Coleman's Corner: R.A. is OK

By Ed Coleman
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Mike Pelfrey recently drew all the attention when new manager Terry Collins announced that Pelfrey would be the Mets' Opening Day starter in the absence of ace Johan Santana - and that's exactly the way R.A. Dickey would want it.

First of all, Dickey believes that Pelfrey deserves the honor for the strides that he made last season and secondly, the knuckleballer has flown under the radar his entire career - why change now. Well, it may change for Dickey and the Mets if his beliefs hold true - that he's getting better and becoming a more accomplished pitcher as he grows older.

One thing that will definitely change is Dickey's income in 2011. He has filed an arbitration figure of $4.7 million - the Mets have countered at $3.35 million. The midpoint between the two figures is $4.025 million. There's still some hope that a two-year deal can be worked out. Any way you slice it, Dickey will be rewarded for a career-best 2010 season, one which saw him set career highs in wins, ERA, starts, innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP (1.187).

Dickey was basically the first pitcher dispatched during spring training last year - sent down to the minor league camp in the first wave of cuts in Port St. Lucie. This year, it will be a much different spring for the 36-year old.

When Dickey finally arrived in New York, he went on to compile an 11-9 record with a 2.84 ERA, and an excellent 2.5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio (104 strikeouts - 42 walks in 174 innings).

Dickey held opponents to a .251 batting average last season - lefties hit just .225 against him, but righties hit at a .270 clip. Now some switch-hitters will bat right-handed against a knuckleballer because they feel more comfortable or they feel it gives them a better chance. Nonetheless, Dickey feels he can improve vs. righties and drop that average down to a more respectable number.

Dickey made 26 starts and 1 relief appearance in 2010 to account for his 174 innings, and feels with a full season he'll be able to go over the 200-inning plateau that all dependable pitchers strive for. The key for him - like so many other major leaguers - is that often elusive "C" word.

Speaking of "C's", Dickey admits to being an optimist, but he believes the two new Chris's - Capuano & Young - are healthy and ready to get back to the level that they pitched at prior to their injuries. He feels that there will be a different mindset in Mets camp this spring, and that the staff can go about their business and just get things done.

I believe the Mets pitching will be a lot better than people project heading into the season. I think Young was a key acquisition, Capuano can help if healthy, Dickey has to match what he did last year and quiet the disbelievers, and Pelfrey and Niese have to keep moving forward.

The minefield may lie - like a lot of other teams - in the innings between the starters and closer Frankie Rodriguez. The Mets have a lot of candidates there with unproven track records. And that's where Dickey's and the other starters' consistency will come into play.

C U soon
Eddie C.

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