Dickey Says Goodbye

In a guest post in the New York Daily News, R.A. Dickey said farewell to the fan base and city that he has been a part of for the past three years.

Here are a few excerpts...

On the trade to Toronto and his connection to the Mets fans:

I am not going to lie to you, though. The trade was hard for me at first. This is where my heart was, where I wanted to be, where I lived out a story of redemption and felt that every one of you shared it with me in some form or fashion. I loved pitching for you. I loved your passion, the way you embraced me from the start, and the way you seemed to appreciate the effort I was putting forth. Every time I’d walk off the mound after an outing, I’d look in your faces, the people behind the dugout, and felt as if all your energy and support was pouring right into me — even when I was lousy. It gives me chill bumps thinking about it even now. 

On joining the Blue Jays:

As I move beyond the sadness over leaving here, I know I have a tremendous amount to look forward to. The Blue Jays may need name tags on the first day of spring training, but once we get acquainted, well, this team could be something. I appreciate the welcome I’ve already gotten from them, and what they’re trying to build. We’ll see how it all unfolds.

Who would have thought back in December of 2009 that this is how it would end.

His signing was laughed at by just about everyone, myself included. But then something changed.

Dickey turned out to be good. Not good, that's an understatement. He was great. Not just on the field, but off.

He was the first player in a long time that I actually liked. He was (and still is) a good human being.

Because of that, he will get a loud cheer from me the next time I see him play, whenever or wherever that may be.

Best of luck in Toronto, R.A. You may not be a Met anymore, but we're all still rooting for you.

Trade Official: Dickey, Thole, & Nickeas Are Off To Toronto

Official press release from the Mets:

FLUSHING, N.Y., December 17, 2012 – The New York Mets today announced that they acquired catchers Travis d’Arnaud and John Buck, righthanded pitcher Noah Syndergaard and outfielder Wuilmer Becerra from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for righthanded pitcher R.A. Dickey and catchers Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas.

TRAVIS D’ARNAUD (pronounced “DAR-no”)

The 23-year-old d’Arnaud was ranked by MLB.com as the 11^th-best prospect in all of baseball and the best catching prospect this past September. The righthanded hitter batted .333 (93-279) with 45 runs scored, 21 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs and 52 RBI with a .380 on-base percentage in 67 games with Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate, Las Vegas (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League, last season. The Long Beach, Calif. native missed the final two months of the season after suffering a tear to the posterior cruciate ligament of his left knee which did not require surgery.

He was named the Eastern League’s Most Valuable Player in 2011 after hitting .311 (132-424) with 72 runs scored, 33 doubles, 21 home runs and 78 RBI with a .371 on-base percentage with New Hampshire (AA). D’Arnaud also led the EL with a .542 slugging percentage and was named the league’s best defensive catcher by EL managers.

A former first-round compensation selection by Philadelphia in 2007, d’Arnaud was acquired by the Blue Jays in the trade that sent Roy Halladay to the Phillies in December, 2009. The 6-2, 195-pounder has hit .286 (523-1,828) with 133 doubles, 66 home runs, 289 RBI with a .343 on-base percentage and a .474 slugging percentage in six minor league seasons. D’Arnaud has been named to four minor league All-Star teams during that span and twice played in MLB’s Futures Game. His older brother Chase is an infielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

JOHN BUCK

Buck, 32, has 48 home runs over the last three years (2010-2012), the third-most in the majors as a catcher behind Brian McCann (63) and Matt Wieters (53). The 6-2, 230-pounder also has 160 RBI while playing behind the plate, ranking sixth in the majors during that span. Buck was an All-Star in 2010 when he hit 20 home runs and drove in 66 runs for the Blue Jays.

The Kemmerer, Wyo. native batted .192 (66-343) with 15 doubles, 12 home runs and 41 RBI in 106 games for the Miami Marlins last year. Buck has hit .235 (737-3,131) with 159 doubles, 118 home runs and 423 RBI during his nine-year career with the Royals, Blue Jays and Marlins.

