Jun
21
2012

Thanks to The Knuckleball, R.A Dickey Is On Top of The Baseball World

An article by Brandon Butler

I can remember when I heard about R.A Dickey being called up to the Mets. When I heard the news, it felt like an ordinary call-up. Nobody knew who this guy was and I felt that he was going to be a short-term option in the rotation.

Little did I know, Dickey would go on to become one of the league’s best starting pitchers two years after his call-up to the team.

R.A currently leads the Majors in wins (11), and WHIP (0.99). Dickey is also tied for the major-league lead in ERA (2.00).

As we near the end of the first-half, there has been talk of R.A starting the All-Star Game for the National League. He has also been part of the Cy Young discussion. Thats how surprising this guy has been.

The main reason why R.A Dickey is at the top of the baseball world is because of his control of the knuckleball and how he uses speed and movement on the ball to fool hitters. After watching his last start against the Orioles, Dickey’s knuckleball had great movement and control. He mixed up the speeds on his pitches. At times he threw knucklers in the range of 60 to 80+ MPH.

Even though his knuckleball is the main part of his success you also have to factor in the Met offense. I say this because even though Dickey was very consistent throughout the 2011 season, he did not have the offense behind him to earn wins. Thats how he ended 2011 with an 8-13 record. This year has been totally different in that area offensively.

At this pace, R.A Dickey could win 20+ games and have more than 200+ K’s. That would be pretty darn impressive for a knuckleball pitcher. I don’t think we’ve a dominant performance like this since Phil Niekro. If R.A keeps it up, he will get that and then some. Only time will tell.

Could R.A Dickey reach the 20 win plateau? Will he be the National League’s starting pitcher at the 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City?

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.

9 Comments + Add Comment

Metsie June 22, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Hey Brandon I wonder if at anytime during Dickey’s game vs the Orioles was Showalter muttering under his breath “I wish I had never suggested he learn to throw that Knuckleball!”

LOL
While the others will go onto bicker about who is reponsible for Dickey being here I think it was time someone pointed out exactly who helped and made Dickey what he is today!

It was Showalter who suggested he start throwing it and it’s time he gets some props for doing so!
- jerseymet June 22, 2012 at 12:40 pm
  
  Hey Buck…no good deed goes unpunished.
- Brandon Butler June 22, 2012 at 1:58 pm
  
  I wonder Metsie… He might have.
MetsJets13 June 22, 2012 at 12:30 pm

Could R.A Dickey reach the 20 win plato? Ummm what???
- Lotus1209 June 22, 2012 at 12:44 pm
  
  I think he meant plateau.
  - Metsie June 22, 2012 at 12:47 pm
    
    You don’t think he meant a 20 Win Greek Philosopher?
    
    Cause I would bet anything Dickey can quote from Plato as easily as he throws a knuckleball!
  - Brandon Butler June 22, 2012 at 1:57 pm
    
    Hehe whoopsie. Fixed.
Des June 22, 2012 at 1:19 pm

Probably the best knuckleballer I’ve ever seen. But he needs a few more seasons for consideration as a all time great. He combines mastery over different types of knucklers, command in the strike zone, quick feet with players on base, and great intelligence with the bonus of being flexible in his approach from game to game. His K/BB ratios are unbelievable. Throw in his humility and you have the reason he’s a great fan favorite.
Thanks to The Knuckleball, R.A Dickey Is On Top of The Baseball World - New-York-Mets.fans-talk.com June 22, 2012 at 1:26 pm

[...] the rest here: Thanks to The Knuckleball, R.A Dickey Is On Top of The Baseball World Tagged control, dickey, game, knuckleball, league, letsgomets, major, met, mets thoughts, [...]

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

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