Gerrit Cole struck out a career-high nine batters over seven shutout innings in a brilliant road victory against the Rangers on Monday. Ladies and gentleman, the real Gerrit Cole just stood up. The No. 1 pick in 2011 quietly excelled in the minor leagues, but never put up great strikeout numbers despite possessing two pitches that graded out amongst the best in the minors (fastball and slider) and a third (changeup) that projects as an above-average offering. He's generally chosen to be a pitch-to-contact hurler despite possessing the hammer of Thor for a right arm. Until tonight, that is. Cole improved to 7-7 with a 3.48 ERA.