MLB Network Analyst On Pirates' Cole: 'Take The Training Wheels Off'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - The Pirates begin the second half of the season tonight against the Phillies. Currently, they have the best record in baseball. To talk about the team, The Fan Morning Show spoke with MLB Network analyst Mitch Williams.
Mitch tells us that he will not go on the MLB Network broadcast tonight and say the Pirates are the best team in baseball. But, as for a proclamation, he said, "I think they have a chance to make the post-season."
Depth in the rotation is what Mitch tells us is the main reason the team will avoid a collapse. He also cites depth in the bullpen, in case the starting pitching suffers a setback.
If the playoffs started today, Mitch tells us that Jeff Locke would be his Game 1 starter.
"He came up to the big leagues ready to pitch," Mitch said.
As for Gerrit Cole, Mitch thinks that the Pirates should keep trotting him out there.
"If you limit him, all you are doing is teaching him that he has limitations," Mitch said.
As long as his mechanics stay intact, Mitch thinks there is no reason to shut Cole down.
The potential to send Cole down to Triple A to keep his from reaching "Super 2" status frustrates Mitch. When asked if he would have been sent down to keep another year of arbitration Mitch said he would "fill the clubhouse with uppercuts." He tells us that there is no reason to send a guy who is 4-0 down to Triple-A.
To hear the interview, click below:
