It was really a tale of two seasons for Dillon Gee.
Through May, Gee had an ERA of over 5.50 and was getting pounded left and right by just about everybody he faced.
But a start against the New York Yankees on May 30th began to change the face of Gee’s season. In that game he pitched 7.1 innings, allowing only one run on four hits, walking none, and striking out a career-high 12.
He rode the momentum of that start for the rest of the season, with his monthly ERAs being 2.73, 2.88, 2.14 and 3.58 to finish the season with a more-than-respectable 3.62 mark.
Our preseason projections for Gee were as close as they’ve been for anyone. Here’s what we predicted:
IP: 170.2
ERA: 4.00
K: 134
BB: 54
Quality Starts: 17
In a season filled with disappointment for the Mets, Gee actually managed to outperform our expectations in every category except for Quality Starts. Here’s how we stacked up:
Gee IP: 199.0
Closest: Chris Walendin – 201.0
Furthest: Spencer Manners – 140.0
Gee ERA: 3.62
Closest: Charlie Hangley – 3.62!
Furthest: Doug Parker – 4.50
Gee Ks: 142
Closest: Brian Joura – 143
Furthest: Steve Rogers – 95
Gee BBs: 47
Closest: Charlie Hangley – 47!
Furthest: Rob Rogan – 65
Gee QS: 16
Closest: Charlie Hangley – 15, Spencer Manners – 17, Rob Rogan – 17
Furthest: Chris Walendin – 23
Boy, I hope Charlie went to Atlantic City when we made these predictions, because he was absolutely on fire.
As far as Gee is concerned, he established himself as one of the best back-end starters in all of baseball. To imagine that in just a few seasons, Gee has gone from afterthought prospect to a very valuable piece is really incredible.
With Matt Harvey out for all of 2014, it’s going to become even more important for Gee to continue pitching at the high level that he has proven that he can.
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Joe Vasile is a play-by-play announcer for Widener Pride football and host of “Ball Four” on WTSR in Trenton. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeVasilePBP.
Gee again was a pleasant surprise and I think we have to start looking at him as a little more than just a #5 guy. I’m not saying he’s an ace, but maybe middle of the rotation is more accurate?
I agree with Mike. There’s something I don’t say every day! Maybe now that he’s officially an old man, he’s gaining wisdom.
I kid Mike, I kid!
On the original projection I posted “I don’t think many are overly impressed by Gee in baseball. Eventually there will be 5 other Met starters that others will be impressed with. Gee is the kind of pitcher that will allow the more “impressive” pitchers to be traded for greater return talent while Gee will remain in the Met rotation as the hidden gem. I see Gee as the Mets future #5 starter that on another team he would be #3.” Gee has fulfilled my expectations.