5 Keys to a strong 2nd half for the Toronto Blue Jays

Jul 13, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4.)    Find the real R.A. Dickey

When the Blue Jays acquired R.A. Dickey prior to the 2013 season, they were under the impression that they were getting a staff ace. What they got what a Jekyll and Hyde pitcher that was/is as unpredictable as the pitch he throws.

In 2013, Dickey was horrible in the first half, posting a 4.69 ERA and a 1.96 K/BB ratio. He improved in the second half, lowering his ERA to 3.56 and increasing his K/BB ratio to 3.54 in the process.

He mirrored that in 2014, posting a slightly better 4.30 ERA and a 1.91 K/BB ratio over his first 12 starts in 2014. However he’s started his rebound a bit earlier this season and started turning things around when the page on the calendar flipped to June. In his last 8 trips to the mound, Dickey has posted a 3.14 ERA and a 2.38 K/BB ratio. However, his home runs surrendered has also risen from 6 to 10 in that span.

If the Blue Jays are going to be successful, they need R.A. Dickey to assume the role that he was brought here to hold. Mark Buehrle needs some help at the top of the rotation, and a consistent Dickey would go a long way toward propelling the Jays into the postseason.