NOAH SYNDERGAARD (pronounced “Sin-Der-Guard”)

Syndergaard, 20, went 8-5 with a 2.60 ERA (30 earned runs/103.2 innings) and finished third in the Midwest League with 122 strikeouts in 27 games, 19 starts, for Lansing (A) in 2012. The 6-5, 200-pounder issued 31 walks and allowed three home runs while holding opponents to a .212 batting average.

The Mansfield, Tex. native ended 2012 as the third-best prospect in the Blue Jays organization according to MLB.com. Syndergaard was Toronto’s first round selection (38^th overall) in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

Syndergaard is 13-8 with a 2.35 ERA (46 earned runs/176.0 innings) and 196 strikeouts in 45 games, 35 starts in three minor league seasons.

WUILMER BECERRA (pronounced “Wilmer Ba-Ser-ah”)

Becerra, 18, hit .250 (8-32) with four doubles and four RBI in 11 games with the rookie-level Gulf Coast Blue Jays last year. The 6-4, 190-pounder is the son of former St. Louis Cardinals scout and Venezuelan star Wilmer Becerra.

A Mets Player Is Leaving, Let The Character Assassination Begin

It's looking more and more likely that R.A. Dickey will be traded to Toronto. Quick! Start trash talking him. It's the New York way.

Just as there are five stages of grief, there are apparently different stages when covering a baseball trade. First stage: speculation. Second stage: character assassination.

Currently, we appear to be in this second stage. Exhibit A: Ken Davidoff's piece in the New York Post this morning.

Davidoff wrote that Dickey is essentially a publicity hound who chose the wrong time (Kids Holiday Party) to discuss what everyone who follows the Mets is talking about...his contract negotiations.

Then there's this gem from Davidoff's story:

"He clearly has enjoyed his rise from the ashes into a Flushing folk hero, and while he deserves praise and riches, there’s also the matter of him having to coexist peacefully in a workplace. His gift for self-promotion and his love of attention don’t endear himself to most teammates. Instead, his durability and outstanding results led him to be appreciated but far from beloved."

I've seen some people asking where these stories about Dickey were during the season.

Let's say what Davidoff is writing is true. His teammates were not his biggest fans. He's only out for himself. Are the Mets really going to convey these facts to the fans, the same people who love the guy and are willing to spend their money to go to Citi Field just to watch him pitch?

The answer is no. He was their money maker. You don't bite the hand that feeds you.

You apparently wait until you have the opportunity to ship him out to do such a thing.

The fact remains that many of us are not insiders. Some seem to think they are, but they aren't. Reporters, such as Davidoff, are in the clubhouse day in and day out. Who knows. Maybe Dickey isn't the kind of guy the media portrayed to us.

Does it really matter?

Dickey provided Mets fans with something we haven't had in a long time. Something, or someone, to root for. Every fifth day he commanded our attention when he took the mound.

He provided a distraction to those of us who needed to be distracted from whatever was going on in our lives. It was entertainment.

And now that that entertainment is leaving, some feel the need to change our perception of the man. It's just sad.

I've figured for a while now that Dickey would not be a Met in 2013. I've come to terms with it.

What I didn't figure was that the media who told me how great a guy Dickey was would be the same media who would be trashing him as he's walking out the door.

Mets, David Wright Donate $250,000 To Mayor's Fund

 

From the Mets...

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., December 6, 2012 – Third baseman David Wright and the New York Mets today announced a $250,000 donation to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to support hurricane restoration efforts.  The announcement was made by Wright and Mets COO Jeff Wilpon during a visit to P.S. 38 on Staten Island, where 80% of the student population was affected by Hurricane Sandy.

 

New York City Council Member James Oddo (Republican – District 50) brought the Staten Island school to Wright’s attention. Dennis M. Walcott, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, joined Oddo, Wright, and Wilpon at today’s event.

 

“I love New York and it broke my heart to see the devastation throughout this city,” said Wright.  “I admire the thousands of New Yorkers who are courageously working hard to rebuild their homes and communities.  The people of this city have supported me for the past nine years and this is just a small way for me to say thanks.”

 

“We’re proud to join with David to contribute to the Mayor’s Fund and help our great city recover from this devastating storm,” Wilpon said.  “Giving back to the community is part of who we are as an organization and we pledge to continue to help the Mayor and the city in the weeks and months ahead.”

