19
2012
Hits & Misses: Ridiculously Amazin’ Dickey, Ike’s Back, Where Are The Fans?
An article by 
Jessep texted me a great question last night, right around the seventh inning. “I can’t understand why Dickey’s games aren’t sell-outs?” That’s an easy one to answer. There was a lot of brainwashing going on in the offseason. Something about silly protests and not putting any money in Fred Wilpon’s pockets. Then you still have a bunch of fans who haven’t bought into this season yet, the non-believers… I wouldn’t worry too much about that group, Those fans will jump on the bandwagon if the Mets are still in it come August… They always do.
Dickey has been remarkable, incredible, unbelievable… So what the hell is Sandy Alderson waiting for to sign him to an extension? Someone oughta tell him that Dickey’s price will triple if he wins a Cy Young. I bet four years and $50 million will get it done. By the way, if you read yesterday’s game preview you’d know why I referred to Dickey as the Stopper. And if there’s anymore question in your mind as to who the ace of this team is, last night should have put all those questions to bed. All I can say is this…
If you haven’t figured it out yet, first baseman Ike Davis is back… He’s our MMO Player of the Week and it’s well deserved and the first of many.
It was nice to see the Brooklyn Cyclones open their season with a win over the Staten Island Yankees. Maybe it’s because the ‘Clones actually play in NYC and are just a dozen subway stops from Citi Field, but I just enjoy following them more than the other affiliates. I love their ballpark and the atmosphere is pure baseball like it oughta be. Did I mention the $5 tickets?
Roger Clemens beat the system. He may have been found not guilty of lying to congress, but he’ll be forever guilty in the court of public opinion. And these days that’s the only court that really counts. It goes to show you that as long as you have $5 million dollars for your defense team, you could get away with murder. Maybe he’ll tell us how his DNA got into those syringes, swabs and bandages in his new tell-almost-all book.
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 43 | 30 | .589 | - |
| Nationals | 35 | 36 | .493 | 7.0 |
| Phillies | 35 | 38 | .479 | 8.0 |
| Mets | 27 | 41 | .397 | 13.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 49 | .310 | 20.0 |
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He is must-see TV. There’s no other way to put it.
I think last night locked up his all-star start as well. Cain struggled against LAA but did get the Win. I thought they were pretty much neck and neck but last night locked it up.
RA Dickey is a guy that is going to bring a buzz to Citi Field in the 2nd half. He’s going to throw a no hitter in a Mets uniform. I’m so confident of that.
The Mets need to capitalize on their Dickey and even Santana home games. They are always so thrilling to watch. Not many teams can say they have 2 guys like them in their rotation that are healthy.
As for signing him. I imagine it will be a discussion in the off-season rather than now. I don’t see Dickey as a guy who likes talking business, let alone talking business during the season.
I’m not sure he locked up the All-Star start – Cain has had a tremendous half and has a stronger career resume. But they are both going to be on the team for sure.
Before last night, they were neck and neck in terms of performance in 2012. Obviously Cain’s perfecto comes into play.
However, Dickey took the lead last night in my view. He’s by FAR the best story of any all-star candidate right now. Which adds buzz to the all-star game.
He’s got a better ERA, K, W, WHIP, and 1 fewer walk than Cain in 1 less inning.
They both have 3 more starts. Strasburg can sneak in there also. But right now, I believe it is Dickey’s to lose.
Two guys from Tennessee it will be a great debate.
asg is “supposed” to be aboiut current performance not career numbers
“So what the hell is Sandy Alderson waiting for to sign him to an extension?”
Team option for next year. No rush.
I’d rather just marvel in the awesomeness that Dickey is bringing 24/7 than worry about a contract question a year and a half away.
I’m not sure that using the Jose Reyes playbook is the way to go here. If their intention is to pick up the Dickey and Wright options and ho-hum their way through the 2013 season, they are both as good as gone.
Some players supersede standard operating procedures because of their importance to the team brand and image, and the relationship they have with the fan base. Other teams realize this and dont wait for option years or free agency to commit to their core or special players.
I hope they dont intend to play the same game of charades with Wright and Dickey as they did with Reyes. So far it looks like that’s exactly what they are doing.
“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of time, Reyes has a 2011 option”. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard or read that.
