The Morning Report 3.17.2015 | Thor and Matz's Chance, Wheeler's Actual Replacement, Don't Overlook Gee

Kristie Ackert | NY Daily News- With the news Monday that Zack Wheeler is likely out for the season, Syndergaard moved up on the depth chart. While Mets manager Terry Collins said bluntly Monday that Dillon Gee will slide into the open rotation spot, there is clearly a chance for Syndergaard and/or lefty Steven Matz to force their way into the major leagues this season.“Right now, we came into spring training with a number of guys that gave us some real security with starters and all of a sudden now we’re getting a little thin,” Collins said.

(Chris Soto: From what I have seen so far in Syndergaard's 3 Spring Training starts, there is no doubt in my mind that his pure stuff is ready for the MLB right now. However, his "presence" on the mound is not. So far we have seen Thor be lights out when the bases are empty but as soon as there are runners on base, his tempo slows down, he commits to his fastball too much, and rather than trusting his stuff he tries to spot the ball. He needs more time with Frankie V. down in AAA to correct this problem before he comes to the MLB full time.)


Marc Carig | Newsday- But manager Terry Collins threw his support behind Dillon Gee, the odd man out who now appears to be the front-runner for the last of five rotation spots. "I would say it's Dillon Gee's job right now. I think they've got to pitch their way up," Collins said of the Mets' young arms. "But I think those decisions will be made later in spring."

(Chris Soto: He's right. Based on the information that is coming out of camp, the Mets knew "something" was wrong with Wheeler's elbow for at least 6 months, but 3 separate doctors and 3 separate MRI machines couldn't figure out. This is probably why they did not trade Gee, instead, they held onto him as an insurance policy in case something were to happen and guess what? Something did. While an injury like this certainly sucks, it's not devastating for the Mets. For the 1st time in a while, the club has the depth to absorb a loss like this and keep chugging along like nothing happened.)

 

Christina Montana | Shea Dugout- ...With the amount of time the results took and Terry Collins’ dismissing the constant MRIs, you have ample ammo for Mets fans to spiral into a craze of rumors, expletives, and calling this injury a “reason for the Mets to tank.” That’s not the case. This...is exactly the point everyone is ignoring in their state of shock and the overwhelming pessimism that has swallowed the fan base today. The Mets have good pitching. Dillon Gee is a wholly capable pitcher. Don’t forget, Mets fans loved him when he won eight straight upon promotion to the Majors in 2011. Dillon Gee can start, and can succeed, and pitch deep enough into games to be serviceable.

(Chris Soto: Christina is right. Look....Gee is no Zack Wheeler....we know that. However, Dillon Gee is a capable #5 MLB SP who can slot in at the back of the rotation and give you consistent innings while keeping your team in games. With the improved offense the Mets have shown so far, if the healthy 2013 version of Gee appears, he may net 13-15 wins this season. That's pretty much what we were expecting from Wheeler, right?)