R.A. Dickey won't start the All-Star game

Mets star pitcher R.A. Dickey won't start in tonight's All-Star Game, passed over for Giants pitcher Matt Cain, National League manager Tony La Russa said Monday.

"I know Dickey is going to pitch. I am very aware of the first half he's had," La Russa said. "I can't bet you that Dickey will come out second or fourth. I just know he's going to pitch in the first half of the game."

Dickey, 37, is one of two 12-game winners in the majors, and has the lowest ERA (2.40) in the NL and the second-highest in strikeouts. Dickey also became the first pitcher to throw back-to-back one-hitters since 1988.

Some fans were surprised at the snub, both because of Dickey's great numbers and inspiring story.

"I was upset. Other than the fact that it's a nice feel-good story, he also just has better numbers than Cain," said Michael Stein, 27, of the Upper West Side.

"It's hard to understand why he wouldn't have him to start," Stein said. "Who knows when he will ever have the chance to do it again?"