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SPORTS Thursday 18 January 2018

Cole excited to join Verlander, Keuchel on Astros staff

By JOSHUA KOCH
Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) — Gerrit
Cole is joining a rotation
filled with aces.
“I was just tremendously ex-
cited,” Cole said Wednes-
day, four days after the
Houston Astros acquired
him from the Pittsburgh Pi-
rates.
“I was out with some friends
having a good time for my
wife’s birthday weekend.
So, it was a really good
phone call. How you can
ask for anything more than
coming to the World Series
champions.”
Wearing a No. 45 uniform,
the 27-year-old right-hand-
er was introduced at Min-
ute Maid Park.
He was obtained for right-
handed reliever Michael
Feliz, right-hander Joe Mus-
grove, infielder Colin Mo-
ran and outfield prospect
Jason Martin.
Houston ace Dallas Keuchel
was joined late last season
by Justin Verlander, who Houston Astros newly acquired pitcher Gerrit Cole, center, speaks at a press conference after being introduced at Minute Maid Park
helped the Astros win their Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in Houston.
first championship. Associated Press
“I’m certainly happy with Championship Series to the “I don’t anticipate learning the organization, the city, his career and mine and
the depth of this rotation,” Astros, were thought to be one or two specific things. the fans. He has really en- tried to get to know each
Astros manager A.J. Hinch interested in Cole. I’m just looking forward to joyed his time here. He’s other a little bit,” Cole said.
said. “It’s hard to argue the “We had some chips to playing next to him. excited to play with me “He gave me a few insights
quality we can throw out give up, so maybe they He is somebody that every again, I’m excited to play on his philosophy. How he
there every day if we are didn’t have the depth right-handed power pitch- with him again. Just a lot of likes to work, how he likes to
healthy and if we continue on that side,” owner Jim er has looked up to. Just a great feelings.” communicate with his start-
to push forward.” Crane said. “Any time we cool opportunity to be able Following the trade, Cole ing pitchers.
Cole was 12-12 with a 4.26 can beat the Yankees, to work with somebody heard from Astros catcher Other than that it was a
ERA last year, leaving him that’s good.” that good.” Brian McCann. hello and welcome to the
59-42 with a 3.50 ERA in 127 Keuchel won the 2015 AL Among Astros pitchers, “We talked a little bit about club.”q
big league starts. Cy Young Award. Verland- Cole is familiar with Charlie
He will make $6.75 million in er earned the 2011 AL Cy Morton, his former Pirates
2018, is arbitration eligible Young and MVP honors. teammate.
again next winter and can “I’m sure he has a wealth “Charlie has been a good
be a free agent after the of knowledge that he has friend of mine ever since I
2019 season. accumulated winning Cy came up,” Cole said.
The New York Yankees, Youngs and World Series,” “He’s got nothing but won-
who lost Game 7 of the AL Cole said. derful things to say about