Every year Major League Baseball scouts travel around the world searching for the best prospects. Most prospects do not make it as only a select few make it to the big leagues. When it comes to pitchers, scouts always look for that pitcher with the barn burning fastball that will put fear into hitters. For every Stephen Strasburg who could hit the radar gun at triple digits as a prospect there is a Dillon Gee. Gee does not have overpowering pitches, but he gets the job done.
The New York Mets selected Gee in the 21st round in 2007. Gee has worked his way up in the organization which included him recovering from a torn labrum in 2008. The 25-year old Texan made his big league debut last September versus The Washington Nationals. Gee only gave up one run over seven innings and got the victory.
At the start of this season Gee was in the minors waiting to see if he would once again have an opportunity. In April, injuries gave him that opportunity. On April 17 Gee pitched 5 2/3 innings in a win over The Atlanta Braves followed up by going six innings in a win versus The Arizona Diamonbacks. Gee was then relegated to the bullpen where he was ineffective. Met brass seemed hesitant to give Gee a chance in the rotation. It was tough to understand because all Gee did in his first two starts was pitch effective and put The Mets in a position to win.Gee was finally given another chance in the rotation on May 7 versus The Los Angeles Dodgers. Gee got a no decision, but he pitched an effective 5 1/3 innings while giving up two runs.
On a good day Gee’s fastball will top out at 93 mph while he generally hits the radar gun at 90. Gee uses his slider, curveball, and change-up to keep hitters off balance. Gee can paint the corners of home plate like Renoir. This season Gee has only struck out 39 batters, but opponents only have a .207 batting average against him. Last night Gee shut down The Atlanta Braves in helping The Metropolitans to a 5-0 victory. Gee struck out two while giving up four hits over seven innings.
Every fifth day Gee gives The Mets a chance to win and he has a toughness about him. Last month Gee got into early trouble against The Chicago Cubs. Gee gave up four runs in the first innings. Undaunted, Gee gave The Mets six innings on the mound while he was able to stop the bleeding. The Met offense came around later in the contest and they won 7-4. It is easy for a pitcher to have a bad start to a game and go into a tail spin for the rest of the outing. It takes a certain mental toughness to bounce back, especially on the road like Gee did and keep your team in the game.
Gee will never be confused with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan as a “flame thrower”. Like Ryan, Gee puts his team in a position to win. Being that Gee is not a power pitcher, Citi Field is perfect for his talents as the cavernous park favors pitchers. Gee may not have the sexy stats, but he has the sexiest stat which is being 6-0. In New York City a pitcher can strike out 14 batters and lose. The loss will be the only thing that people remember, but if you win the game while striking out three batters that is all that people care about. The so called “flaws” in Gee’s game are forgotten now and will continue to be forgotten as long as he continues to pitch this effective.
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