Joe, I wrote it in another post, but it bears repeating: DICKEY IS GOING NOWHERE! Back on May 24, Dickey said the following:
“I like it here and I want to be here. I feel like the team is moving in the right direction, and I want to be a part of the solution. Now it’s up to them. If I’m in their plans, [a contract extension] is one way to make it known. … I made the comment before, when I signed my contract, that it was my hope to be the best bargain around. It looks like it’s kind of come true the last couple of years.”
He wants to be here, so let’s keep him around for the next four years. With the new breed of SP coming, he can easily be our next closer. Wright? Different story. Will they dangle him during the offseason for Grade A caliber talent or will they extend him? I’d try the former before the latter.
@ EvenFlow good points. Dickey is an unusual person. This Jedi is flirting with perfection. He is doing what no one ever has done before, Tame the Knucleball. This is prehaps the greatest moment in his career. The slightest difference will change the flight of the ball. Dickey’s challange will be to adjust. Seaver was such a master of small modifications. Both are brilliant men and true pitchers. Dickey is a man of Integrety. He and Johan would be perfect mentors for the young pitching studs that will soon arive in Flushing. We have discussed the merit of Dickey Closing…He could do it….after this season.
Good pitching beats good hitting. Dickey can not be replaced. He is humble, he is greatful he is a winner. David also has these charactor traits however David may soon need to move to another position. David, an MVP, can be replaced. PREDICTION Alderson will pick up his option, then shop him for a catcher. Dickey will get a 4 year deal this Season.
@Jerseymet, while I like the idea of trading for a catcher, I would NOT trade Wright for a catcher. If anything, I’d trade Wright for pitching. In the offseason, they should explore the possibility of talking to the Mariners about possibly acquiring either Taijuan Walker (has been compared to a young Doc Gooden) or Danny Hultzen. I actually would prefer Hultzen. Tag in a few prospects like Cuan, Vaughn, and Tapia.
I’d be intrigued in bringing in Kurt Suzuki or Kelly Shoppach as far as catching goes. Suzuki is rumored to be on the move, is very good defensively (currently leading the AL in CS%) and has some pop in that bat….even if he can’t do much besides that. Shoppach for the same reason (although he’s hitting .273 in Boston this season).
It is not the “Jose Reyes” playbook. It is the “lets not sink all our new money at one time just yet” playbook. Do you really think he can keep up this pace forever?
I can easily call what you are advocating the “Luis Castillo playbook” but that would be silly since there are many many stark differences. Saying this is just the like the Reyes situation is just as silly.
“Some players supersede standard operating procedures because of their importance to the team brand and image, and the relationship they have with the fan base. Other teams realize this and dont wait for option years or free agency to commit to their core or special players.”
And some teams jump the gun and commit themselves to a lousy deal that kills them in the long run (see Howard, Ryan and Castillo, Luis and Bedard, Eric).
If they sign Dickey to a 4 year deal tomorrow and he ends up just hovering around 4.50 for the length of it, we’re all going to be crying about it and wondering why the FO didn’t do a better job figuring it out.
I really don’t want to be a wet blanket. I love having him here. He’s a good player and an outstanding person. I hope the Mets do lock him down for a few more years. But how about we make sure this 38 year old knuckleballer is going to keep up a good pace and not just fall off the table as soon as his hot streak ends?
I think the Mets need to lock him or Wright up sooner rather than later just to show “us” that Reyes isn’t the rule, but an exception.
I will say this though. Reyes is overpaid and the batting champ is hitting .275 and is blending into the NL. The supposed superstar also has less all-star votes than Omar Infante right now.
In fact I bet you can find quotes from me stating 2010 is what I expect from him for the majority of his contract. If you look at 2010 compared to 2012… they are very, VERY similar.
I will say this though. Reyes is overpaid and the batting champ is hitting .275 and is blending into the NL. The supposed superstar also has less all-star votes than Omar Infante right now”
And Somehow that makes sandy alderson a genius? what about the $12 million he invested in the 3 bullpen guys we got this year who are absolutely being garbage huh? When can we expect an article from you admitting how shi*** day he had instead of the good one? If we go by Salary Reyes is making $10 million this year so hey, let’s wait and see what happens at the end of the year k, focus on YOUR NY METS for once and the poor job sandy is doing
Alex: Please find for me in my post where I said “And Somehow that makes sandy alderson a genius.”
