Seeing that the big R.A. Dickey trade has finally happened, let’s delve into a few thoughts about it.
- I first thought it would be a steal for the Mets to land d’Arnaud for Dickey but the more I think about it, I really love the deal for both teams. Why? Glad you asked.
- Dickey should be a well-above pitcher for at least the first two years of the deal. You’re talking about a #1 or #2 starter who’s making the equivalent of #4 starter money. Huge improvement in the rotation for the Jays. Not sure what we can expect from Romero next year. Johnson, Morrow, Buehrle*, Happ, Drabek(?). I’d take that.
- The Mets get a guy who has a good chance to be an above average catcher for the next six years. Snydergaard has great potential, though being so far away it’ll be years until we know what he’ll end up. And I like taking the chance on someone who’s even farther away in Becerra.
* Random side note on Buehrle. He’s known as a major pitbull advocate. As an owner of a rescued pitbull, I have nothing but admiration for him.
A few other notes…
- Not sure I would have given Stephen Drew $9.5 million, but if he provides the Sox with league-average play they’d be happy. Can’t help but seeing a .500 team there, not really a contender.
- Carlos Pena. Guess the Astros need someone with pop. Man, that team is going to be bad again, but they’re in much better shape now than a year ago. I like what Luhnow has done.
- The Anibal Sanchez signing makes sense to me. Again, I wouldn’t have gone 5/80 on him, but I understand the motivation. As a Keith Law follower, I tend to agree with his notion that longer deals don’t make a whole lot of sense. But there’s great value here for at least the first three years, and the Tigers could use an arm like his.
- Heard that the powers that be are introducing padded hats for pitchers. It makes a ton of sense. It’s not just Brandon McCarthy. I’ve been playing softball for years, and have seen guys hit so many times. If adding some padding can help stop someone from a terrible brain injury, I’m all for it.
Until the next time…
Dave
Langerhans' Loogy 