TAMPA – Gerrit Cole came to the Yankees hoping to make memories of October – or at least post-season memories different from the ones he already has.
“I remember how all my seasons ended,” said Cole, after the Yankees’ pitchers and catchers did their first spring training at their minor league complex on Thursday.
This obviously includes last year, when the Yankees lost to the Rays at ALDS in five games, despite Cole’s great effort in Game 5 on three days off.
“I was probably emotionally affected for a few weeks after that,” said Cole. “We have to move on. You have to prepare yourself, so you can’t let that negatively affect your preparation or mindset going forward, but I carry it in my back pocket. I remember who we lost to and why we lost. It is a motivational thing for me to try harder this year and try to overcome what we did last year. “
After signing the richest contract for an MLB pitcher in history, Cole saw his first spring training with the Yankees interrupted by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a 60-game season.
Despite the limited workload a year ago, Cole said he hasn’t made any major changes to his preparation, although he is aware that all pitchers will be managed differently than in a typical 162-game season.
Among them are Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon, who come from two consecutive seasons marked by injury and who will reinforce a rotation that is not very sure behind Cole.
On their first day of release, Kluber and Taillon impressed Aaron Boone, who had not seen any of the pitches in person since signing with the Yankees.
“They looked like you expected them to look here on Day 1,” said Boone of the righties.
Cole is among those who expect Kluber and Taillon to launch as well as at other times in their careers.
“Corey is a true craftsman [and] I’ve always enjoyed watching it launch, ” Cole said. “Jameson is in a very good place. … They had to overcome some adversities and are in the process of doing so now. ”
Cole added that while he spoke very well with the board about his former Pirates teammate Taillon, it was only after the Yankees sought him out for his opinion.
“It’s not like I’m making calls, trying to pull chopsticks to get someone,” said Cole. “I just spoke in person about a great friend. I talked about the character of the player and how well he handled adversity and overcame challenges. “
He also hopes to work with Kyle Higashioka and Gary Sanchez behind the sign, and brought in a former Houston catcher, Robinson Chirinos, with whom the Yankees recently agreed to a deal.
This will be resolved during the spring and beyond.
But both Cole and Boone know where they want to go.
Boone said his first speech to pitchers and catchers – which took place in two groups because of the COVID protocols – was about keeping expectations high.
“Meeting the group of guys in general was very successful, but also very disappointing,” said Boone.
This includes Cole.
“I am extremely motivated for a championship,” said Cole. “When you play, you play to win. Personal compliments are in the background. “
“He’s the complete package,” said Boone of Cole. “He is a superstar of the sport. He certainly has the talent to deliver the goods and when you add that to a real understanding of who he is, how to apply the information and how he has probably grown in that understanding throughout his career, you see a truly refined polished pitcher and person with special things. “