By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Is knuckleballer R.A. Dickey of the New York Mets the best pitcher in MLB?

Considering some of his statistics this season, the answer should be in the affirmative.

The first pitcher to throw back-to-back no hitters in 24 years, Dickey hasn't surrendered an earned run in 42 2/3 innings, approaching the franchise mark of 49 innings set by Mets legend Dwight Gooden.

He has had five starts of no earned runs and at least eight strikeouts, the longest streak in major league history. In his last start against the Baltimore Orioles June 18, he had a career-high 13 strikeouts after a 12-strikeout performance against Tampa Bay five days before.

He currently leads the league in wins, with 11, and his only loss came April 30 against the Houston Astros. Since then, Dickey has won nine straight starts and is tied in ERA with 2.00.

He has seven straight starts with at least eight strikeouts and is tied with Detroit's Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in the league at 103, which is uncommon for a knuckleballer.

"This guy's just amazing with that pitch," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "I've never seen anything like it."

"I know I have something to offer that's unique. And I try to build off that," said Dickey, who became the first pitcher to throw back-to-back one-hitters since Toronto's Dave Stieb in 1988

Dickey's performance even drew praise from Phil Niekro, the last knuckleballer to pitch a no-hitter in 1973 and his expert use of the knuckleball has earned him the monicker "Knucksie".

"He's on a run like no other knuckleball pitcher's ever been on. It's like he's getting better with each game. It's amazing what he's doing," said Niekro, whose 318 career victories are the most by a knuckleball pitcher.

In addition, Niekro was amazed by the fact that Dickey hasn't allowed an earned run and walked just five in his last five starts, both uncommon for a knuckleballer.

"Not many conventional pitchers go on runs like his," said Niekro, who surrendered three walks in his no-hitter and his career-high in walks was nine, which he did twice in his Hall-of-Fame career.

Now, Dickey is making a strong case to start for the National League in the All-Star Game on July 10 in Kansas City.

Dickey's strongest competition is San Francisco Giants Matt Cain, who threw a perfect game June 13 against the Houston Astros. He was the 22nd player to do so in Major League history.

"I'm not worried about any of that," Cain said referring to the All-Star start. "But it's awesome to see what he's doing. It's got to be no fun to face him with the way he's got that knuckleball going. Good for him. I couldn't be happier for him."

 

Mets Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey Among MLB's Top Pitchers