Pirates' Gerrit Cole: Offseason training on track

Pirates GM Neal Huntington confirmed Monday that Cole (elbow) began his regular offseason throwing program in December. "Best news we can give is that it's been a normal offseason," Huntington told DK Pittsburgh Sports. "We're looking forward to him coming into spring training with a normal baseball offseason under his belt and ready to come out and be Gerrit Cole."

Analysis:

Cole injured his rib cage prior to spring training in 2016 and never pitched to his capabilities. He allowed 10.16 hits per nine innings last summer, a sharp increase over his career mark of 8.54. The Pirates are looking for the righty to regain his 2015 form, which saw him go 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 208 innings.