 

“Our City is incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from countless generous individuals and companies that have stepped forward to help New Yorkers whose lives have been turned upside down by Hurricane Sandy,” said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  “David Wright, the Wilpons and the Mets have always shown their solidarity with New York City and their support and generous contribution to the Mayor’s Fund will go a long way towards helping our recovery.”

 

“As an elected representative for this community and a lifelong Mets fan, I am particularly grateful that Jeff and David will bring smiles to the faces of school kids affected by Sandy, and for remembering their families need our ongoing help and support,” Council Member Oddo said.

 

“I want to thank David Wright, Jeff Wilpon, and the Mets for their generous donation to help many of our families who have lost so much during the hurricane,” Chancellor Walcott said. “Their support, through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, strengthens our relief efforts.”

 

The Mets have been actively engaged in helping the local community recover from the damaging effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Citi Field continues to be utilized as a staging ground for emergency services personnel. Mets players Johan Santana, Dillon Gee, Bobby Parnell, Matt Harvey and Jonathon Niese along with Mets staff have helped distribute hot meals, water, shovels, and cleaning supplies to communities in Coney Island, Breezy Point, Far Rockaway and Long Beach.

 

The Mayor’s Fund is accepting financial donations from organizations and individuals to support hurricane restoration efforts. One hundred percent of donations are being dispersed to relief efforts and organizations. The City is currently providing essential living supplies via distribution sites - including food, hygiene items, and cleaning materials - and will also support long-term recovery efforts. To donate by mail, make checks payable to Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and send to 253 Broadway, Eighth  Floor, New York City, New York 10007 (in memo line: Hurricane Sandy Relief).  For any questions or to donate over the phone call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside New York City).

Spring Training Schedule Released

The Mets released their Spring Training schedule, which kicks off on February 23 against the Nationals.

With the spring schedule ending on March 28 and Opening Day April 1, there was talk that the team may schedule a game or two out in Las Vegas. According to Marc Carig, however, that will not happen. 

Here is the schedule:

Sat	February 23	Washington Nationals	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Sun.	February 24	University of Michigan	Port St. Lucie	12:10 p.m.
		Houston Astros	Kissimmee	TBA
Mon.	February 25	Washington Nationals	Port St. Lucie	6:10 p.m.
Tue.	February 26	Miami Marlins	Jupiter	1:05 p.m.
Wed.	February 27	St. Louis Cardinals	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Thurs.	February 28	Washington Nationals	Viera	6:05 p.m.
Fri.	March 1	Detroit Tigers	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Sat.	March 2	Miami Marlins	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Sun.	March 3	Miami Marlins	Jupiter	1:05 p.m.
Mon.	March 4	Atlanta Braves	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Tue.	March 5	OFF
Wed.	March 6	Venezuela WBC	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Thurs.	March 7	Miami Marlins	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Fri.	March 8	Detroit Tigers	Lakeland	1:05 p.m.
Sat.	March 9	Houston Astros	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Sun.	March 10	St. Louis Cardinals	Jupiter	1:05 p.m.
Mon.	March 11	Detroit Tigers	Lakeland	1:05 p.m.
Tue.	March 12	OFF
Wed.	March 13	Washington Nationals	Viera	1:05 p.m.
Thurs.	March 14	Detroit Tigers	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Fri.	March 15	Atlanta Braves	Disney	1:05 p.m.
Sat.	March 16	Miami Marlins	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Sun.	March 17	Atlanta Braves	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Mon.	March 18	St. Louis Cardinals	Jupiter	1:05 p.m.
Tue.	March 19	OFF
Wed.	March 20	Houston Astros	Kissimmee	TBA
Thurs.	March 21	St. Louis Cardinals	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Fri.	March 22	Miami Marlins	Jupiter	7:05 p.m.
Sat.	March 23	Washington Nationals	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Sun.	March 24	Detroit Tigers	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
		St. Louis Cardinals	Jupiter	1:05 p.m.
Mon.	March 25	Atlanta Braves	Disney	1:05 p.m.
Tue.	March 26	St. Louis Cardinals	Port St. Lucie	1:10 p.m.
Wed.	March 27	Houston Astros	Port St. Lucie	6:10 p.m.
Thurs.	March 28	Washington Nationals	Viera	1:05 p.m.

