1
2012
Dickey Is The Best Choice For Mets Ace If Johan Isn’t Ready
An article by 
With the uncertainty of Johan Santana being ready for Opening Day, the idea of R.A. Dickey being the Mets opening day starter are starting to take shape around Metsland. Dickey was at the Munson Dinner last night where he addressed that possibility with reporters.
I certainly hope that’s not the case. My first reaction would obviously be that I would be honored to do it, but it would be by default, because Johan is our ace. Hopefully he can come back and do what he has always done. If the gauntlet is passed for even a moment, I will try to accept the challenge the best I know how.”
I really like the idea of Dickey being the Mets Opening Day starter. Out of everyone on the Mets starting rotation in 2011, Dickey was probably the Mets’ most consistent pitcher for most of the season.
I understand Dickey is getting up there in age, but the fact of the matter is, he is the Mets best pitcher until Johan Santana proves otherwise or Pelfrey and Niese really step up big. If for some reason Santana is not able to go on Opening Day, I think Dickey will do just fine and possibly even thrive in that role.
About the Author: Brandon Butler
Brandon is currently a MMO Minor League Staff Writer. He is also the co-host of the Mets Madness Podcast on Talkshoe Radio. Brandon lives in Hornell, NY.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 24 | 18 | .571 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 20 | .535 | 1.5 |
| Phillies | 20 | 23 | .465 | 4.5 |
| Mets | 16 | 24 | .400 | 7.0 |
| Marlins | 11 | 32 | .256 | 13.5 |
Last updated: 05/18/2013
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Good job digging up the quote Butler.
On a side note: I think I should get $1 for every time my name is mentioned to trs and $2 for every time my name is mentioned on a blog I have not even commented on.
I’m wicked popular.
Metsie. you know the CORE salute you!!!!!!!!!!! lmao.. some people think too highly of themselves somehow!
Yes it’s the same people who think the world is crazy and they are the only sane ones on the planet!
LOL
Is this news? Really…Dickey could start opening day if Johan isn’t ready? *Yawn* Guess what…Johan hasn’t pitched since 9/2/10 and is trying (unsuccessfully, thus far) to comeback from a career threatening injury…even if he does comeback this year, Dickey is still the Mets #1 pitcher.
Dont blame Dickey, he wasn’t the one who sat on his hands this winter.
Not blaming him…I was actually, kind of, complimenting him. He is the Mets #1 starter, with or without Johan. As sad a statement as that is.
maniac, give him some credit, back in the day he would’ve been banned for using the name he’s using… i give trade wright for nolan a salute..
Unfortunately he is the only choice which is just sad what this front office has done to this team.
This front office has made a bad situation WORSE. I have no doubt in my mind.
Big difference between an ‘ace’ and the first in line.
Right now, the Mets don’t have an ace.
A Mets blogger recently pointed out that since entering the league, Dickey’s numbers are on par with Tim Lincecum (using advanced stats). To say Dickey isn’t an ace based on numbers is very incorrect. To say he’s not the prototypical ace, that might be more palatable. Nevertheless, he’s the best we have and has been one of the best in the league since 2010.
Be very careful playing with numbers…
NJ, U R ABSOLUTELY 100% SPOT ON, ESPECIALLY WHEN NUMBERS ARE SUBJECTED TO INTERPRETATION TAKE FOR INSTANCE THIS AUTHOR’S, (BRANDON’S), TAKE ON R.A’S AGE BEING SOME SORT OF NEGATIVE ISSUE.
FOR A STANDARDIZED SP 38 IS CERTAINLY A CONCERN IN THIS POST ‘ROID ERA; HOWEVER MASTERS OF THE ELUSIVE ‘BUTTERFLY’ KNOWN AS A KNUCKLER ARE ADOLESCENTS @ THAT AGE AS MOST PITCHED THEIR BEST WELL INTO THEIR 40s AT A TIME WHEN SYRINGES WERE CONSIDERED A PEDIATRICIAN’S STAPLE,
WILHELM, JOE NIEKRO, PHIL NIEKRO, et al ALL DID THEIR BEST WORK WHILE TINTING THE TOP OF THEIR HEADS…
we’re in trouble…. but… only us non sandy butt kissers knew that already!!
Instead of speculating before anyone has thrown a single pitch this year … I’d love it to be whomever shows they have earned the opening day game, not simply someone is anointed due to the past.
Dickey should be the ACE until Santana proves otherwise!
I think the whole thing is moot anyway I doubt highly Santana will even come up with the team when they break for the season start.
More likely they will keep him down in SoFlo until it warms up a bit and let him get himself sorted before he gets put into the rotation!
I would go Dickey, Niese, Gee, Bautista, Schwinden, Harvey, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koozman, Doc Gooden, Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda, Ollie Perez, then maybe Pelfrey to start the first game.
What? No one wants Mike Pelfrey to start Opening Day vs. Atlanta? Why, he owns the Braves! 4-9 W/L, 5.65 ERA, 86 IP, 112 Hits, and .331 batting average allowed. Oh, snap! The Braves (and the rest of MLB) own HIM!
Meanwhile, RA Dickey vs. Atlanta: 1-2, but a 2.60 ERA and .190 batting average allowed. Small sample size, but who would you rather go with on Opening Day?