During the winter, Bartolo Colon was the subject of many trade rumors. However, the veteran right hander has been so impressive this season that the team no longer intends to deal him. (Andy Martino)
“Our thinking has changed a lot,” one team insider said.
Colon is tied for the team lead in wins with four, and he owns a solid 3.31 ERA.
He has also struck out 25 batters while walking just two in 34.2 innings pitched.
Colon’s value to the team is not only limited to his performance on the mound. He is a terrific mentor the the team’s young pitchers.
“I learn everything from him,” says 25-year-old closer Jeurys Familia. “Everything I can. I ask him all the time about situations in the game.
“He says that every day he pitches is the best day for him. He’s happy, because he doesn’t know if he is going to pitch again. You never know. So he enjoys every game he pitches like it’s the last game. When you enjoy what you do, it’s easier.”
“I say, watch him,’” Warthen says. “How he dissects the plate. How he goes first-pitch strike. He finds a release point. He works it both sides. He can repeat. He looks at his foot print at all times. You watch him on the mound, and if he makes a bad pitch, he’ll look right down at his foot print.”
While the front office has reversed their position on Colon, Dillon Gee sill appears to be on the trading block.
With the Yankees losing their ace Masahiro Tanaka for at least a month, could the Mets and Yankees be a match for a trade?
Gee would provide the Yankees with an immediate stop gap, and will add more depth to their rotation. It would also clear about $5 million which the Mets could apply elsewhere.
For his career, Gee is 40-35 with a 3.92 ERA.
Of course any trade involving Gee will be likely depend on the results of Rafael Montero‘s MRI, which is not expected to be serious.
The Mets also have excellent starting pitching depth in the minors with Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.
Would trading Gee to the Yankees be a smart move, or do you think it could backfire? Let us know in the comments.