Holiday Ticket Sale Starts Monday

The Mets holiday ticket sale will begin this Monday, November 19 at 10 a.m.

Through December 20, single-game tickets for most April and May games will be just $12. There are also four-game holiday packs available. There will be a limited number of tickets available for Opening Day.

The following holiday ticket packages are available:

Division Pack: Includes games against the Marlins (April 5), Braves (July 22), Phillies (Aug. 26), and Nationals (Sept. 10).

Playoff Pack: Includes games against the Reds (May 21), Cardinals (June 12), Tigers (Aug. 23), and Giants (Sept. 17).

Saturday Pack: Includes games against the Nationals (April 20), Pirates (May 11), Royals (Aug. 3), and Brewers (Sept. 28).

Sunday Pack: Includes games against the Nationals (April 21), Pirates (May 12), Royals (Aug. 4), and Brewers (Sept. 29).

Matinee Pack: Includes games against the Padres (April 4), Dodgers (April 25), Cardinals (June 13), and Giants (Sept. 19).

All packages also include one ticket to the 2013 MLB All-Star Game FanFest at the Javits Center in July.

Ticket prices are as follows for the following sections:

Promenade Reserved: $99 per seat
Caesars Box: $129 per seat
Baseline Box: $179 per seat
Metro Box: $249 per seat
Champions Club: $349 per seat

To order tickets, visit mets.com or call 718-507-TIXX.

R.A. Dickey Wins National League Cy Young

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2012 National League Cy Young award winner!

By now you've heard the story. First one cut in 2010 to a 20-game winner, All-Star, and Cy Young winner in 2012, with the climbing of Mt. Kilimanjaro thrown in there for good measure (Actually, it was for a good cause).

I'm not going to over-analyze this. He was the best and rewarded for it (That's over-simplifying it, but I don't care). Let's all just take a moment to enjoy the fact that something good happened to a Mets player.

Tom Seaver and Dwight Gooden, both of whom won the Cy Young award while playing for the Mets (Seaver won it three times, while Gooden won it in 1985), released statements congratulating Dickey on his award.

Tom Seaver:
"My hats off to Mr. Dickey. I watched one of his outings when I was in town and I was amazed by his control. I was always looking for new ammunition to bring to the mound so I attempted the knuckleball. It's a very difficult pitch to throw and needless to say, I never mastered it. I congratulate him on his tenacity not only to succeed against all odds but to excel and achieve this very high honor. I look forward to congratulating him personally." 

Dwight Gooden:
"I saw R.A. pitch at least 10 times this year. I'm really amazed how he was able to remake his career. I never even thought about throwing a knuckleball. To win the Cy Young Award at his age is more incredible than when I was at age 20."

Congratulations, R.A. Well deserved.

The Mets And Jason Bay Part Ways

The Mets announced today that they have negotiated an early expiration of Jason Bay's contract. The agreement gives Bay unrestricted free agency, and according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, he will receive his 2013 salary. 

WHAT?!?

I never thought I'd see the day, but this is the best for everyone. Bay played his heart out day in and day out, but found little success in New York. 

I always hoped Bay would finally find success again, but it wasn't meant to be. 

I wish him the best. Good luck, Jay Bay. 

Duda Has Surgery To Repair Fractured Wrist

Lucas Duda had surgery yesterday to repair his right wrist, which he fractured last month while moving furniture back home in Southern California.

Sounds like something that would happen to a Mets player.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Andrew Weiland, the team's hand specialist, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.

Mets And City Harvest To Hold Food Drive

The Mets announced today that they are teaming up with City Harvest to host a food drive at Citi Field on Wednesday, November 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here's more information about the food drive from the press release...

Fans can drop off their food donation inside the Hidges VIP entrance next to the Mets Team Store.  

Fans donating 10 items or more of nonperishable nutritious food will receive a voucher redeemable for one pair of tickets to a select Mets game in April 2013. Donors will also receive 15% off select merchandise at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field. Season Ticket Holders who donate food can show their ID card to get 20% off select items. The discount will only be honored Wednesday, November 14.  

