by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) On May 10, Scott White preached the importance of patience with regards to R.A. Dickey and his slow start. Tuesday, Dicky twirled his best start of the season, striking out 10 batters against the Giants. It's always nice when this game validates you, right Scott?
Entering Tuesday's start, Dickey had a 6.75 ERA in four starts at home, lending credence to the theory that maybe his knuckleball just doesn't dance enough inside a dome. However, Tuesday was his best start of the season, and it also came inside the dome, so maybe that four-start sample size wasn't quite enough for us to make that determination either way?
Dickey's going to be prone to randomness; that's just the way it is with knuckleball pitchers. On those days when his grip is just right and the ball flutters out of his hand, it is going to be unhittable. If conditions aren't right, he will struggle. However, we do have a pretty sizable three-season sample size in which he was one o the top pitchers in the majors, so patience was always going to be a necessary virtue for his owners.
If Tuesday was any indication, Dickey appears to have put his back and neck injuries behind him. Fantasy owners should feel comfortable relying on him from this point on.
R.A. Dickey looks more like himself
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey looked much more like the pitcher who won the National League Cy Young award last season on Tuesday at home against the Giants. Maybe he just likes pitching against NL teams.
Dickey struck out 10 batters over six innings on 115 pitches. He gave up an RBI single in the second inning and a solo homer to Brandon Belt in the fourth but was otherwise not scored upon. He allowed two runs on six hits and two walks, lowering his ERA to 4.83.
The 38-year-old, who earned the win to improve to 3-5, has allowed just four runs over his last two starts spanning 12 innings with 15 Ks. Back on track after losing three straight decisions, Dickey makes his next start Sunday in New York.
R.A. Dickey deserving of patience
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/10/2013) So the Blue Jays' R.A. Dickey clearly isn't at his best right now.
His average velocity is down a couple miles per hour from a year ago, and his pitches are off the mark. With five walks Thursday, he has issued at least four walks in three starts this season after doing so twice all of last season.
In case you missed the narrative last year, the main attributes that distinguish him from past knuckleballers are velocity and control. If he loses them, he's close to ordinary.
But I wouldn't say he's lost them. They're not as good as last year, but they're still exceptional by knuckleballer standards. And seeing as he's been pitching through injury all this time, he's still likely to regain much of what he's lost. Plus, remember how finicky the knuckleball is in general. He hit the ground running with it last year, but some years, he needed a few weeks to get the grip just right.
I say you hold on to him. Maybe you don't start him every week right now, but even in his current state, he's a perfectly serviceable matchups type. And he has two starts coming up this week.
R.A. Dickey settles for no-decision
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey did not factor in the decision Tuesday night against the Rays. Dickey, who matched up in a battle of 2011 Cy Young winners with David Price, was not his old self as he matched a season-high with five walks.
He surrendered a run-scoring double to Evan Longoria and a run-scoring single to Matt Joyce in the opening frame. He also gave up a run on a wild pitch in the third.
The knuckleballer was charged with three runs -- two earned -- and five hits over six innings of work. He struck out five on 110 pitches, 66 for strikes. Dickey left the game with a one-run lead, but Yunel Escobar leveled the game with a solo homer off reliever Steve Delabar in the seventh.
Dickey is scheduled to start Wednesday at home against the Giants. He has a 5.54 ERA in his last two starts against the Giants.
R.A. Dickey booed in Toronto
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey walked off the mound to a chorus of boos Saturday at home against the Mariners. That's because Dickey had another poor outing in yet another defeat.
Dickey (2-5) gave up three more homers, including two to Michael Saunders, and surrendered seven earned runs on six hits and two walks over six innings. Saunders led off the game with a homer, and it never got easier for Dickey, last year's National League Cy Young award winner.
Dickey, who struck out five, has lost three straight. in 19 innings over that span, he's given up 14 with five homers and eight walks. The 38-year-old seemed to find himself with two solid outings April 13 and 18 against the Royals and White Sox, but has come undone once again.
Dickey, who continues to pitch through back and neck inflammation, has his next start scheduled for Thursday at Tampa Bay.
R.A. Dickey still on track to pitch Saturday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said the MRI on R.A. Dickey's neck and back showed inflammation, but the plan is still for him to start Saturday against the Mariners. Dickey has dropped his last two starts, posting a 4.85 ERA and .217 opponents' batting average.