If you can’t find it, then don’t reply to me suggesting I said that.
what is the point you’re making then by mentioning reyes???? how come you were not rooting for the mets to sign Wright last season? to extend his contract? ohhh, that’s right, he was playing sh*** and back problems affected his play, you need to move on from the reyes situation, it’s over with, for a guy that has begged others to move on from the reyes and omar era you sure find time to talk about them… Focus on what we need, we do not need to sign dickey nor wright because they’re under contract, and it seems funny, the are playing to get that big extension to secure themselves financially, yet you don’t seem to mention that…
Yep because it’s hard to figure out and find a weakness or vulnerability in a pitch that normally is unpredictable and when added to changing speeds, ability to locate and paint makes that one unpredictable pitch about 15-120 unpredictable pitches!
The only thing that ever stops a good knuckleballer is his eventual desire to retire and do something else with thier life!
Pay the man!
RAD is the man…nuf said.
As for the fans…
#1. This teams hasn’t proven anything yet. The bandwagon fans won’t comeback because of a decent start. The “true” fans are still hurt and disheartened over the recent events of this team going back for 6 years. The Reyes situation… the Pnozie thing… The Dodger’s tribute of a ballpark, collapses… the hatred for Wilpon, Omar, Sandy… the fact that Sandy hasn’t done anything to build excitement and faith that the team is truly looking to compete….the lack of excitement from the media….and tons of bad/questionable contracts. (this wasn’t a Sandy bashing post, just stating the obvious and the perception)
#2. Also, as great as they’ve looked at times this year, they’ve also bombed out several times. How much different would the attendance numbers be last night if the Mets actually took 2 of 3 from the Reds instead of getting beat down?
#3. The games are expensive and the economy still sucks. People aren’t working, aren’t getting raises and are being forced into taking jobs that pay less than 60% of their previous job. People with disposable incomes go to baseball games.
As for Clemens, WTF? How the F does the get off??? Everybody knows he lied…how can our government be so inept as to waste all this time and money and can’t get a convection. Well, seeing how of Fed has been run for the past 12 years, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Regarding attendance and sellouts it should be pointed out that after June is when the majority of Ad Hoc Tickets are sold since the kids are out of school and people use thier vacation and off days to go to games.
Fathers day was a good example of what we might see come July and August as far as attendance.
Father’s day is always a good baseball draw as sons buy tickets to take their fathers to see a ballgame.
They drew 40K that day which is probably the highest draw since Opening day.
In order to sell out every game though you have to sell a majority of them through season tickets before a single game is even played.
Thats why the Phillies still have high attendance despite thier record.
Once you buy them you tend to use them or give them to someone who will so the money isn’t wasted.
This team will have to win a WS before that happens I fear. The Fanbase simply doesn’t trust them!
Hi Metsie,
It’s also that the fan base can’t afford them – not with the added on fees.
Last night they drew 2,000 above their average attendance. That could be seen as a very good crowd for a Monday night except that was the same they average for each of the three Phillies games played between a Monday and Wednesday a few weeks back – and the temperature was in the upper eighties, the Mets were in second place, 2-1.2 games out having won six of their last eight.
Wonder how much dynamic pricing has made fans wait before buying tickets to see if the price drops and by the time they find out, have already made other plans or lost interest in going.
Hi Joe,
I think, The Dynamic pricing is working. I’d knew a few people that went for the $5.75 seats last night. Butts in the seats is what is what its about. Park a car. Buy a beer. Be backround for the TV show. Nobody wants to go to an empty establishment. The Wipons know this. The Money is in the EXPENSIVE seats. Most of the time it is empty behind home plate. Why not let Service Men and Women in Uniform sit there? Wall Street already paid for them.
The Wilpons are rebuilding their buisness. Last year, on Stub Hub, they were selling $2 seats this year its $10 seats. Lets go Mets!
Hi Jersey,
I wonder if there is any information available to show how much dynamic pricing has helped increase attendance with a surge of tickets sold a few days before and more day of game sales. I know it helps us fans but I think that would still present a problem for the owners since it means cutting ticket prices. But of course it’s better than selling no ticket at all and, as Metsie would say it also means more money made through concessions (right, Metsie? LOL).
