Third Time's the Charm

Gerrit Cole was the (Big) Apple of Brian Cashman's baseball eye for 11 years. First, while coming out of high school. But the young pitcher's heart was set on pitching for UCLA. Two years ago, when the Pirates thought he'd become too expensive or was better used to restock their organization with young talent, he went on the trade block. But the Astros outbit New York. Two years and one ALCS win over the Yankees, Cashman was not to be denied.

The news broke around midnight, that the most coveted free agent of the winter had agreed to a record-setting nine-year, $324 million deal. $36 million a season or roughly $1.2 million per start.

We know all the risks, Cashman and the Yankees are rolling the dice for the rewards. The pitcher, who like CC Sabathia or David Cone, in earlier times, would be the difference-maker. Look at things this way: you're in game six of the ALCS or the World Series. Someone has to pitch, to give you quality innings, five or six or more. If you're Aaron Boone or Brian Cashman, who makes you feel most confident? Cole or Masahiro Tanaka? But Tanaka is still there; he's now the number-two starter; Luis Severino slides down to the three-spot. And James Paxton fits in at four. That's a TOP of the rotation.

11 years after their last ride down New York's Canyon of Heroes, the Yankees are writing the biggest check ever to Gerrit Cole, because of all the available players, he can
put them over the top and deliver a title.