Pirates Pitching Coach Ray Searage: Cole Needs 'Skin As Thick As An Iguana'

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage joined The Fan Morning Show on Wednesday, with Opening Day less than two weeks away.

A major topic of discussion during the interview was the team's decision to have top pitching prospect Gerrit Cole begin the season in the minors, despite performing well in Spring Training.

Searage praised Cole, asserting that this move is only temporary.

"This kid is a lot more mature than I thought he was," Searage said. "I think this will fuel him even more to get up here, and to really go attack and be a Major Leaguer that stays for years to come."

He explained that General Manager Neal Huntington ultimately made the final decision to send Cole down, but added that he agreed with Huntington's decision, because he wants to be sure that Cole isn't rushed.

"Once he gets here, he's going to stay here," Searage said. "We've got to keep in mind that the Major Leagues will knock you down, and you've got to see how you can handle it. You've got to have skin as thick as an iguana."

Searage's comments can be heard here: