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.