O'Keeffe Blue River

I just love R.A. Dickey. Maybe you can see why in this video. R.A. was named 2007 Pacific Coast League AAA Pitcher of the Year. He has a 1.50 ERA in 2008 spring training, and has made the Mariners opening day roster. The Rangers ought not have let him go.

To me, a knuckleballer is a perfect long reliever. He can pitch day after day. He can pitch long relief today, and be a spot starter day after tomorrow, then pitch long relief two days after that. Need to confound an outstanding hitter - like a David Ortiz or a Manny Ramirez? Throw the knuckleball at them. Have you run out of LH relievers during this game? Throw the knuckleball at the Left Hand hitters. A knuckleballer is a valuable commodity. Also, in R.A. Dickey's case: the ticket buying public bonds with him and roots for him. So: he's a valuable player AND he builds brand loyalty among customers.