Andy Murray will be hoping to retain his world No 1 status Dj

ATLANTA -- R.A. Dickey was won over by an Atlanta Braves sales team that included two Hall of Famers, including a fellow knuckleballer.Dickey said he knew the Braves would be a good fit after meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, with a group that included manager Brian Snitker, general manager John Coppolella and two Hall of Famers -- former manager Bobby Cox and knuckleballer Phil Niekro.I had a great feeling then there was great hope I would be able to join the organization, Dickey said Thursday after agreeing to a one-year contract with an $8 million guarantee.He considers Niekro to be part of the Jedi council of knuckleballers who influenced his career.Phil and I have a good relationship, Dickey said. I consider him a friend. We filmed a documentary together.He gets a $7.5 million salary next year, and the Braves have an $8 million option for 2018 with a $500,000 buyout. The deal for the 42-year-old right-hander, the first of the 158 free agents to switch teams this offseason, is subject to a successful physical, tentatively planned for late next week.Dickey said he had the Braves near the top of a short list of prospective teams. He noted the short travel distance -- 3 hours, 15 minutes from doorstep to doorstep -- from his home to Atlanta was a big factor.Ive grown up a Braves fan and have always admired the organization, Dickey said.Dickey said having four children ages 14 and younger kept retirement an option if he did not find interest from the right team.Dickey had a career-high 20 wins and won the NL Cy Young in 2012, his final season with the New York Mets. The right-hander spent the last four years with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 10-15 with a 4.46 ERA this year.Dickey said the velocities on his knuckleball were as high as theyve ever been and he expects to pitch 200 innings in 2017.No one had double-figure wins for Atlanta this year, prompting Coppolella to say he will pursue at least two established starters on the free-agent market. Julio Teheran heads a rotation projected to include Josh Collmenter.Dickey is 110-108 with a 4.01 ERA in his career. He logged at least 200 innings five straight seasons from 2011 to 2015. Since 2010, his 1,441 innings rank ninth in the majors.He said it was a challenge to pitch in the AL Easts small parks and said the rebuilding Braves potential in their new SunTrust Park in suburban Atlanta was a selling point. Fake Shoes Black Friday . LUCIE, Fla. Cheap Shoes Black Friday . -- Jakob Silfverberg is making himself right at home with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring four goals in his first four games. https://www.cheapshoesblackfriday.com/ . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. Wholesale Shoes Black Friday Free Shipping . The FA rejected Wilsheres appeal that the length of his punishment was "clearly excessive" and said Thursday his suspension begins with immediate effect. He will miss league matches against Chelsea on Monday and West Ham on Dec. Discount Shoes Black Friday . The visitors took a deserved lead in the 16th minute with midfielder Yohan Cabaye curling the ball beyond Adrian from inside the penalty area.Novak Djokovic says he would not regard it as a surprise if he wins his battle with Andy Murray and returns to the top of the world rankings just two weeks after surrendering his No 1 status. Djokovics 122-week reign as No 1 was ended by Murrays success at the Paris Masters, but the race to secure first place in the year-end rankings is set for a dramatic conclusion at the ATP World Tour Finals, live on Sky Sports. Highlights of Novak Djokovic against stand-in David Goffin in the round robin stage of the World Tour Finals The Serb reached the semi-finals with three successive victories after defeating Belgiums David Goffin 6-1 6-2 at Londons O2 Arena on Thursday. Djokovic must wait to see who faces in the semi-finals but he goes into the last four knowing his fate is in his own hands, as he is certain to overtake Murray if he wins the Tour Finals for a fifth successive year and record-equalling sixth time. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price That scenario would be the perfect way to round off an unusually inconsistent season for the 29-year-old, who has struggled since winning the Australian and French Opens earlier this year.Asked if he would be surprised to regain the top ranking so soon after losing it, Djokovic said: Well, I have not the same perception of suurprise as you do.dddddddddddd To me, that wouldnt be a surprise. Andy Murray will be hoping to retain his world No 1 status Djokovic has lost just one match at the Tour Finals since 2012, while Murray has never reached the final.The Scot might not be best placed to hold off Djokovics charge as he will have to play three days in a row following his three-hour marathon win against Nishikori on Wednesday, while his rival benefits from a recovery day. Thats obviously something that you wish for as a player, to have everything in your hands, not to depend on other players, added Djokovic.In this particular case, Im glad that its like that. Everything has been going in a positive direction. Djokovic says players should be given warnings before they are given time violations by umpires Ive been playing better and better as I proceed in the tournament. I have now a day of rest.Its the last couple matches of the year, hopefully. One thing is for sure: Im going to give it all on the court and see what happens.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Murray makes O2 semi-finals WATCH: Murrays double take Raonic can only get better Murrays service syndrome over? ' ' '