Through 12IP, Gerrit Cole has only recorded three outs via punchout. Considering the confirmed importance of strikeouts - batters who never put a ball in play only reach base in the most rare of circumstances - this could be alarming considering the expectations surrounding Cole. The former first overall pick is supposed to come into his own quickly and anchor the Pirates as the best starter to pitch in the steel city in decades, if not possibly ever. A scouting reports suggests Cole could meet these expectations. His stuff is tremendous and he pitched well in 2012, but in 2013 Cole's numbers in AAA were less than inspiring. To date in AAA this year, Cole had only struck out 47 batters in 68 innings compared to 28 walks prior to being called up.
