Andrew asks:

Is there any news regarding Dillon Gee’s recovery from his arm surgery? Will he be ready for Spring Training and do you think he will be in the rotation next season?

Joe D. replies:

As far as his health and recovery is concerned, Dillon Gee is expected to be 100% by the time Spring Camp opens with no limitations. That’s the official Mets word.

However, on the day before Thanksgiving, Dillon Gee was with teammate Bobby Parnell at Citi Field where they participated in relief efforts for families that were affected by Superstorm Sandy. While he helped collect food and necessities for storm victims, Gee took a few minutes afterward to discuss his rehab and said his arm feels great and that he will begin his offseason throwing program this week.

“I finished the year throwing and everything felt fine,” Gee said. “I’ve been working out for like three weeks now and I’ve never thought about it.”

Gee, 26, had his season come to an abrupt end after they discovered a blood clot in his pitching arm. He finished the season with a 6-7 record and a 4.10 ERA, but don’t let the numbers fool you, Gee was much better than that. His loss to the Mets cannot be understated, and the proof lies in their 46-39 record after his final start – an eight inning, one-run gem – and their 28-49 record after that game.

Since Gee debuted in 2010, he has made 49 starts and has posted a 21-15 record with a 4.06 ERA. His one challenge has always been his high walk rate and bouts with wildness. But in 2012 the righthander made huge stride reducing his BB/9 to 2.4 from a career average of 4.1. The effect on his K/BB rate was dramatic and he more than doubled his career mark with a 3.34 BB/9 to go with an 8.0 K/9 – also a career high. Nine of his last ten starts last season were Quality Starts.

Barring any trades or injuries, the Opening Day rotation is expected to be R.A. Dickey, Johan Santana, Jon Niese, Dillon Gee and Matt Harvey, so yes, I fully expect Gee to be in the rotation. I also expect him to build on the many positive trends he began to display last year. You usually don’t use the word crafty to describe rightys very often, but that’s exactly what Dillon Gee is. He’s also a thinking man’s pitcher who consistently challenges himself to pitch better.