All the pundits assume Cole will go FA, but they said that about JV too. Cole became elite in Houston, and he has said so for publication. Surely he must have serious thoughts about staying to pair with Verlander if the Astros make a competitive. After CFM left for $, though, after saying he’d retire if he was not in Houston, I guess everyone may. Yes, I do know Morton got an extra guaranteed year and is close to home.