Among the items most needed are: canned fruit and vegetables, plastic jars of peanut butter, packages of hot or cold cereal, and packages of macaroni and cheese. Items that will not be accepted are: unlabeled, expired, or dented cans; any open packaging; products that need to be refrigerated; or homemade products. 

Fans dropping off food may park in Lot G on 126th Street between the Right Field Gate and Roosevelt Avenue.    

Mets Join In Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort

The New York Daily News reported today that the Mets donated $100,000 to the paper's disaster relief fund.

According to the Daily News, the team has provided a staging area at Citi Field for a number of emergency personnel including, "Con Ed, FEMA, the New York National Guard, the city Office of Emergency Management, the Federal Incident Management teams, and mutual assistance electrical teams."

The Mets have also made their minor league park, MCU Park in Brooklyn, available to FEMA for the distribution of food, water, and other supplies.

If you would like to donate and help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, you can visit the following sites:

American Red Cross (You can also text "Redcross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation)
The Salvation Army
Feeding America

No News Is Good News, Right?

It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted anything on here. In case you haven't noticed, there's been a whole lot of nothing going on in Metsville since the season ended.

The only two little pieces of "news" as of late is that Wally Backman will continue to be the team's triple-A manager out in Las Vegas, and they claimed 29-year-old catcher, Anthony Recker, from the Cubs. Recker is a career .152 hitter by the way.

I'll refrain from judging Recker until I see him play. Remember when the Mets signed R.A. Dickey back in 2009 to a minor league deal?

Everybody was making fun of the fact that the team signed a 35-year-old who was 22-28 with a 5.43 ERA in his seven big league seasons. He wasn't exactly blowing anybody away.

I think it's safe to say he's turned things around.

Maybe Recker will find success too. Hey, ya never know.

That's all the news I have for you. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before something significant happens.

If I had to guess when it will happen, it will probably be during the next few days after Hurricane Sandy knocks out power and I can't post about it. That's what always happens.

Oh well. Until then, everyone stay safe during the storm.

Charity Event: Hope Shines For Shannon

Shannon Forde, Mets' senior director of media relations, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in August. Working with The Daniel P. Ryan Foundation and The Chic Charity Club, Forde's family and friends have established, Hope Shines For Shannon.

To help the Forde family with medical and household expenses, the organization will be hosting a dinner on November 1 at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, N.J.

Tickets for the dinner are $100. If you are interested in attending and autograph session that includes Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Ed Kranepool, John Franco, Bobby Ojeda, Edgardo Alfonzo and more, that is an additional $250.

SNY's own, Ron Darling, will be emceeing the event.

Matt Harvey, Willie Randolph, and Joe McEwing have also recently been added as guests to the event.

Here is a list of items up for auction at the dinner, which include a pitching lesson from Johan Santana at Citi Field and a batting lesson with David Wright at Citi Field.

The last day to buy tickets to the dinner is October 18. If interested, you can buy tickets at hopeshinesforshannon.com, or you can email Debbie Durante at durantedebbie@hotmail.com or Cindy Santos at tripletmomof3@hotmail.com.

This event is for adults only.

If you are unable to attend the dinner, but would like to make a monetary donation, you may mail a check payable to "Hope Shines For Shannon" to C/O DTRF P.O. Box 3145, Point Pleasant, N.J. 08742. You can also make a donation online by visiting the Hope Shines For Shannon website.

Want To Go To The All-Star Game In 2013?

Good luck.

There are a few ways you could end up at Citi Field next July.

First, you can go to allstargame.com or mets.com/2013 and register to purchase a ticket strip. These tickets strips will include one ticket to each All-Star Week event held at Citi Field, along with two tickets to the MLB All-Star Fanfest and one official All-Star game program.

If you are a full season ticket holder, or a 40-Game, 20-Game, or 15-Game plan holder who qualified for a ticket strip back in July, you will receive information in the coming months.

Second, you can volunteer. Two thousand volunteers are needed during the 2013 MLB All-Star Week. You must be 18 years or older (as of June 30, 2013) who can pass a background check and be available for at least three shifts during the week.  

So there you have it. Just a few ways to attend next year's All-Star game. Again, good luck.

