Gerrit Cole’s first words since Yankees blockbuster

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Gerrit Cole leaving his Midtown hotel Monday. The new ace of the Yankees has arrived in New York City for his big unveiling this week and sounds ready to take on the challenge. Gerrit Cole stopped to sign autographs and answer a few questions Monday afternoon in front of his Midtown hotel.

“What doesn’t excite you?” Cole said when asked about being a Yankee. “The history, the fans, the city, competitiveness.”

Cole said “of course” he’s happy to soon be donning pinstripes and will be signing his nine-year, $324 million contract soon.

“I just had to be thorough with it,” he said.

He was still fashioning a beard and longish hair on Monday, but plans to shave.

“Unfortunately,” he said.