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...