Rule 5: M's Select Dickey

Seattle used the 12th pick in today's rule 5 draft to select former Texas Ranger R.A. Dickey. Dickey signed a minor league contract just days ago with the Minnesota Twins, and was said to be "stunned" by the news.

R.A. Dickey was a first round draft pick and former top pitching prospect for the Texas Rangers. He had limited success in his career, and began developing a knuckleball. The Rangers gave him their fifth spot in the rotation, where he lasted just one start. Hickey gave up a record-tying 6 home runs in his debut as a knuckleballer, a start that lasted just 3.1 innings. He was demoted to AAA shortly after, where we ended up being the PCL Pitcher of the Year (13-6, 3.72 ERA).

Dickey will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation in Seattle, or may even fit into the bullpen somewhere. If he doesn't, he will be sent back to the Twins along with $25,000.

The Mariners lost just one player this year, AAA pitcher Juan Sandoval.

Note: There has been some conflicting information on the 'net this morning. Dickey has been said to be the 12th pick, 15th pick and 20th pick, depending on where you look. I think the confusion is a result of how many teams actually made a pick. This chart looks legit. I'm also pretty certain that he was taken from the Twins, as some sites are saying he came from the Brewers.