Joey that results in them buying fewer tickets per year but people will still go to see a game or two and there are enough people in this town who would do that if they thought they would see the team race to a playoff.
And come September if they were still in it even more would buy regardless of the price.
The price is not really the main consdieration for season ticket holders…They can easily afford any amount it costs to go to a game!
And to reach a number of 35K+ every night pretty much requires you to have sold at least 15-20K worth of season tickets before the first game has been played.
Advance ticket sales will get you another 10K and usually are sold for promotional days not regular games, and another 5K are the Hey there’s nothing to do on Tuesday lets go to Citifield and catch a game.
Fewer of the latter but I bet those numbers aren’t far off…It’s all those season tickets no one bought that is where the shortfall is.
I like the point about the Phillies string of sell out. Games there are an event. Lots of people looking to be seen. They kind of have the velvet rope thing going on. Once anyone can get a ticket it won’t seem so special. The Phillies are aging badly. Lots of sold but empty seats. I look for their season ticket sales to tumble. Think of Camden Yards after Cal Ripkin retired.
It doesn’t hurt that they are the only baseball team to go see in town….
Winnning will help you sell more of what season tickets didn’t snap up. And will result in more season tickets sold the following year…
But winning itself is not what sells out a stadium…PLAYOFF PROMISE does!
And the Phils sold so many season tickets that they are selling out while we struggle to get slightly more than half full!
Dickey and Wright both have options. There’s no rush. The time to be worried will be after the season if either of them are commenting that there is still no discussion on a contract. The team is definitely trending upward. Whether or not that turns into a pl. yoff spot this year remains to be seen. Though for all their shortcomings the team seems to have great chemistry and plays hard. Hopefully with some players coming off the dl and Ike beginning to produce things will continue to improve. Chin up guys, its been a fun ride so far and the future looks bright.
Ridiculously Amazin’ Dickey”
Agree… The guy has been short of amazing
Ike’s Back”
back to what exactly? hit 190? He’s doing good and i want him to do good, let’s just wait a bit… 2 weeks of consistent hitting then we talk…
Where Are The Fans?
Ummm… Until sandy alderson puts a team worth watching fans will stay at home, Going to games is expensive..Also, there’s no real stars on this team you really wanna stop and see… Nothing Excites the fans with this team, i love johan and dickey has been a story, and even DW’s hot start was imprerssive, but the team is up and down and i guess fans know chances of us winning etc are not great..
So, this team hasn’t been worth watching? Are you kidding? This is the most fun, hardest playing, most exciting Met team in five years.
I was at last night’s game, and trust me, the fans were plenty excited. I haven’t felt energy like that at a Met game since Johan’s famous start at the 2nd-to-last Shea game.
Seriously. If you don’t think this team is worth watching, please…don’t watch, and, most importantly, stop complaining. Watch your precious Marlins. And stay home. Let the real fans have fun while you front run and wish for superstars who fit your narrow little mold and your fantasy baseball mentality.
Mikey,
I’m with you! I love this team!! They play hard – never any quit in them! They are home grown! Honestly, does anyone miss Jose Reyes? If Ike can put it together, I think the Mets can be in it all year.
Is Valdespin the answer at 2nd? If so then I see the Mets making a move – possibly Murphy and Hairston for a pitcher? They take 2 out of 3 from the Yankees this weekend!
Hi JJ,
Glad to see Valdespin finally getting a shot at the majors, however, I think it’s premature to even consider making roster changes based on what he has done in 56 plate appearances.
One must also ask why he stayed in the minor leagues five years without even a cup of coffee in September (although the Mets did see something in him to keep him on the 40 man roster and not subject him to the rule V draft). Also, why wasn’t he given a shot a second last year instead of Brad Emus?
Can see him being part of the answer to our bench strength and maybe in the future he might be able to break into the starting line-up, however, as we can see, the Mets need Murphy’s bat in the lineup and he is providing an adequate job at second.
Francesa saying right now Mets should not wait and lock Dickey up now. He said Dickey will be appreciative “now”. IMO in other words later is a different story
He thinks if Mets offer something like 7 mill a year for 4 years he’d take it now but if they wait he believes his agent will tell him to test the open market and will get a lot more money because he’s pitching like a 20 mill a year pitcher. I agree and oh – Francesa mentioned Dickey’s age too and that was the point i was trying to make last night.
