Mets right-hander Dillon Gee has frequently been mentioned as a trade candidate. Could he end up pitching for the Rockies? (The Associated Press)
This much I know: During the winter meetings, the Mets and Rockies talked about a trade that would bring right-hander Dillon Gee to Colorado. Those talks fizzled before a deal could be completed.
Now, that the Rockies and Mets are talking about Gee. I have been unable to confirm this through the Rockies’ front office, but it makes sense for a number of reasons.
One, the Mets have made it known that they are willing to trade a starting pitcher away, and Gee is the most likely candidate.
Two, Gee would fit into the Rockies’ budget. Gee is arbitration eligible for two more years before he becomes a free agent. He’ll likely make about $5 million in 2015.
Three, Gee is a decent groundball pitcher, which makes him a pretty good fit for Coors Field. He posted a 44.1 percent groundball rate in 2014 and has a 45.6 percent groundball for his career. He’s no Brandon Webb, but he profiles as the type of pitcher the Rockies like.
Four, Gee, who turns 29 in April, could eat up some innings. That’s something the Rockies desperately need in order to take some weight off their bullpen. He was limited to 137 1/3 innings in 2014 because of a lat injury. But in 2013, he pitched 199 innings, went 12-11 and posted a 3.62 ERA.
Look, I’m not saying the Gee is a front-of-the-rotation starter — even in Colorado — but I think he would be an upgrade to a terrible rotation that posted a 4.89 ERA in 2014, the worst in the National League.
When Jeff Bridich took over as a GM in October, he made it clear that improving the rotation was job No. 1. So far, Bridich has decided not to pick up lefty Brett Anderson’s option and he got rid of mercurial righty Juan Nicasio. But he’s done nothing to bolster the rotation.
So I think Bridich still has moves to make. Is Gee that move? He could be. The Mets are reportedly seeking a lefty reliever. Would the Mets be interested Boone Logan? Will he be healthy this season? Would the Rockies be willing to give him up?
There are more questions than answers right now, but a Rockies trade for Gee would not be shocking.
Tags: Boone Logan, Dillon Gee, Jeff Bridich
