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Astros: Saying goodbye to Gerrit Cole after record contract with Yankees

By Brian Murray |
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 08: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros leaves the locker room and walks into the dugout before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 8, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 08: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros leaves the locker room and walks into the dugout before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 8, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Gerrit Cole was only with the  Astros for two years, but somehow it seems longer. As Cole goes to the New York Yankees with a record-setting deal in hand, we thank him.

We were lucky to watch and cheer for a pitcher that set records right before our eyes, a raw talent that only comes along every few decades, or more. We got to experience Gerrit Cole setting franchise and Major League records as an Astro. We felt his gritty determination with every pitch and enjoyed the triumphs right along with him.

Now, Cole is off on another adventure, with a different team, and will be cheered by new fans. Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees have agreed to a 9-year, $324 million contract, a record high. Yes, the “Cole Train” even setting records in the offseason.

We watched him lead the Major Leagues in strikeouts (326), SO/9 IP (13.818) and the highest ERA+ (185). We got to see Cole end the season with a 2.50 ERA, the lowest in the American League. He came in second behind teammate Justin Verlander in so many categories including his 0.895 WHIP, 6.019 hits/9 IP, and his 6.792 SO/BB ratio.

We were right there when Cole became only the fourth pitcher in history to have 21 games with double-digit strikeouts in a season, joining Sandy Koufax, Randy Johnson, and Nolan Ryan. We cheered him along when he pitched nine straight games with 10 or more Ks, setting yet another Major League record.

From May 22, up until the first game of the World Series on October 22, a full five months, Cole went 25 games without recording a loss. In the midst of that time frame, he went 19-0, the longest winning streak by a pitcher in 107 years, and we were lucky enough to take the ride along with him.

Next. Astros: What if they drafted Kris Bryant instead of Mark Appel?. dark

I may not be speaking for everyone, but I know a lot of you are thankful for what the future Hall of Fame pitcher did for the Astros and for Houston. I know I’m thankful and I wish him all the luck in his future endeavors, of course, only when he’s on the mound against other teams besides the Astros. Thank you, Gerrit Cole!

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