5/26/12

Mack & Company - R.A. All The Way!!

Matt from Boca Raton sent me the following question about Mets starter, RA Dickey: 

David- The Mets hold an option for 2013 on R.A. Dickey for $5 million, or a buy-out of $300,000. He's currently 37 years old, but as a knuckleballer, that's not really a point of contention. If you are Sandy Alderson, do you pick up Dickey's option? Do you offer him a contract extension? If so, do you offer him one additional year? Two? Three?

Reese Kaplan - In his brief tenure with the Mets Dickey has turned in number two performances that would rival just about anyone in the majors short of the Phillies.  At $5 million he's a steal (especially considering that PELFREY was paid more by the clueless management team).  I'd up him 30% to $6.5 million per year and offer him 2 additional years after 2013 with an option for a third.  That would potentially keep him here through age 40.  After all, he is a knuckleballer and we've seen how long the Niekros, Wilbur Woods and Charlie Houghs of this world were able to pitch effectively.  

Sadiq Rahman - I don't care if its an option or extension, R.A Dickey needs to keep pitching for the Mets. I trust in him as much as I trust Johan Santana. He's finally found peace in his life, let's keep that way.

Jack Flynn - Knuckleballers are one of the great joys of baseball. The knuckleball is an anachronism in the modern game and RA Dickey is the last of a dying breed. Dickey's signature pitch is akin to option quarterbacks and helmetless hockey players, like two-handed set shots and wooden tennis rackets. The difference is that only the knuckleballer still hones his craft at the professional level - at least until Dickey retires. Sandy Alderson has the luxury of picking up a very reasonable option for 2013 and then going year to year with Dickey until his knuckleball finally stops knuckling. There is no need to consider a multi-year deal unless Dickey absolutely presses the issue - and even then there's no reason he can't be placated with a two-year deal and a club option for the third year.

Mack Ade - You NEVER get rid of great pitching. R. A. Dickey is a GREAT pitcher. Knuckleballers can last until Satchel Paige-like years. 

Anthony Carnacchio - Extend him! He is consistent, a great clubhouse guy and an awesome tweeter (follow me! sc_nach24). He is a reliable pitcher who can log innings and you can count on start after start. It's important to have a guy like him and Johan mentoring all the young bucks' flying through the system.

David Rubin - Matt, thanks for the question.  Last season, I truly came to appreciate just what an amazing competitor Dickey is. He could pitch in any era, and his grit and determination shine through. As a knuckleball pitcher, as Mack said, he could be around as long as a Satchel Paige or a Minnie Minoso. He provides innings, and more importantly, QUALITY innings. He is a great role model for perseverance for the younger players on the team as well as the young pitchers coming up through the system. His knuckler is a great contrast to fireballers, and with Wheeler, Harvey, Familia, et al coming through the system, he'd be a great counter-balance much the way Bobby Ojeda was for the '86 World Champions. Finally, after reading Dickey's excellent book (which can be found by clicking here) you will have a true understanding of just how much he has come through and I think you'll enjoy his success on a much deeper level then just that of another starter in the Mets' rotation. I'd offer Dickey at least 2 more years above the 2013 option, for around $6.5 mil per, and also add a club option for $7 mil more, which should take him through at least the first 2 seasons of the Mets' phenoms and after that, who knows? Replacing Warthen as the pitching coach?? Anything's possible...


1 comment:

The Behaviorist said...

Wish I'd seen this question, or I'd have commented. R.A. Dickey is obviously one of the true surprises we occasionally get to see in baseball, and as was mentioned by numerous writers on here, he definitely has the chance to pitch well into his 40s, or as RA put it himself, he's only about 27 or 28 in Knuckleballer years.

The Mets were truly privileged to find him and absolutely should renew his option ASAP for the good will, and give him at least another 2 year deal with perhaps a 3rd year club option. I think the 6.5-7 Million a year is well within both the suggested SABR budget, AND within the Mets budget.

Also, just as a side note, Dickey is fun to watch pitch. You not only get to see one of the very few knuckleballers to ever come through the majors (I think he's considered to be the 70th primary knuckleballer ever to get over 10 IP, but I'm not positive), but you really want this guy to succeed. He, much like David Wright, are guys you love to root for (unlike a certain recent former Mets SS), and are happy to see succeed, no matter where they are.