Dillon Gee told beat reporters at Port St. Lucie that he would rather start than pitch out of the bullpen, but that ultimately he’ll do whatever he is asked.
Marc Carig of Newsday tweeted that a couple of times this winter, Gee thought he was very close to being traded. As far as his thoughts on that, Gee told reporters, “I’m at their mercy.”
When asked by Adam Rubin whether he would prefer to start for another team or work in relief for the Mets this season, Gee offered no response.
February 14
Interesting yet unsurprising to hear that Dillon Gee is most certainly looking like someone who will begin the season in the back of the Mets bullpen as a long man and spot starter.
Marc Carig of Newsday says the Mets did not like any of the offers they received for Gee, and further added that any once-interested teams have since moved on.
So what? Is it so bad to have a veteran starter like Gee around as we look to make some noise in the NL East this year? This could end up being one of those blessings in disguise. With Matt Harvey‘s workload still up in the air and Sandy Alderson suggesting a mid-season two week shutdown for our returning ace, keeping Gee is not exactly the worst idea in the world.
In the meantime, who knows what unforeseen events (injuries, unexpected poor performances, rotation concerns) could lead those previously interested teams – and perhaps some new ones – right back to the Mets.
Dillon Gee is far too valuable a commodity as a back-end starter to simply be given away in some half-assed salary dump. And at an estimated $12 million dollars owed over the next two seasons, he comes fully equipped with a very team friendly contract.
Unfortunately for us, there were just too many pitchers like Gee readily available in free agency this Winter, creating somewhat of a glut. Given the fact that teams didn’t have to give up any prospects or Major League pieces to sign pitchers like Ryan Vogelsong and Kyle Kendrick, they opted for free agency.
All of that said, things always have a way of changing quickly in this game and I’m fairly certain that the Mets might have a few more opportunities to trade Gee before Opening Day, so lets see how this ultimately plays out. The important thing is that we get something of value for Gee and that we don’t just give him away just to save $5 million dollars. After all, last time I checked we are still a big market team, right? Ducks…
Happy Valentines Day to all of you. Go grab your better halves, eat some chocolate, and then watch Sleepless in Seattle or Bride of Chucky. 😉
