Mets send down C Thole, knuckleballer Dickey

Mar 15, 2010 - 7:19 PM PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.(AP) -- The New York Mets have sent young catcher Josh Thole and veteran pitcher R.A. Dickey to their minor league camp.

Thole starred in Double-A last season and hit .321 in 17 games with the Mets. The Mets still have catchers Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco and Omir Santos competing for two spots, so the 23-year-old Thole will start the season at Triple-A Buffalo.

Thole says he's been working on his defense and wants to improve in that area.

Dickey is hoping to make the Mets this season as a knuckleballer. He's 35 and is trying to master the dancing pitch.