I’ve learned from your analysis that Cole’s troubles weren’t as bad as they seemed last year. But I also SAW him lose his not-so-measurable composure at critical junctures of otherwise competitive outings where he suddenly gave up big innings.

It seems more reasonable to say that Cole got into difficult situations last year as a result of some bad luck, but that he also displayed some lack of maturity that contributed to those situations snowballing on him.

I am confident that Cole will have a bounce-back year in 2010, both because I expect his BABIP to normalize and also because I expect him to approach this season with more maturity, renewed determination and a chip on his shoulder. These things “count” too.

His temper is one that is legendary. At times, he is all smiles on the field, the next minute he could look like he is going to want to karate chop someone.

I am sort of with the mindset that a centerfielder would hit with more power, but in Shane’s case on the Phillies he fits into the mix well. Will Cole have a better year in 2010, that remains to be seen. He wears his heart on his sleeve and the comment he made where he said he couldn’t wait to go home during the World Series was one for the books. There are certain things you don’t say, and that was one of them.

We’ll see how these two players fare on the field soon, and that’s the great news.