MLB Trade Rumors 2012: RA Dickey Trade Buzz Rampant, Blue Jays the Front-Runner?

Could the Toronto Blue Jays pull off another blockbuster in a matter of a month? It appears that way, as rumors are surfacing that a deal between the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays involving 2012 NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey appears to be likely, and only Dickey's unwillingness to sign an extension could be holding back a deal.

Dickey has long been a coveted pitcher for the Blue Jays. After a stellar 2012 campaign in which he pitched 233 innings and struck out a career-high 230 batters, Dickey wants his pay day, and it may come from Toronto.

Although grabbing a recent Cy Young winner would be a huge step forward for the Jays, one thing of concern is how he has pitched in the American League, and his past with the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners may leave me a little hesitant of picking him up.

However, pitchers always develop later than positional players, and Dickey certainly didn't hit his stride until his mid-30s.

Before landing in New York, Dickey never pitched more than 116 innings, and only pitched 100-plus innings three times before 2010.

His arm is still fresh, and for a knuckleballer at 38, he still has about three to five good years left in him.

Many baseball insiders are spreading their rumors, and here are a few for your viewing:

"

Talked to at least half-dozen execs today, all think #Mets will trade Dickey. All cautioned no inside info, but many said watch #Bluejays

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 14, 2012"

"

Orioles and rangers don't seem in middle of dickey talks at moment. As said, blue jays are frontrunners

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 14, 2012"

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The Mets are making progress toward a trade of Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey. TOR has been seenas a strong possible fit all along.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 14, 2012"

"

2 important bits of new info, per sources 1. Texas believes it is out on Dickey. 2. Any reports Dickeywon't do extension w TOR are false

— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) December 14, 2012"

I caution all Blue Jays fans, though, general manager Alex Anthopolous loves to work under a cloud of secrecy, and having all these rumors surface so quickly might mean there is either more to this deal or this isn't even a deal at all.

The Mets are interested in catching and outfield help and really could use guys like Anthony Gose and J.P. Arencibia from the deal, as that may be the best package the Mets can get for Dickey.

With Melky Cabrera recently signed, Rajai Davis, Jose Bautista, Colby Rasmus and Moises Sierra all with MLB experience in the outfield, and with D.J. Davis also in the minors, Anthony Gose appears to be as expendable as ever right now for the Jays.

Arencibia, on the other hand, will be in a battle for playing time with John Buck and super-prospect Travis D'Arnaud, whom the Jays likely will not move in a deal with the Mets.

If Dickey is indeed acquired by the Jays, he'll instantly become the ace of the staff, with Josh Johnson, Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle and Ricky Romero taking spots two through five behind him and instantly making Toronto's rotation one of the most complete rotations in all of baseball.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report as more becomes known on the situation.

UPDATE, 9:42 p.m.: A few tweets of ongoing discussions.

"

travis d'arnaud was heavily discussed w/ toronto as well as arencibia. hearing #mets may be landing d'arnaud. unconfirmed

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 15, 2012"

"

Two people involved told me not to expect any resolution with Dickey tonight. He will be a Met for atleast one more night. #Mets

"

"— Anthony DiComo(@AnthonyDiComo) December 14, 2012"

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UPDATE, 11:31 p.m.: Ken Rosenthal finally gets some thoughts in on the situation.

"

Sources: D'Arnaud very much in play in Dickey talks between #BlueJays and #Mets. Deal would be bigger, multiple pieces going both ways.

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"— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2012"

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UPDATE, 3:20 p.m.: Mike Puma, beat writer for the NY Post tweets

"

So to recap, Dickey, Thole and another player to Jays for d'Arnaud, Buck, Syndergaard and anotherplayer was on table this morning.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 15, 2012"