Arr, me hearties! The Yankee scallywag, Gerrit Cole, be takin' home his first Cy Young Award! Bravo, matey!
2023-11-15
Arrr, mateys! In the treacherous seas of 2023, the New York Yankees faced many a challenge. Yet, amidst the storm, they found solace in the might of Gerrit Cole, a true Cy Young Award swashbuckler!
In a jolly bit of news, Gerrit Cole has been crowned the American League Cy Young Award winner. It's the first time the New York Yankees ace has received this prestigious accolade. Ahoy! The Yankees secured the services of Cole, the top pick in 2011, by offering him a mighty nine-year, $324 million contract before the 2020 season. Arr! But like many a superstar in the Bronx, the relationship has been a mix of love and hate.There were doubloons to be had when Cole's performance faltered in the 2021 AL wild-card game, and he endured a disappointing 2022 season. Some scallywags even speculated if he owed his success to the use of sticky stuff. But avast! He proved his worth by leading the AL with a fine 2.63 ERA and 209 innings pitched. His 0.98 WHIP was top-notch, and he even managed two shutouts, the most in the league. His 222 strikeouts placed him among the elite. As the favorite, he started the All-Star Game, marking his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance. In his final start of the season, he secured his second shutout, sealing the deal for the Cy Young Award.
Now, this be Cole's first time winning the trophy, after coming close on several occasions. In 2021, a pesky hamstring injury caused him to stumble, losing the crown to Robbie Ray. Many believe he was robbed in 2019 when his teammate Justin Verlander claimed the award. Aye, it's been a long time coming for this 33-year-old pirate.
While the contract he signed with the Yankees will be judged by the number of championships he brings, Cole's success on an individual level cannot be denied. Ah, the lad may even opt out of his contract after this season, seeking further riches if he can replicate this year's performance. Yo ho ho!