Pirates' Gerrit Cole throws 101 mph fastball ... fastest this year

[Auggie]

Reportedly, it's the fastest pitch thrown in the last five years (Justin Verlander -- http://inagist.com/all/348314463465771010).

Cole hit 100 mph+ in several instances in the 6 1/3 innings he pitched versus the Angels on Friday, June 21. He's won all three of his starts for Pittsburgh.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_06_21_pitmlb_anamlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=pit

What a way to start ...

[madinmaryland]

1. Pretty impressive!! You can become a Pirates fan anytime you like!!

[Auggie]

2. If they make it to the World Series vs any team

other than Oakland or Cleveland, consider it so.

[madinmaryland]

3. Dude! Did El Supremo hijack your account!!

[Auggie]

4. Heh! I'm a sucker for rust belt cities ...

having grown up in one.

[PRETZEL]

5. Bucs are going to have a huge decision to make pretty shortly

Gerritt is up now because of injuries to three of the starters. He also has options. If they keep him up, the bucs lose a year of salary arbitration that they would save by sending him back to the minors. That could mean a couple of million dollars in the near future.

But, on the other hand, not too many 22 year olds throw like he does.

[Auggie]

6. Well, San Francisco is looking for pitching ...

needs bullpen help, but I could see them getting a starter and moving Gaudin back to relief. I don't know what the Pirates need or what they'd want from S.F.

[PRETZEL]

7. What the Bucs need the most

is a power hitting right fielder or first baseman.

Hunter Pence isn't what they need and I don't know a whole lot about your firstbase situation.

[Auggie]

8. Brandon Belt, 1B ... he's paid peanuts and signed for several years

Streak player, good defense. Decent power but has trouble hitting right-handers. Plus he faces the challenge of hitting in AT&T Park. Has huge potential. I think a trade would do him a world of good.

We have a good prospect in AAA, Brett Pill. He can replace Belt at first.

So, I was wondering: Brandon Belt for Wandy Rodriguez???

[PRETZEL]

9. Not straight up,

I think the Bucs, if they do anything, will be looking for an established #4 hitter. I've seen on some of the Pirate boards names like Alex Rios on the WhiteSox, or even a bigger blockbuster of Giancarlo Stanton (but Marlins are saying no).

This year, the Bucs have the resources to be a big name buyer. If Wandy is going to go, it'll be as part of that type of deal.