R.A. Dickey, Jays enter waiting room
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013) The Blue Jays will wait for the results of an MRI exam on pitcher R.A. Dickey (back) before deciding if the right-hander can make his next scheduled start later this week, MLB.com reports. Dickey underwent an MRI on Tuesday to examine his ailing upper back and neck after dealing with the issues over his past four starts.
"I've been pitching with this thing now for about three weeks," he said Sunday. "I can do it and still have the results that you saw the last three weeks. But I certainly feel like I'm capable of more when I'm healthy."
R.A. Dickey to undergo MRI on back
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey, who took the loss Sunday against the Yankees to fall to 2-4 on the year, said following the start that he expects to undergo an MRI sometime this week, the New York Daily News reports.
The MRI, which could come Monday, is going to examine back pain in his shoulder blade area. Dickey says it is making it painful to throw. He's been complaining about this issue over his last few starts but keeps making his scheduled appearances.
Manager John Gibbons has said he believes Dickey's back issues are minor, though the pitcher seems to bring them up following each start. He's pitching with a 4.50 ERA and has allowed seven earned runs over his last two outings spanning 13 innings with six walks. Dickey is next scheduled to take the hill Saturday against Seattle.
R.A. Dickey drops another close one
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey pitched fairly well Sunday in New York. Unfortunately, Lyle Overbay's seventh-inning two-run homer was the difference and he suffered the loss.
With Phil Hughes pitching well, Overbay's homer made the score 3-2 and that is the way the game ended. Dickey suffered the defeat to fall to 2-4 on the year. He allowed three earned runs on four hits -- including two homers -- and a walk over seven innings. Dickey struck out four and his ERA is at 4.50.
Dickey, who entered the start with back and neck issues but appeared to be fine in that regard, has now lost two consecutive starts after winning back-to-back outings for Toronto. His wins and losses have come in twos thus far this season, which means he'd be in line for a win his next time out if that pattern continues. Dickey will next take the hill Saturday against Seattle.
R.A. Dickey picks up second start
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Fantasy owners who had Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey in the lineup for Week 4 (April 22-28) are in luck. Dickey, who dealt with neck and back pain following his loss Thursday, will take the mound Sunday to close out the scoring period against the Yankees.
The team does not think Dickey's injury is a big concern, so Fantasy owners in daily formats should probably get Dickey active as well. Over the last two seasons, Dickey has allowed six runs in 17 innings against the Yankees.
R.A. Dickey starting Sunday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey is scheduled to make his next start Sunday in New York against the Yankees, the National Post reports Saturday.
Toronto manager John Gibbons said the issues going on with Dickey's tight neck and back are minor.
"I don't think it's been that big a deal except that it's been uncomfortable for him," Gibbons said.
Blue Jays: R.A. Dickey can start Sunday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said his club believes R.A. Dickey will be able to make his scheduled start Sunday despite neck and back issues, SportsNet reports.
Dickey left his start April 18 after six shutout innings despite throwing just 64 pitches. He was ineffective against Baltimore in his next start April 23 and struggled with his knuckleball velocity.
If Dickey can't go, the Blue Jays will be forced to scramble for a starter and perhaps forced to call on reinforcements from Triple-A Buffalo.
R.A. Dickey has no intention of missing starts
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey, who continues to battle discomfort in his neck and back, said Wednesday morning it was too early to tell how he was feeling after Tuesday's start, per MLB.com. However, Dickey reiterated he has no intention of sitting out because of his ailments.
"No, you certainly contemplate how can you eradicate what's going on back there, but I get paid to be on the field and I take a lot of pride in that," Dickey said on Tuesday. "I feel like my team needs me, and if I can be out there, I'm going to be out there."
R.A. Dickey still dealing with pain
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey, who suffered the losing decision Tuesday night in Baltimore, admitted following the outing that he's still dealing with neck and upper back pain, the National Post reports.
"It feels like going to battle with a three-shooter instead of a six-shooter," Dickey said. Of course, Dickey could be seen in the dugout after his sixth inning and 118th pitch lobbying for manager John Gibbons to keep him in the game.
Dickey has pitched through the issues and we expect that to continue Sunday at New York.
