R.A. Dickey Cy Young Watch

R.A. Dickey’s complete game shutout of the Marlins on Friday arguably puts him back in the lead by the slimmest of margins in the race for the National League Cy Young Award — about the only thing left for Mets fans to root.

Dickey and Johnny Cueto of the Reds have nearly identical records. They both have 17 wins, but with four losses Dickey has two fewer losses. Cueto leads the league with a 2.48 ERA, but Dickey is close behind, tied for second at 2.63.

Dickey, however, is far ahead in strikeouts. His 190 is second in the league, while Cueto has just 144. Also, Dickey’s three shutouts and five complete games leads the league. Cueto has two complete games and no shutouts. These stats would give Dickey the slight edge over Cueto if the voting were to be held right now.

There is, of course, a month left in the season. Either pitcher could pull ahead while the other falters. There is also plenty of time for such guys as Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg (if he’s allowed to finish the season) and Kyle Lohse to have incredible closes to snatch the award.

Stay tuned — this could be fun.