R.A. Dickey is Good

I've sometimes been of the opinion that the Mets should try to get a #2-style starting pitcher for next year. I'm reconsidering that opinion, because I think they already have one: R.A. Dickey. In 376 innings with the Mets prior to today's game, his ERA is 3.11, for a 122 adjusted ERA. That's good. He's been worth 7.8 wins above replacement in just under two seasons in his revitalized knuckeballer stage. A full season of Johan Santana at his real best is about 6 wins, by comparison, so Dickey's 4-win seasons are only a little bit below that. And, of course, he retired the first 15 Phillies today, taking his no-hit bid through 6.1 innings. Santana, Dickey, Niese, Gee, Pelfrey: actually, I think those guys (if Santana's healthy and effective) are all average to above-average at their position in the rotation. No need to change things up, especially if those dollars can be better spent on Mr. Reyes.