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BASEBALL

Who Is Gerrit Cole?

In December the team that wears the pinstripes signed Gerrit Cole.

Who is he ?

He is a right handed pitcher who was drafted by the team that wears the pinstripes in 2008 out of Orange Lutheran High School in California in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft as the twenty eighth pick. “according to http://www.mymlbdraft.com/2008/

However, he decided not to sign with the team that wears the pinstripes and instead go to college at The University Of Southern California where he played three years.

During his time at the University Of Southern California he ranked  second at UCLA in career strikeouts (376), third in career games started (49) and fifth in career innings (322.1)...ranks third on UCLA's single-season strikeouts list with 153 as a sophomore in 2010...ranks sixth on the Pac-10 Conference's career strikeouts list (376)...was a two-time All-Pac-10 team selection (2009, 2010) and secured honorable mention All-Pac-10 team accolades in 2011. only player at UCLA to log at least 100 strikeouts in each of three seasons...only player at UCLA to have twice been selected in the first round of the MLB Draft (2011, No. 1 overall by Pittsburgh; 2008, No. 28 overall by New York Yankees). “according to https://uclabruins.com/sports/baseball/roster/gerrit-cole/4374

In 2011 he was drafted yet in the first round but instead of being drafted twenty eighth he was first overall pick in the MLB Draft. By who? Pittsburgh who is a member of the National League Central where spent six seasons starting in 2013 -2017. During his first season in Pittsburgh he finished the season with a record of 10-7 with a 3.22 earn run average. During his second season he finished with a record of 11-5 with an earn run average of 3.65. During his third season he finished with a record of 19-8 with an earn average of 2.60 In his fourth season in Pittsburgh he had a down season as he finished with a record of 7-10 with an earn run average of 3.88. In his final season in Pittsburgh he finished with a record of 12-12 with a 4.26 earn run average. Then it was off to a new team and new division. Where was the right hander headed to Houston where he would spend two seasons. In his first season in Houston he finished with a record of 15-5 with an earn run average of 2.88. In his final season with Houston who is a member of the American League West he finished with a record of 20-5 with an earn run average of 2.50. “according to https://www.mlb.com/player/gerrit-cole-543037

Then it was off to a new division and new team where Gerrit Cole would sign with the team that wears the pinstripes for nine years 324 million dollars . The team he grew up rooting for. Though, the right -hander has yet to throw a pitch for his new team, the team that he grew up rooting for and the team that wears pinstripes. Why? Because of the Corona Virus that is effecting us in the United States and around the world and because Major League Baseball and the Players Association can’t seem to come to a deal to restart Spring Training as well as figure a plan to get the season started. The plan currently proposed is for eighty nine games. The Major League Baseball Players Association has made a proposal to MLB for a season of 89 games, with a full prorated share of salary and expanded playoffs, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN on Tuesday. “according to an article written by Jeff Passan

It would bring the sides closer to a potential deal because it is 25 games fewer than the union's most recent proposal of 114 games at full pro rata, sources told ESPN.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

But an MLB source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN's Karl Ravech that the proposal is a nonstarter.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

"Out of concern for the players' health, extending the regular season past Sept. 27 won't happen," the source told Ravech. "There is a window of playing between 60 [and] 70 regular-season games, but pay still remains an issue."according to an article written by Jeff Passan

This newest MLBPA proposal would have the season start July 10 and end Oct. 11, a source told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. It also would expand the postseason to 16 teams (eight in each league) for 2020 and 2021.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

Like MLB's proposal Monday, this offeaccording to an article written by Jeff Passan r has the players sharing in a pool of at least $50 million if the playoffs are played without fans.

The proposal includes opt-out rights for all players. Players who are considered high-risk or reside with a high-risk individual are entitled to full service and salary in the event that they opt out.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

Those with no high-risk concerns may opt out without service or salary. High-risk qualification is to be determined by the MLBPA in consultation with medical experts.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

Players also are committing to providing broadcast enhancements for both regular-season and postseason games.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

MLB's Monday proposal to players on a return-to-play economic package offered a higher potential salary than the previous plan but less guaranteed money over a 76-game season.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

Players and officials at the MLBPA quickly scoffed at the proposal, which was obtained by ESPN, continuing the gridlock that has prevented MLB from returning after the coronavirus-related delay to the beginning of its season.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

If the sides are unable to agree to a deal, the league has the ability to implement a schedule of its desired length. It has focused recently on a potential 48-game season, sources told ESPN.according to an article written by Jeff Passan

If and when the season does begin I have a feeling fans of the team that wears the pinstripes in New York, around the United States and around the world will be excited to see Gerrit Cole throw his first pitch in pinstripes.