A Lousy Season Filled With Highlights

Well, here we are. The final day of the 2012 season. Despite a horrendous second half of the season, there were still a number of highlights.

I can't wait for game 162 to finally end this afternoon so we can all be put out of our misery, but let's not ignore the fact that there were some great moments this season.

First off, remember when the Mets were in first place (or at least tied for first place)?

Sure it was April 5, and it was only after one game, but they were in first at one point. They went on to be 46-40 going into the All-Star break. This team had us thinking, "Could this be it? Is this a winning team?!" What a tease...

Despite coming back down to earth in the second half (hitting just .246), David Wright had a stellar first half. Wright was hitting .351 in the first half, and his defense improved immensely this season (He can finally throw to first base!).  

Speaking of Wright, he is now the franchise leader in hits, passing Ed Kranepool. In just 1,255 games with the Mets, Wright managed to compile 1,419 hits. 

June 1, 2012. What Met fan will forget that date. It's the day Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in franchise history. It only took 8,020 games to get it done, but finally, fans can say the team has a no-hitter, and for the first time, they weren't the ones being no-hit. Sure it was due to a blown call, but let's not nit-pick.

There was the call-up of Matt Harvey. In 10 starts with the Mets, Harvey was 3-5 with a 2.73 ERA. In 59.1 innings of work, he allowed just 42 hits and had 70 strike outs. He was shut down early due to an innings limit, but we were given a taste as to what the future holds for the Mets rotation in 2013.

While we're on the subject of the 2013 rotation, I'd like to see Jon Niese next season. This has been a great season for Niese, and one that I feel has been largely overshadowed. He has quietly gone about his business this season, earning a 13-9 record and a 3.40 ERA. 

Ike Davis provides one of the few positives from the second half of the season. After barely hitting over .100 in the first half, and facing rumors that he may be sent to the minors, Davis fought his way out of a disgusting slump to hit 31 home runs and get his average up to .225. The average still isn't where he or anyone else wants it to be, but who would have ever thought he would hit 31 homers this season.

Finally, I saved the best for last. Robert Allen Dickey. The man, the myth, the legend. R.A. Dickey has been the greatest story for the Mets this season, if not in all of major league baseball. 

The 37-year-old knuckleballer began his year by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for charity, wrote a New York Times bestseller, appeared in his first All-Star game, won 20 games and is a candidate for the Cy Young award. Oh, and did I forget to mention that he has done all of this with a torn abdominal muscle since April. Not too shabby, Mr. Dickey. 

So, you see, it wasn't all horrible. 

Below is a video of the Mets thanking fans for sticking with them throughout the 2012 season.

R.A. Dickey Deserves Cy Young

R.A. Dickey deserves the Cy Young award, and no, I'm not just saying that because I'm a Mets fan.

Dickey notched is 20th win of the season on Thursday afternoon before a packed Citi Field.

By now, we all know the story. Dickey was the first to be cut during spring training back in 2009. Now, he is without a doubt the ace of the Mets pitching staff and appears to be on his way to winning the Cy Young award.

According to ESPN's MLB Cy Young predictor for 2012, Dickey leads the pack.

Now, obviously this is just a prediction, and is not something that is set in stone.

As important as it was for Dickey to win his 20th game, it was more for the fans than it was to help boost his Cy Young chances (Although it certainly didn't hurt).

Wins are not the major deciding factor in choosing the award recipient these days. That became clear when Felix Hernandez won the award in 2010 with a 13-12 record.

Since wins appear to be taking a back seat to some other statistics, here are some more Dickey stats for you:

Wins: 2nd

ERA: 2nd (2.69)

Innings Pitched: 1st (227.7)

Strikeouts: 1st (222)

Complete Games: 1st (5)

Shutouts: 1st (3)

There have been the same old boring arguments floating around that Dickey may be undeserving. After all, he's a 37-year-old who throws an unconventional pitch...the knuckleball.

It leaves batters standing in the batters box with confused looks on their faces. When done correctly, it can be such an unpredictable pitch that some claim it's unfair.

Well, life's not fair. Deal with it. 

