Carlos Ruiz will catch R.A. Dickey's knuckleball
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Carlos Ruiz will catch R.A. Dickey's knuckleball
Matt Gelb
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Much was made whether R.A. Dickey would start Tuesday's All-Star Game because of the knuckleballer's story that has captivated a nation. It turns out the Mets righthander will pitch in relief, and when he enters, it will be with Carlos Ruiz.
National League manager Tony La Russa said Ruiz will catch Dickey's knuckler and the duo will probably enter in either the fifth or sixth inning. The knuckleball can be such a challenge to catch that La Russa wanted Dickey to be able to work in the bullpen with Ruiz before pitching.
Ruiz has never caught a knuckleball in the majors. Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer previously caught Dickey and had some warnings for Ruiz.
"I know when R.A. came over, he gave me some pointers," Mauer said. "I'm sure he's talking with Ruiz. It could be a little nerve-wracking, especially when guys get on base."
For what it's worth, Ruiz is 5 for 16 lifetime against Dickey. But catching him could prove more difficult.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Mickey Cochrane, on the subject of catching Eddie Rommel, once said that the key to preparation was to expect every pitch to be wild.
All you Philadelphia baseball fans, look it up.— everydayguy- Knowing Chooch, he'll have no problems and be all smiles.— Seegs
- I don't have to look up the "spark plug" of Mack's second dynasty, you bucket foot.— road515
- Knowing the Phils' luck this season, Chooch will have to lunge for one outside and in the dirt, pull a groin, and miss the second half.— wmichael
- Almost hit thumbs up being as how things are going, then caught myself in time.— 1aviator
- Bob Uecker: "The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up."
— TomO 
Comment removed.- Remember Lieberthal trying to catch a knuckleballer during his all-star appearance? He struggled. I can't remember which pitcher it was throwing to him though. Anyone?— MattPSU
- The NL did not have any knuckleballers on the staff in either 1999 or 2000. — PhightinPhil
- If anybody can catch him, it's Chooch! So glad to see he'll be catching. He's one of the few bright spots on this Phillies team this year. Carlos, Your The MAN!!— dogman5
- RA Dickey....best pitcher in baseball pairing up with a Phillies catcher! YUCK! MLB could have done better than that! Go Mets!— MRD
- Wow, MRD, way to look like a tool. You can just tell from your post that you became a fan all the way back near the start of the season in 2012. Stay the course, until of course a 4 game losing streak happens by your way, in which case you'll happily go back into hiding and forget about baseball.
- Ruiz will have to get a bigger mitt— krautmef1
- Anybody remember Hoyt Wilhelm and Gus Triandos?— Ralph 1
- This Mets fan thinks Ruiz will do just fine. The guy's a bull, and a monster at the plate. I think it'll be fun to watch.— hallux
