Dillon Gee Hot Topic at Winter Meetings
Dillon Gee seems to be a frequent topic of conversation between Sandy Alderson and other general managers at the Winter Meetings.
ESPN New York reports the Mets actually turned down a deal for Gee with the Twins. The Mets could have gotten back a 25-year-old shortstop named Eduardo Escobar, but Alderson apparently did not think he would be an upgrade over Wilmer Flores. He seems right; Escobar’s stats (six homers, 37 RBIs, a .275 average in 2014, his first full season) are nothing to write home about. Flores managed six home runs and 29 RBIs in less than half a season.
According to the Rockies beat writer for the Denver Post, Colorado GM Jeff Bridich says he has spoken to the Mets about Gee, but nothing is imminent. There were reports the Mets were interested in lefty reliever Rex Brothers, but Bridich says Brothers was not discussed. By the way, Brothers followed up a sterling 2013 (1.71 ERA, 76 strikeouts in 67.1 innings) with a miserable 2014 (5.59 ERA in 56.1 innings).
Several other teams reportedly have interest in Gee, and with good reason. He is a solid middle-to-back of the rotation guy and has two more years or arbitration before hitting free agency.
Look for him to be traded very soon, possibly as early as Thursday, when the Winter Meetings end.