The knuckleball is a legitimate pitch. So to the league-leading 903 batters Dickey has faced this season who complain, I say this: Don't be bitter because you can't handle the pitch. As long as it floats over the plate, you have a chance, just like with any other pitch coming your way. 

Dickey rightfully earned every win he has (and he probably deserves more wins), as well as every other stat he owns this season.

He would be the first knuckleball pitcher to win the award. 

I've heard some say that knuckleballers are a dying breed. I disagree. With the year Dickey has had, I would bet that it would be a little difficult to try and find a baseball player or even a fan who hasn't tried to throw the pitch at least once. 

I tried to. It didn't go so well, but I still tried.  

If anything, Dickey has introduced a whole new generation of ballplayers to the pitch. 

The Cy Young award would top off what is arguably Dickey's best year in professional baseball.

Collins Apologizes After Implying Team Quit

After last night's bludgeoning, Terry Collins essentially called out his team by implying that they had quit.

Today, Collins decided to apologize for his comments. Apparently they're not quitters. They're all winners...

According to ESPN New York, Collins said:

"I don't want to ever challenge anybody's integrity," the manager said with a day to reflect. "That's wrong. My players are professionals. They didn't get here without being guys that played their hearts out all the time. Sometimes you say, 'What can I say that maybe will make them mad enough to say, 'You know, I'll show that little [jerk].'' That was maybe the way I tried to approach it last night. And I don't ever do that. So it might have been the wrong way..."

Collins tried to light a fire under this team and it turns out, he hurt some feelings in the clubhouse.

"Didn't sit well in that clubhouse." You know what doesn't sit well? Watching this poor excuse of a team go out day after day and find new, embarrassing ways to lose.

I watched the post-game last night and with the exception of Jeremy Hefner ( He appeared to be on the verge of tears), there wasn't a single interview that I watched and then thought to myself, "Wow, they really do care. They are just struggling terribly."

Ike Davis sounded as if he had better things to do than talk to the media (clubbin'?), and David Wright looked like the media was keeping him from getting to whatever he had planned for after the game.

Let's see...the media has just informed you that your manager basically called you quitters and you stand there and continue to look as disinterested as possible. Awesome.

At this point, Collins' future with the team is looking shakier than ever. But let's be honest, after last night, he's probably praying he gets fired. 

My Take On The Ike Situation

So an anonymous source suggested that the Mets may be looking to trade Ike Davis this winter if the right offer were to come along.

The reasoning for this, according to ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, is the following: "The Mets are disappointed in Davis' unwillingness to make changes based on coaching advice. Although he is personable and by no means a troublemaker, they also worry -- fairly or unfairly -- he is out too late after games, and that could influence other young players."

I have two issues with this and none of them have anything to do with Davis actually being traded. At this point, I think it's safe to say that nobody on this team is safe from being shipped off, Ike included.

My issues are with the reasoning for a trade.

One: This potential trade could be done in order to bring in help in other areas and allow for Lucas Duda to play his natural position...1st base.

Now, I wouldn't call myself an expert on such things, but when making a trade, isn't the goal to replace the traded player with someone equally as skilled at the same position (or gasp! possibly even better???).

Two: Whoever this source is, it appears their goal (or at least one of their goals) is to do a little damage to Davis' reputation. Davis is out too late after games? Who cares? Just like anyone else who has a job, as long as you show up when you are expected to and can do your job successfully, why should it matter what I do after work?

Ike told the Daily News, "I have never missed a game or not been ready to work because of anything to do with staying up too late...I show up every day. I play hard. It's unfair to me, and it doesn't make sense."

Ike's numbers in the first half were nauseating, but he has proven that he can turn things around and has had a very nice second half.

Who knows, maybe one day something just clicked with Ike and he was able to find his way at the plate again. I'm willing to bet, however, that that wasn't what happened. I'm going to go ahead and guess that he worked for it.

I've written in the past that I think Ike's attitude leaves a lot to be desired, but suggesting that he's not putting in the effort, or (out of the blue) labeling him as a partier, I wouldn't say that's fair.

As for influencing younger players...give me a break. This is a Major League Baseball team, not a daycare center. If younger players are that impressionable, perhaps this anonymous source should be looking into the character of those players.