BleacherCoaches.com

The Pirates have moved Gerrit Cole to AAA Indy for the remainder of the year. The Indians will be in the AAA playoffs so Cole has 3-4 potential starts left in him for 2012. The move should come as no surprise. The Pirates are on the verge of entering September, and the rosters will expand to 30. The Indians will need some pitchers in place of the guys that will be called up.


I'd say the top candidates for the call ups....
Alex Presley, Matt Hague, Justin Wilson, Jeff Locke, Bryan Morris, Evan Meek, Kyle McPhearson, and Daniel McCutchen.

Starling Marte and Chad Qualls are both on the 15 day DL, so they could be back fairly soon.

Chris Leroux also, he is not on the 40 man at the moment though.

I was a little surprised by Curve manager PJ Forbes' comments on the promotion.


From the Altoona Mirror: 'This was not something earned but something that was kind of thrown at him to challenge him," Forbes said.
Asked if he thought Cole had not earned the call-up, Forbes said, "This is to challenge him. We bring guys to Double-A all the time that maybe haven't earned being here but to challenge them to see where they're at."

I interpreted his comments to say he did not feel Cole was ready for the promotion, but the front office is going to continue to fast track Cole to the bigs.

Based on Forbes' comments, it looks like, as long as Cole doesn't totally fail at AAA, Cole will be Pittsburgh next year. If not to start the season, almost definitely after the date when the arbitraion eligibilty clock starts ticking.

Crimson, any idea when the playoff roster has to set? If it is soon, I can Presley and another pitcher being called up before that date. IMO D'arnaud and Clement won't and shouldn't be on the playoff roster.

Playoff rosters set Sept 1st, moves will be made today.

So is there any chance Cole can still join the big club this year at all?

not at all