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Atlanta Braves Add Colon, Dickey; Backing Off the Ledge, Slowly

By Dan Horton

May 2, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) bunt pops out to the pitcher during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) bunt pops out to the pitcher during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) pitches in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) pitches in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Our New Knuckler

I was more open-minded with the ‘RAD’ (R.A. Dickey) signing. Knuckle-ballers last longer than most pitchers. Tim Wakefield, Charlie Hough, and Phil Niekro – they all pitched well into their mid 40’s and longer.

If they’re on, they can be devastating. Dickey isn’t that far removed from a Cy Young Award. 2012 he won the award after going 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA.

He won that award as a member of the Mets at age 38.  He also struck out 230 batters that year which led the Major Leagues.

Colon started 33 games this season. Julio Teheran started 30 games this year. Next on the Braves list, Matt Wisler with 26. Even R.A. Dickey started more than Wisler in 2016 with 29.

So now, with Colon and Dickey, Atlanta has added 62 starts, 25 wins, and 360.4 innings from 2016, from two guys who total an age of 85 years.

Then there’s this little nugget I found interesting:

R.A. Dickey hasn’t really been a predominant starter since his 2012 Cy Young season. Still, he, like Colon, are both former winners of the award.

Both will chew up innings, both will give you a completely different look. As the 3rd and 4th starters (behind Julio and Folty), I like this the more I think about it.

However, on top of everything I just discussed, what else I missed is what many people don’t like to acknowledge. The intangibles.

The mentoring of a veteran like Colon and Dickey can do more for a team than just being a solid inning eater.

However, there is one issue yet to be worked out. I don’t believe Tyler Flowers has ever caught a knuckleball pitcher. Therein lies a valid point that needs to be addressed.

It begs the question, what next? Do the Braves go after a catcher comfortable with a knuckleball, or do they look for someone who, like Flowers, will have to log plenty of hours catching R.A.?

Regardless of what IS next, you can bet the off-season push is just heating up. The Hot Stove is blazing across the league, and after the dust settles, there’s going to be plenty of new faces to get to know.

Whatever happens, as I have to constantly remind myself, there is a method to the madness, and a calculated reason for every move made.

If the premise of these moves does what it is supposed to (stall to get the young guys more reps and develop), then it will have been money well spent.

Next: Confused on Dickey and Colon? Read This

So, don’t be like me and work yourself into a frenzy over a confusing sign or trade. Let it marinade and give it at least 24 hours.

After all, what’s the worse that happens? Another 68-70 win season?

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