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Blue Jays manager: R.A. Dickey is not a problem in the clubhouse

Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons attempted Thursday to dispel reports suggesting veteran knuckleballer R.A. Dickey has become a negative influence in his team's clubhouse.

"(Dickey's) a different guy, a different personality, but, no, there are no problems," Gibbons said during an appearance on The Jeff Blair Show on The Fan 590.

Though Dickey has logged more innings over the last two seasons than any other Blue Jays pitcher, the 39-year-old's relationship with Gibbons came under scrutiny Wednesday when Sportsnet's Jeff Blair reported the two "got into it pretty heavily" last season.

Dickey's attitude in the clubhouse was further chided by veteran broadcaster Jerry Howarth, who suggested Wednesday the taciturn veteran isn't the most approachable teammate.

"(Dickey) is kind of a man unto himself on an island, and you don't want that in your clubhouse," said Howarth, who has provided play-by-play for the Blue Jays since 1981. "He gives you 200 innings, he goes out there and starts 30 games, that's great; but you need more than that.

"You need someone who is right there with his team, communicates with his team, listens, gets involved with his team - I don't see R.A. doing that," Howarth added. "For me, I can see the team already starting to move in a different direction. You have to have people who are part of a 25-man roster, not a separate entity."

Dickey remains under contract for just one more season - his deal also includes a $12-million team option for 2016 - and the Blue Jays could look to deal the former Cy Young award winner in an effort to address some holes in their lineup and bullpen.

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