Column: This train will be fueled by Cole

DK -- This is a fantastic column. Great insight into a young man who represents the Pirates' present and future. This column goes above and beyond statistics. It goes into the thought process and philosophy of a professional athlete who wants to be elite. I don't comment much, but when I read something that makes me say, "wow," I feel the need to say it. Wow.

great column and quotes from the Cole train

Great read. The fact that Cole developed his secondary pitches in only his second season is so encouraging

Superior work DK! Cole isn't the only one building something special one column at a time.

DK, as always, great perspective. I watched him pitch when I was down there last week. I may be reading too much into it, but there seems to be a bit more poise on the mound than in the previous two years. That said anything less than 15 wins, has to be a disappointment

DK loved this column. I appreciate the effort this took to put together. I am hoping Cole can win 18-20 games this year with a sub 3 ERA. The sky is the limit for this kid.

Excellent column.

Very nice read!

I'm constantly amazed at the "togetherness" reflected in that clubhouse.
Your videos and writings have reflected it well: NO ONE is talking about settling for anything less than winning the division, then going on from there.

Bucs NEED this kid to be a horse . . . . . . but not an ACE yet.

Cole: "I don’t think me personally having a good season is going to have much of an effect."
Say what???
Is that modesty or does he really believe that nonsense?

Bravo DK

Good feeling Gerrit makes this HIS team as well as Cutch's this year.

Would love to see that.

I've loved this kid since Day One. Seems to speak honestly yet never sounds cocky or obnoxious. I love the just-the-right-amount of edge he plays with. Or heck, even sits in the dugout with. Easy to appreciate Cole after the dark decades.

Great column! It's refreshing to see a 24 year old with his talent that seems to have an old school work ethic and attitude. Well done DK!

Cool article. This is the kinda stuff that get me excited for baseball season.

imagine if this guy blossomed into a 20+win guy- how awesome would that be?

great insight

I hope he learned from the Easter sunday incident and not go there again.

It's been fun to watch this kid grow. His interview with Rob King the other day was remarkable for the increased comfort level in front of the camera and overall maturity. It seems odd to say it about a top draft pick, but it's amazing how often teams (including the Bucs) don't get it right. This time they surely did!

Kris Bryant (#2 overall Pick two years ago) at 3rd Base for the Cubs is turning into what Pirates hoped Pedro would be.

Let's see if Cubbies send him down for first 2 weeks of season to gain another year of control.

Excellent look at Cole. What seems to separate the greats from the near greats is desire and work. Cole seems to have those traits.

Columns like this are why I subscribe! Excellent work DK!