RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target as SP3
ANALYSIS: After being called up to the big leagues in 2013, Gerrit Cole displayed his worth by posting a 10-7 record with a 3.22 ERA. As a sophomore, his record was 11-5, but he carried an inflated 3.65 ERA, partly because of a .311 BABIP, but hitters can’t get lucky forever. A pair of DL stints kept him in MiLB for a few months, but he finished the year 4-1 in eight games with 10.32 K/9 IP.
Cole has filthy stuff. His fastball sits at 95 mph and can top out around 98. Then, he plays with hitters by throwing his slider, curve or changeup, all above-average pitches. If Cole can stay healthy this year, he can reach 200 IP. The BABIP is likely to fall, and the Pirates' lineup should give him plenty of run support. With the stuff he has and the stats to back it up, Cole can be your third pitcher turned ace who carries you to a championship.
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