FRIDAY: It’s official – Cole did not sign with the Yankees, according to Baseball America’s Jim Callis. No matter how you spin it, this is an unfortunate development for the Yanks.
THURSDAY: According to Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, draft pick Gerrit Cole has chosen to attend U.C.L.A. rather than sign with the Yankees. The 17 year-old did not make the decision because of money or Scott Boras. He simply talked it over with his family and decided he prefers college.
Cole was drafted 28th overall, so the Yankees will receive an additional pick in that range in ’09 (depending on which other first-rounders do not sign). The Yanks will have less leverage with that pick, as it will not carry over to 2010 if he does not sign.