Trying to get the most out of R.A. Dickey, both on the field and at the gate, the Mets moved him from Sunday’s start to Saturday. The switch allows him to start the home finale next Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates instead of in Atlanta the next night against the Braves.
It might not be much with the way the Mets are drawing, but he could be going for his 20th win in the finale which would be a good send off.
Chris Young flips with Dickey and will start Sunday against the Marlins.
“He wanted to pitch at home one more time,” manager Terry Collins said, noting that Dickey and pitching coach Dan Warthen cooked up the new schedule. “I thought it was a great idea, so we decided to do it that way.”
Dickey, 18-6 with a 2.67 ERA, will get three chances to win 20 games.
About his Cy Young chances?
The Nationals’ Gio Gonzalez might be ranked ahead of him, but working in his favor is being 12 games over .500 for a team approaching 20 under overall.
As somebody who has voted for the major awards, pitchers on losing teams get more consideration for the Cy Young than MVP candidates on losers.
The Mets said several times they anticipate signing Dickey to a contract extension.
Thoughts from Joe D.
In my opinion Dickey’s best shot to win 20 would have been more probable on the road than at home where the Mets can’t score runs or attract fans.
I wish Dickey all the luck in the world… He’ll need it… I’ll be pulling for him…
