While no one will be happier at the prospect of baseball returning than the fans, the players themselves may run a close second. Gerrit Cole, for one, is really excited.

In a recent interview with the media after the lifting of the lockout, Cole appeared happy to mark his return to the diamond and spoke in relative detail about how tough it might be for players to get going considering a shortened spring training schedule.

Gerrit Cole, one of the cornerstones of the New York Yankees puzzle; is likely out to make a more consistent show this season. With the Yankees crashing out of the post-season in 2021 with a wild card game loss to the Boston Red Sox, Cole will be out with a vengeance.

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And he seems to be getting his chance quite soon; with the New York Yankees set to take on the Red Sox in their season opener on April 7th, 2022. But how does he feel about finally being able to play?

Gerrit Cole speaks up about getting going

Gerrit Cole recently spoke to James Wagner of the New York Times and talked about getting started in spring training again after the lockout. Cole seemed content that the season was getting going, but also seemed slightly concerned about the shorter preparation time that players would have before the season.

Cole added that despite getting a lot of the things that the Players Union has insisted on; there might be some growing pains.

Cole said,” I think that’ll be the first step to maybe try and mend some of the fences with some of the fans that have been upset with the process, and rightfully so.”

However, he did share that there appears to be palpable anticipation among the players to get back.

He said, “Everybody’s excited to get back.”

The season’s story

Speaking of how the players may respond to the shortened off-season training; Cole likened the season to the pandemic shortened season of 2020. “In terms of the shortened spring, we had to go through this in 2020, an abbreviated spring,” he added.

This situation, however, was also slightly different from the season of the pandemic. And Cole was quick to admit. “This is a little bit of different caveat with 162 games on the back end of that as opposed to 60. But in the same breath there’s some experience there from before,” he said.

He added that despite the hectic schedule, he seemed to be up and ready for it. “It’ll feel like a little bit of a mad dash to the start line, but I anticipate players getting right back to doing what we love,“ said Cole.

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But are you as excited as Cole? Do you think this season will see more injuries because of a shortened training period? Let us know in the comments.