R.A. Dickey drops third decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey dropped another decision on Tuesday night in Baltimore. Dickey gave up four runs in the second inning and that was all Baltimore needed in a 4-3 win.
Last year's National League Cy Young award winner, Dickey walked a season-high five batters and it came back to bite him in the second. Otherwise, he was decent in throwing five other scoreless frames. He gave up four runs on six hits and five walks over six innings in the defeat to fall to 2-3.
Dickey, who struck out four, threw a season-high 118 pitches and his ERA is 4.66. Dickey had won his previous two outings with just one run allowed over 12 innings and 11 strikeouts.
Dickey will look to get back on track when he next takes the hill on Sunday in New York.
R.A. Dickey will be on hill Tuesday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey told reporters Monday he will make his next scheduled start Tuesday at Baltimore. Dickey left his last start Thursday with neck and back tightness.
Dickey said his start was never in doubt and he feels better heading into Tuesday's outing than he did going into his last start. Dickey has rebounded from a brutal start, going 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA in his last two outings. He has 11 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings in that span.
R.A. Dickey still on track to make next start
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/19/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told Sportsnet.ca that pitcher R.A. Dickey is feeling better after exiting Thursday's game with neck and back tightness. Dickey said he experienced discomfort during his previous start against the Royals Saturday.
Dickey is expected to throw a side session Saturday and is scheduled to start Tuesday at Baltimore, barring setbacks. Gibbons noted that the act of throwing repeatedly has the potential to create discomfort at times.
"There's a lot of throwing going on. It doesn't take much to throw you out of whack," Gibbons said. "But shoot he looked so good (Thursday) night, maybe he ought to keep it."
The turnaround begins for R.A. Dickey
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/19/2013) The Blue Jays' R.A. Dickey left after six innings (and 64 pitches) of domination Thursday with a minor back issue, which hopefully doesn't become a recurring theme for the 38-year-old, but the performance and his description of the perfomance only bolster my belief that he's still a Fantasy ace.
"I had a knuckleball tonight where I would have thrown a complete game," Dickey said.
Seems to me he's implying he didn't have that knuckleball in his first four starts.
More than any other pitch, the knuckleball relies on feel, and feel is something that isn't always there right out of the gate. Through four starts last year, Dickey's ERA was actually higher (4.44) than it is now (4.30), and he obviously turned out fine then.
R.A. Dickey exits with neck and back tightness
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/18/2013) Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey was forced out of his start Thursday against the White Sox with neck and back tightness. The Blue Jays say the move was precautionary.
"He's a tough guy, I'm sure we'll see him in five days," manager John Gibbons said of Dickey.
Dickey (2-2), who made his fourth start of the season, allowed just two base hits through six scoreless innings and picked up the win. He also struck out seven and walked one in 64 pitches, 47 strikes.
Dickey has a 4.30 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP through his first 23 innings pitched. He is scheduled to take the mound Tuesday at Baltimore, if healthy. The knuckleballer pitched a complete game one-hitter last season against the Orioles as a member of the Mets. He is 2-2 with a 2.97 ERA lifetime against Baltimore.
R.A. Dickey regains form for first win
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) After posting an 8.44 ERA over his first two starts, Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey regained his 2012 form on Saturday night against the Royals. The reigning NL Cy Young winner allowed one run on five hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 3-2 win.
The knuckleballer made it through the first six frames scoreless before running into trouble in the seventh. In that inning, he gave up a one-out double to Jarrod Dyson and was pulled for Darren Oliver, who allowed the inherited runner to score.
Dickey (1-2) also struck out four and walked two while throwing 100 pitches, 63 for strikes.
His next start is scheduled for Thursday against the White Sox.
GM not concerned about R.A. Dickey
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey said he broke a nail on his pitching hand in his last start, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos said it didn't have a profound impact on his performance, according to MLB.com.
"He wasn’t concerned about it and said it happens all the time, so we’re not concerned about it," Anthopoulos said.
Anthopoulos noted, however, Dickey did appear to be throwing more fastballs in a loss to the Red Sox April 7.
"It seemed to me, but again, we haven’t had enough starts with him," Anthopoulos said. "Seemed like maybe more fastballs and changeups and things like that."
R.A. Dickey off to slow start in AL
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey has not had a successful return to the American League. Dickey was hit hard at home Sunday against Boston.