Dickey has to do what’s best for him and his family before any allegiance to any team
Dickey has to do what’s best for him and his family before any allegiance to any team”
Bayonne, couldn’t agree more, but then again, as others have elluted, what if he’s playing for that contract and then reverse back to being the career pitcher he’s been? This is not the norm and as you mention he’s not 23 years old, i do think however we should wait and see what happens this year and next, if he continue to do well into next year then yes, talk contract for him and #5, but until then, leave things the way they are.. Remember that delgado 2008 season? we picked up his option and almost extended him… How that worked out for us?
I’ve gone to five games already in between a fluid and hectic work schedule, with tickets in my pocket for Saturday and plans for more games later in the year. I live close to the stadium so I save money by pregaming before the game. Once school is officially out attendance should usually goes up across the league, and going forward Dickeys starts will be the hot ticket. I think the Mets should consider picking up that option year for Dickey (and Wright) now to show good intentions going negotiations on new contracts.
Dickey is having an incredible season an Amazing season if you will but I think all this talk about extending him is getting a bit ahead of ourselves.
Dickey as great a season he is having it is still a half a season to suggest he will pitch at this level for the next 5 years in my opinion is jumping the gun. Coming into 2012 no one could expect Dickey to do what he has done of late and rightly so cause it has never been done.
I don’t know if talks are already underway to extend Dickey (no pun intended) or that talks may be planned sometime in the near future. Whatever the case may be Dickey is here through next season. Right now their just is no rush to lock Dickey up long term. I understand their is a concern due to what transpired with Reyes but that doesn’t mean that every soon to be free agent will end up going the same route.
I got over losing Reyes, but if we lose Dickey or Wright too then we need an overhaul in the front office again. It’s not like they’ve done much since getting here anyway. That Pelfrey $6million was a complete waste and letting Capuano go because he wanted a second year? Probably the worst GM decision of the year as Capuano is easily the best bargain of the 2010 free agent class. And lets not forget the bullpen overhaul which some Mets sites graded an A+ including this one I think.
Wow… Spot on original… Glad you see it how we see it… I don’t think this site graded the bullpen overhaul an A+, i think it was called “sandy had a good day”
I don’t think this site graded the bullpen overhaul an A+, i think it was called “sandy had a good day”
You are something else, man… lol
Testing….
A Post…that will Live…In Infamy!
LOL
Original: I will wait to crucify a front office for losing wright/dickey until after they do. If they do.
Pelfrey was an arbitration case and frankly, pitched well. His injury was something you couldn’t predict.
Cap’s 2011 season was average at best. I really liked him but I don’t think its fair to say they should have cut Pelf and signed Cap to a 2 year deal. That is much easier said than done and there was a better chance Pelf could have success over the next 2 years than Cap pitching how he did in April-May over the next 2 years.
RA reminds of the rush to watch Doc pitch and Straw hit when they were in their prime for Mets, RA is a must see for me when he pitches cause as with his knuckle ball you don’t know what is going to happen and it couldn’t happen to a better person and team mate.
RA needs to be rs-signed as does David to put TWO faces out there for team as youngsters start contributing to team. When is going to be determined by how much SA and Wilpons want to add to payroll from reduced payroll to keep David and RA plus it will limit I think any further additions in terms of big splash FA cause if you are developing from within then you keep the faces of team, RA and David, maybe No Han, and surround them with pieces like Duda, Ike, Cap Kirk, Spin, and any up and coming OF that has pop.
We need to remember that when they are re signed cause other than maybe try again to fix BP Wilpons and SA will not add any big names at high $$$, to tean
What has to be taken into consideration is R.A.’s age but I don’t mean that in terms of contract length or money.
At 37 and having to go through so many rough times before success came to him, I am sure R.A. appreciates the more important things in life than getting the most money one could receive. I don’t read where he is unhappy living in New York at least during the season. He has he lifestyle established. He has a repoire with the fan base. And he knows he will make enough money that if properly invested and saved, will keep him and his family financially secure (how much does one really need at that point anyway?) Offer him a decent contract and I think he will be satisfied – after all, his agent isn’t Scott Boras.