Cole, Jordan, Gonzalez... does anything matter in a matter-less world?

The Yankees beat mighty Pittsburgh yesterday, 7-4, with all seven runs coming via the HR. I know, I know... we can't obsess over exhibition scores, but it sure would be nice to see a sac bunt practiced in March, so it could be an actual possibility in May.  The Yankees have yet to record one sacrifice this spring. Not one. Emerson said, "The ends pre-exist in the means." He coulda been a great Yankee beat writer.  

So... we now know Will Smith has a self-immolation button... what other secrets lurk in the boxes we so often ignore?

Gerrit Cole. Well, he got cuffed around, forcing Boonie to assume the postgame fetal position, cup hands over ears, and shout "La-la-la" until the Gammonites were gone. In fact, the manager insisted, almost manically, that he's delighted with what he saw. 

Boone has no choice. If Cole fails or falters, the Yank season is doomed. But first outings of spring are often awful, and even the wildest, toad-licking fans - you know who you are - must temper your hallucinations accordingly. Cole will probably be okay. Not sure he'll ever win a Cy. But he's the guy we'll sent out every fifth day to halt the bleeding from starters #4 and #5, who might as well be shuttled up from Marymount. I can't think about the Yankees with an ineffective Cole. Not yet, anyway. (Setback Sevy? Now, that's a different matter.)

Jordan Montgomery. To buttress my Cole trah-lah-lah, check out the line for Monty: Two and two thirds, five Ks, two hits, no runs. The other day, he was broadsided. Right now, Montgomery is our #2 and, frankly, he's as solid as any number two in the AL East. He's 29, and he threw 157 innings last year, a 3.83 ERA. It beat his 2917 rookie season (age 24, 155 IP, 3.88.) We might really have something with this guy. 

Marwin Gonzalez. Still a Y.I.N.O. - (Yankee in name only) - he homered yesterday, his second. He's 3-for-8 since being signed off the scrap heap. Unfortunately, he made a throwing error from 2B. Gonzalez will probably make the roster as the all-purpose utility guy. He won't hit .375 - he's 33, a career .256 hitter - but let's hope his defense is up to snuff. The Yankees might need a 9th inning glove guy - and maybe somebody who can lay down a bunt?