The knuckleball wasn't dancing as the Red Sox scored five in the first, including Will Middlebrooks' two-run home run. The day didn't get much better as Dickey allowed eight runs -- seven earned -- on 10 hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings.
Dickey (0-2) struck out five but otherwise had trouble fooling anyone with his pitches. He surrendered two homers -- both to Middlebrooks -- in 100 pitches.
"Throughout the course of the season you're going to have a clunker or two," Dickey said. "You just have to try and forget it as soon as you can. Obviously, today was one of those days for me."
Last year's National League Cy Young winner lost his opener against Cleveland and has allowed 10 earned runs in his first 10 2/3 innings for an 8.44 ERA. Dickey will look for his first win Saturday in Kansas City.
No worries with R.A. Dickey
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/3/2013)R.A. Dickey's Blue Jays debut was less than memorable, and since he was a bust candidate for some people (read: not me) entering this season, I can see how it might be cause for concern. But it's not a concern, at least not for me.
Two things doomed Dickey Tuesday: passed balls and walks. The passed balls he can't control. J.P. Arencibia will need to adjust, and if he doesn't, the Blue Jays will find someone else to catch Dickey. The walks are so foreign to him -- a tendency that predates his breakout 2012 season -- that you can't expect them to continue. Only twice last year did he issue more than three walks in a game.
Maybe if he got knocked around, I'd be a little more cautious with Dickey, but right now, I'm still confident he's an ace.
R.A. Dickey a loser in Blue Jays debut
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) The National League Cy Young award winner from a season ago didn't get off to the best start in the American League Tuesday night in his Blue Jays debut against the Indians. Toronto opening day starter R.A. Dickey suffered the loss in his debut with his new team.
Dickey gave up an RBI ground out and RBI single in the second inning and served up a two-run home run to Asdrubal Cabrera in the fifth as he fell to 0-1 to begin his Toronto career. He allowed four runs -- three earned -- on five hits and four walks over six innings. Dickey struck out four and threw 104 pitches in the outing, 60 for strikes.
Dickey was much sharper to begin last season for the Mets as he started the year 2-0 after his first two outings. He went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA over 33 starts with 230 strikeouts over 233 2/3 innings. The knuckleballer should be able to make an adjustment in his next scheduled start on Sunday against Boston.
R.A. Dickey acclimates to new mound
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Toronto starter R.A. Dickey, who will take the mound on opening day for the Blue Jays Tuesday at home against Cleveland, put himself through a light throwing session at Rogers Centre Monday, reports MLB.com.
Dickey was hoping to get himself acclimated to his new home pitching rubber in advance of Tuesday's game.
"The reason that I'm here is imminent," said Dickey, who went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA last season. "To get to stand on the mound and kind of get comfortable with my surroundings, it was a real treat to get to do. You don't often get the chance to pitch off the game mound before you get on it for real, but that was necessary for me just to get comfortable with the climate with the roof closed. It was special and it left me anticipating a very fun night."
Dickey has performed well over the course of his career in weather controlled environments. He has a 1.72 ERA over 52 2/3 innings indoors over the past three years.
"I usually have fairly good numbers inside of domes," Dickey said. "Here in particular, going off yesterday's knuckleball on a game mound and the conditions there were here yesterday, I was very encouraged. I'm not going to make any predictions, but it felt good coming out of my hand and that's a good sign."
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/28/2013) Seems like nobody wanted the Blue Jays' R.A. Dickey this draft season. He's the ace on a good number of my Fantasy teams. Normally, I don't aim to get a true ace, but the value on him was too good to pass up. He had a 2.84 ERA and 1.19 WHIP last year, for crying out loud.
Oh, wait. Those were his numbers in 2010.
Yes, Dickey has been solid for three years in a row now. The biggest change for him last year was an improved strikeout rate, which you could argue won't continue. I personally think it will considering he maintained it all of last year and will be facing hitters unfamiliar with his knuckleball this year, but whatever. Your call.
What I don't think you can argue is that, apart from injury, Dickey will crash and burn this year. He has too much of a track record -- three years now, honestly -- suggesting otherwise.
R.A. Dickey ready to go the distance
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey made a minor-league appearance Friday against the Phillies affiliate, Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Dickey went eight innings strong and tossed 102 pitches as he seems ready to go the distance.
