Going on how there's been nothing new reported of late regarding the Yankees' pursuit of Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole, we're going to assume that both sides have drawn lines in the sand in negotiations.
For the time being.
The prediction here is that the Pirates will cave in before spring training and trade Cole because, according to a source, Pittsburgh management is scared to death that its No. 1 trade chip will blow out his arm.
Until this week, the Yankees have been the only team linked to Cole in trade rumors in part because their farm system is so deep that GM Brian Cashman can afford to give up two or three very good prospects for a 27-year-old ace who is controllable for two seasons.