Aug
14
2011

Dillon Gee Is This Year’s Surprise

An article by John Delcos

In forecasting the Mets’ 2012 rotation, there has to be a spot for Dillon Gee, just as this year’s staff held a role for R.A. Dickey as the result of this out-of-nowhere season.

Chris Young’s injury was the opportunity Gee needed to build on his designation as an organizational arm to one with a future.

Gee has impressed with his guile and ability to challenge hitters. He gives no quarter and so far has been exceptional in spotting his 90 mph. fastball to set up his changeup, which is his best pitch.

“When I look at my stuff on video, I say, `Hey, it’s average,’ ’’ Gee said earlier this season. “But, guys tell me my changeup is a plus-plus pitch.’’

Catcher Josh Thole said Gee’s control carried him in the minors and has stayed with him on this level, but has deserted him recently as he has walked 12 over his last four starts.

Gee, of course, will carry into next season the specter of whether he can duplicate what he’s accomplished. The same questions were asked of Mike Pelfrey this spring.

Gee and Niese have been the Mets’ most effective pitchers. Pelfrey remains an enigma, Dickey can be upgraded and Johan Santana’s remains a question. Chris Capuano has been effective at times and should be brought back.

As they did last year, the Mets will explore the free-agent market for middle-tier arms, such as Jon Garland. There is talent in the minor leagues, but it is at least two years away.

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

3 Comments + Add Comment

kevin August 14, 2011 at 11:11 am

Worst case scenario – we make more out of Gee than he really is, just a number 5 starter in a really bad rotation where Pelfrey is the ace. Gee wouldn’t be in more than half of the major league rotations and that goes for Pelfrey too.
- Pat August 15, 2011 at 7:31 am
  
  While the last couple outings Gee has struggled a bit, to say he wouldn’t be in moer then half of the major league rotations is not only wrong but ridiculous, did you sleep through the first half of this season?
Metsie August 14, 2011 at 2:00 pm

I personally thought signing both Young and Capuano was overkill and I will admit I was wrong in that thought on one point, I thought Young was the better signing at the time. Turns out Capuano was the better of the two as far as durability was concerned.

At the time I fully expected Gee to get that 5th Starter spot I thought he earned it last season.

Now he has run into trouble lately and I think he made some adjustments he probably should not have made (read the story about Collins claiming he doesn’t throw that curveball enough) but on the whole I think he has done a bang up job since his promotion and he has won plenty of games. It may be more to do with the support he has gotten than his pitching on it’s own but whatever the reason you have to admit they have a pretty good chance of winning when he takes the mound!

If he ever perfects his approach and uses ALL of his pitches effectively he could be a very good workhorse for years to come!

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