"It was a great day for me," Dickey said. "Great in the sense that I threw eight innings. I felt fantastic, threw 102 pitches. I got better as the game went on, felt strong in the later innings. It was a good day for me. I struggled kind of early with the feel of my knuckleball. I was able to get through that and capture a good one over the next six innings. I think I gave up a few runs in the first couple of innings and then I think I might have given up two hits in the last six innings."
R.A. Dickey pitches to minor leaguers
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/19/2013) Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey, back from the World Baseball Classic, was expected to throw a side session on Tuesday, reports MLB.com. Instead, Dickey pitched two innings in a minor-league game. He's scheduled to make his next outing Friday against minor leaguers.
Dickey requested facing minor leaguers instead of pitching a side session. He hadn't faced live hitters since Thursday after spending a few weeks with Team USA at the WBC.
"You have to be intentional about telling yourself that this is very important and you’re building toward something that’s comparable to what I just left," Dickey told the National Post. "You try to be a professional about it and do the work the best that you can with what your body’s giving you that day. Today I was probably about 80 percent capacity, which is nice. I was getting good movement consistently in the zone."
R.A. Dickey keeps Dominican Republic in check
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey turned in another solid outing for Team USA in Thursday's game against the Dominican Republic. Dickey, who made his second World Baseball Classic start, allowed a solo home run to Hanley Ramirez in the second inning for his only damage of the night. He settled down after the home run and threw three more scoreless frames but did not factor into the decision. Dickey allowed just one run on five hits over five innings of work in a 3-1 defeat. He also struck out four and walked one to lower his WBC ERA to 1.80.
Dickey roughed up vs. Mexico
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/8/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey endured a rough outing for Team USA in Friday's World Baseball Classic opener against Mexico. Dickey allowed a sacrifice fly and another run on a ground out in the opening frame. Adrian Gonzalez also took him deep for a two-run shot in the third inning. He allowed four runs on six hits over four innings of work and was tabbed with the loss. He also struck out two and did not issue a walk in a 5-2 defeat. "In tournament play, talent does not always win. That's just the way it is," Dickey said after the loss.
Dickey falling in early spring
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/2/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey gave up three runs and four hits in three innings during Toronto's Grapefruit League matchup against Philadelphia on Saturday. Dickey, making his second start of the spring for his new team after three seasons with the Mets, permitted two runs on a homer by Ryan Howard during the first inning. He has now yielded five runs this spring. Dickey also managed one strikeout and no walks.
Red Sox buckle Dickey in debut
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/25/2013) Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey surrendered two runs and four hits in two innings of work during Toronto's 4-2 loss to Boston in his Grapefruit League -- and team -- debut Monday. Dickey, who claimed the NL Cy Young Award following his historic season with the Mets last year, failed to record a strikeout and yielded one walk before giving way to fellow starter John Johnson in the third inning.
Dickey first out of the gate
(2/5/2013) Blue Jays manager John Gibbons announced his starting rotation for the 2013 season Tuesday afternoon. R.A. Dickey will be take the ball on opening day against the Indians. Dickey will be followed by Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and Ricky Romero. Dickey, who was acquired from the Mets this offseason, won the NL Cy Young Award in 2012.
Dickey going to Blue Jays
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (12/17/2012) The Blue Jays and starting pitcher R.A. Dickey agreed to an extension Monday, meaning the Mets will trade him, along with Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas, to the Blue Jays for Travis d'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard and Wulimer Becerra. According to FOXSports.com, the deal is for two years, $25 million.
Dickey deal all but done
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (12/16/2012) The New York Post reports that the trade talks between the Blue Jays and Mets progressed on Saturday, and a deal involving Mets starting pitcher R.A. Dickey now includes six other players. The parties have an agreement in principle on a trade that would send Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a non-elite minor league prospect to Toronto in exchange for catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud, pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, catcher John Buck and a non-elite prospect. According to FOXSports.com, all that is needed to complete the deal is for the Blue Jays to work out a contract extension with Dickey by 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Mets actively shopping Dickey
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (12/14/2012) CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports the Mets are in active trade talks centering around 2012 N.L. Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey. Heyman says the Blue Jays -- with lots of young outfielders and catchers -- are in the mix, with the Orioles and Rangers lagging behind.
