Harvey, Flores, and other Mets notes for the start of spring training

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Aug 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher

Jacob deGrom

(48) and starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (49) and starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) and starting pitcher

Dillon Gee

(35) sit in the dugout during the eighth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

What happens with the abundance of starting pitchers?

In addition to trying to trade for a shortstop, many fans believe that Sandy Alderson should’ve made a move to send some of their pitchers away. As of right now, the Mets have seven starters on their 25-man roster: Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Bartolo Colon, Jon Niese, Dillon Gee, Rafael Montero.

One can assume that Gee and Montero will head into the bullpen to act as the long-relief man and a short-relief man, respectively. Is that a good thing?

Dillon Gee has started every game he’s pitched in his career except for three appearances in 2007 for the Brooklyn Cyclones. Every game since then, he’s started. How will his stuff translate in a relief role?

Rafael Montero pitched in the bullpen last year, but not after starting in his first few games in the majors. The move to the bullpen may be permanent, as many scouts believe his arsenal is better suited for the pen. Can his control and movement improve through his stay in Queens?

With a handful of spring training games to go through, also keep an eye out on how Colon and Niese do. If they don’t pitch well, then Gee and/or Montero could quickly take their place.