10/17/11

Dillon Gee named to MLB All Star squad, in Taiwan


Major League Baseball has been in the expanding the sport worldwide game over the past decade. They have played games in Japan, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Now they are taking their hand-picked All Star team to Taiwan.

The Mets are no strangers to sending players abroad. They did so in 2006 when Jose Reyes, David Wright and John Maine (remember when he was good) all went to Japan. Also, the Mets are not strangers to playing their games off of the mainland.

They have played divisional road games against the then Montreal Expos in Puerto Rico in 2004 and the Florida Marlins in 2010. The current team to travel overseas consists of only a 19 man roster.

They begin playing their five game tour November 1st. Gee is the only Mets player, but not the only New York player to travel. Among the 19 players is Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano.

The roster was chosen by San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy who will manage the team for the tour. The coaching staff has yet to be named. Whether Terry Collins will be on board or not has yet to be determined.

As for Dillon Gee, he has been a break out story this past season. His first half was outstanding. From April 17th to July 29th, he posted an 10-3 record and a 3.69 ERA. He became the first rookie Mets pitcher since Dwight Gooden to get at least ten wins by the All Star break.

The second half was not so kind to him, however. He finished the season on a 3-3 run with four no decisions while posting a 4.43 ERA. Still, his 13-6 record is not too bad for such a young pitcher that lacks velocity at the Major League level.

His future is in his hands. Which Gee will we see next year? If he adjusts to the league, he could be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. It is certain that the opposing hitters have adjusted to him. The next move is up to Gee.

In the meantime, he will represent our country and its national pastime with honor, respect and dignity. He is a clear choice to do this. Even if his numbers don't speak for themselves.

No comments: