Atlanta Braves: What to Expect From the Braves’ Rotation
By Kit Anderson
- R.A. Dickey
Dickey has had a long fourteen year career that has seen the knuckle-baller make stops with five different teams, failing to break through as an established pitcher until his fourth team with the Mets in 2010 when he finally broke through as a starter. Considering that his career in the Majors started in 2001 it is surprising that he was able to put up the numbers he did with the Mets at that point in a career that many thought was already over.
In his best season Dickey went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA and over 200 strikeouts. While those days are obviously behind a pitcher that has already past forty he is still a productive pitcher that could benefit from moving to the National League.
After spending time with the Mets Dickey went to the toughest division to pitch in baseball the American League East. Despite pitching regularly against the best offenses in baseball Dickey has still been a productive pitcher for the past three seasons winning thirty-five games and maintaining and ERA right around or below four.
Considering that he is a year older at forty-two it would be unfair to expect much improvement from the knuckler though he will benefit from moving to the National League. Dickey is an innings eater who may not spend the full season with the Braves but if he does here is what you can expect. Projected stats: 8-11 record, 149 K’s, 4.21 ERA, and 191.0 innings pitched.