Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees ace pitcher, turned up to the mound in Seattle as American League All-Star team’s starting pitcher. After one shutout inning, Cole was pulled away. Nevertheless, the pitcher lived his lifelong dream and proudly represented the Yanks at the center stage. Prior to the game, the ace was interviewed in the clubhouse, wherein he spoke in length about the Yankee’s current situation.
Cole assessed the Yankees’ first half of the season and agreed that they have not been at their absolute best. However, despite being out of playoff contention, the pitcher is not ready to give up just yet. Cole listed out the positives that the team can take from the season and come back stronger in the second half. Is Cole optimistic or highly delusional remains the burning question.
Gerrit Cole Backs Yankees To Reach Postseason This Year Despite Terrible First Half
Ace pitcher Gerrit Cole has been one of the few Yankee players who have actually made a difference this year. However, his salient efforts were washed down the drain by his underperforming teammates. Despite everything, Cole remains confident of making it to the postseason this year. In an interview ahead of the All-Star game, the pitcher said that the Yankees are six odd games over .500 in the East division. They remain in a position to strike and lay a good foundation for October. Having said that, Cole did admit that the team has not played up to expectations. The first half was a mixed bag, and going ahead, they need to play better baseball to stay alive in the race.
Gerrit Cole is someone who believes in looking at the positives. He added the Yankees should treat the setbacks as a learning experience. Take out the positives and use them to your advantage. Further, the pitcher backed the struggling veterans without taking any names. He believes that these struggles will not last till the end of the season. He has faith in the offense and feels improvement will come sooner or later. Lastly, Cole said that after making it to the All-Star as starting pitcher, his next goal is to win a championship. Moreover, he believes that that goal will come true with the Yankees itself.
Cole Reacts To Hitting Coach Dillon Lawson’s Sacking!
New York Yankees fired hitting coach Dillon Lawson in the aftermath of the offensive collapse. Sean Casey, ex-Reds baseman and MLB broadcaster with no coaching experience, came in as a temporary replacement. Lawson’s axing received mixed reactions from the fans. While some believed that it was a show of accountability, others suggested that he was made a scapegoat. Meanwhile, Yankee pitcher Gerrit Cole also reacted to the move and lent his support to the front office.
Cole said Brian Cashman has never fired a coach mid-season during his tenure. Hence, he must have given it a lot of thought before coming to a conclusion. Further, he went on to praise ousted Dillon Lawson by calling him a good team guy. The pitcher believes that Lawson had put a lot of time and effort into the team. He always was a great advocate for his player, be it hitters or pitchers. Overall, Cole shied away from publicly terming the move, good or bad.