in the First-Year Draft, in Spring Training. Having had his sting at Double-A Altoona, Cole was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis for his final start.
Pittsburgh Pirates' general manager talked about the rotation as well as he said, "In a perfect world, you would like some balance [in the rotation]. But it's all about getting five guys you feel best about."
There has been a considerable buzz over the Pirates’ next move when it comes to Cole. But with his take on Monday, Huntington seems to have put to rest any possibility of bringing him in this year’s Spring Training.
He added, "We could not be more pleased with his growth and development. There are guys who fly through systems, but there are a lot of guys who fly through and you end up wondering whatever happened to them. Gerrit's an important piece, and we want to make sure we put him in the best situation to succeed -- not look to him because of a need in the rotation."
Pirates ended up fourth in the National League Central this past season. The pitching, among other things, might not have performed the way the team anticipated. That is where the need of another pitcher arises.
However, what the Pirates are looking for is consistency. Add to it the fact that they do not seem inclined to experiment anything at this point in time. Such considerations, then, hold the Pirates back from coming up with a venture of playing Cole.
His overall performance is for all there to judge with a fairly good 2.80 ERA and in 132 innings, having had 136 strike-outs and 9-7 record.
Another pitcher that the Pirates are looking forward to adding to rotation this Spring Training is Kyle McPherson. To be seen from here onward is what the Pirates next move will be.
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