I'm taking a break from researching the Washington Wizards and all the schools defecting from the Big East to check on the latest rumors involving the Orioles' interest in New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News tweeted earlier today that the Orioles were one of the "serious players" for Dickey, the National League's Cy Young Award winner.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com followed with this tweet:
"Orioles and Rangers don't seem in middle of Dickey talks at moment. As said, Blue Jays are frontrunners"
Guess we need to define "serious."
It now appears that the Blue Jays will acquire Dickey, with outfielder Anthony Gose and catcher J.P. Arencibia reportedly the trade bait. The Mets are seeking help in the outfield and behind the plate. I'm told they want guys who are ready to contribute or close to it. So yes, the Blue Jays make total sense.
Here's why the Orioles make sense: They want to add a veteran starting pitcher and Buck Showalter managed Dickey in Texas and speaks fondly of him.
Here's why the Orioles don't make sense: They don't have a catcher in the system who would interest the Mets. Also, which outfielder would entice them? Nolan Reimold? Xavier Avery? Your guess is as good as mine.
Dickey is a bargain at $5 million next season, but the team acquiring him will need to work out an extension before any deal is finalized. No rentals.
I wonder if anyone ran the Dickey idea past Matt Wieters, who would have to catch the knuckleballer.
Executive vice president Dan Duquette surely has talked to the Mets to gauge what they'd want in return. Despite a common belief around here, he's not "standing pat." At least not intentionally. He's exploring trades every day for a pitcher and a bat for the middle of the lineup. He just hasn't been able to get it done.
I've heard from one person that the Orioles were close to completing a deal this week and it didn't happen. No other details.
OK, back to my prep work. Anyone know RGIII's status for Sunday?
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