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A comeback kid worth hoping for

Jason Dickson's resume has an All-Star appearance, and two big injuries.

By KEVIN KELLY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 27, 2002

[Times photo: Toni L. Sandys] Jason Dickson works off the mound at the Ray Naimoli training complex in his attempt to rebound from two major surgeries. Dickson was an All-Star with the Angels in 1997.

ST. PETERSBURG -- No. 54 was in between.

While eyes focused on Dewon Brazelton and Jason Standridge, pitchers with tremendous futures, No. 54 continued uninterrupted in his attempt to rediscover his past.

Five seasons have passed since Jason Dickson held as much promise as the two former first-round draft picks he threw alongside Tuesday at the Ray Naimoli training complex.

"I want to show these guys that I can help their ballclub," said Dickson, who signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in November. "And I want to show people in general that I've still got what it takes."

It's easy to forget how Dickson made the All-Star team as a rookie with the Angels in 1997 before two shoulder surgeries swept him into obscurity, but pay attention this spring.

The 28-year-old says he is pain-free, and could emerge as the surprise of the Rays' pitching staff.

Dickson's 63 career starts with Anaheim trail only two starting pitchers in camp. He is one of two pitchers -- Wilson Alvarez is the other -- named to an All-Star Game and one of three starters with a winning record.

"He was really good," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "He was a Greg Maddux type. He had great command, great feel and could keep hitters off balance."

That's why LaMar picked up the phone during the offseason and called Dickson.

LaMar offered only an opportunity to make the club. No guarantees.

"I usually don't get involved with those type of negotiations unless we truly feel there's an opportunity if the pieces are right," LaMar said. "If he can regain the form, he's a valuable asset."

Another chance is all Dickson wants.

"From their standpoint they're looking at a guy who, if he gets back on his feet, still has six or seven years of pitching left," Dickson said. "I'm excited. This is kind of like the light at the end of the tunnel, what I've been waiting and working for."

After going 13-9 with a 4.29 ERA in his rookie season and winning 10 games the next, Dickson slowly disappeared from the limelight.

The stiffness and soreness began at the end of his rookie season, but Dickson shrugged the arm aches off as the result of throwing more than 200 innings in 33 games in 1997.

He didn't realize those sensations were warning signs, and it wasn't until spring training in 1999 that he acted.

"After taking three months off and you start throwing and it starts hurting," Dickson said, "you're like, "Okay, something's going on in here.' "

Dr. Lewis Yocum repaired a torn labrum in Dickson's right shoulder on March 25, 1999, causing him to miss the season.

"I think some part of your subconscious doesn't want to admit you might be hurt," he said. "You're 23 years old in the big leagues and you feel like you're bullet-proof.

"I look back now and I probably should've said, "You know what, I can afford to skip a start right here.' I didn't. I just kept going. We were in a situation where they needed me to go out there and pitch and I wanted to prove that I could be one of the horses of the staff. It's part of being inexperienced and not knowing when to say enough is enough."

He admits he rushed to return after the first surgery, pitching eight months later before having a second surgery for the same injury in June 2000.

"That's the one that kind of stung," Dickson said.

The path back to the majors has been humbling.

Signed as a free agent by the Blue Jays in November 2000, he spent the 2001 season in the minors, beginning in extended spring training and finishing with Triple-A Syracuse where he was 4-7 with a 7.18 ERA.

"I felt like I paid my dues last year," Dickson said. "I definitely was humbled at all levels. But now I have a newfound ability to pitch and that's only going to help."

Now with the Rays, he strives to stand out.

"He's working his tail off to try to get himself back to where he was a couple of years ago," said Joe Coleman, pitching coach for Triple-A Durham and former bullpen coach with Anaheim during Dickson's rookie season. "The question is: Is he going to be able to do what he did in those days."

Should he make the club when camp breaks in late March, Dickson vows not to relinquish his spot in baseball until forced to.

"I'm never going to voluntarily retire from this game," he said. "Somebody's going to have to take my uniform from me. I think that's what keeps you going. You become motivated."

"You had some success and you just want to get back there. You know what it's like to be on top, and you don't want go out on the bottom."

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