This is fun. Deciphering things is fun. Rumors are fun.
Is Peter Gammons saying something here:
Jon is right. They were not denied. Dodgers, Angels will soon learn. https://t.co/8gIIrYEPKN
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 7, 2019
I mean, if you take that literally, it means the Yankees were not denied in their pursuit of Gerrit Cole, and the other suitors will learn soon that they’re out.
But it’s also possible that Gammons is simply being artistic, suggesting that the Yankees are going nuts on Cole, and, in his view of the facts as he knows them, Cole won’t be going to the Dodgers and Angels when all is said and done.
It feels more likely to be that second one – which is still notable in its own way, because it makes you wonder just how crazy the Yankees’ offer is – because this would otherwise be a really weird way to report that the top free agent is signing. But then, Gammons is often a little inscrutable in that way.
It’s also interesting to note that Jon Heyman frequently has scoops involving Scott Boras clients, but his take on Cole here is much more general than Gammons’.
I guess we’ll see what’s what, but this is kinda fun to follow on the Saturday before the Winter Meetings.
UPDATE: This to me suggests the two sides are indeed in agreement on the broad strokes and are trying to finalize the particulars this weekend:
Several agents say Yankees appear to have back burnered other business while trying to finishGerrit Cole negotiations. This has a CC in ‘09, they won’t be denied vibe
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 7, 2019
UPDATE 2: Jeff Passan pumping the brakes, at least in terms of a final deal this weekend:
The Gerrit Cole sweepstakes is moving to the point where teams will be making initial offers in the coming days, sources tell ESPN. The three favorites remain the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2019
UPDATE 3: Whether he’s ultimately right or wrong, we can now indicate that, yes, Gammons is definitely saying it:
Gerrit Cole will go into New York for his age 29 season, and in 2018 averaged 102 pitches in 33 starts, didn't get to 100 in a third of them, got the 'Stros to the 7th 29 times, did not go past 113 Ps until his high of 118 in Game 1 vs. Tampa.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 7, 2019