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R.A. Dickey Feels That He, David Wright Are Somewhat Of A 'Package Deal'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey is going for his 20th win on Thursday afternoon, and as he concludes what could end up being a Cy Young Award-winning season, fans can't help but wonder how much longer the right-handed sensation will be in Flushing.

Following the 2010 season, the 37-year-old signed a two-year, $7.8 million deal with New York. The team holds a $5 million option for him for next season, and it also holds a $16 million option for superstar -- and face of the franchise -- third baseman David Wright for 2013.

Both players will almost definitely have their options picked up for next season, but what about 2014 and beyond? Will this dynamic duo still be in Queens?

Dickey's decision to stay with the Amazin's may depend on how the Mets handle Wright's contact situation, the Star-Ledger reported. The ninth-year player feels that he and the all-time franchise hits leader are somewhat of a "package deal."

"If I don't see them pursuing David hard, I think it would be a message to everybody that they're content to spend the next five or six years rebuilding this organization," Dickey told the newspaper. "Rather than trying to be competitive and trying to rebuild it at the same time. I think you can do both. I think (doing both is) what they want to do."

Dickey wasn't shy about admitting that general manager Sandy Alderson's pursuit of Wright will impact how he feels about the organization moving forward.

"If you see (the Mets) not really pursue (David Wright) hard, that's the message that I get," Dickey said. "Unless they trade him and get multiple big league pieces back."

Dickey, who made his first All-Star appearance this season, is also looking for a more rewarding contract than the one he signed in 2010, as he has been stellar since joining the Mets two years ago.

"It's different in that you accept the first contract trying to be compensated for 13 years of playing the game and finally getting a chance to take care of your family," Dickey said. "This mentality is different. Because I've done that now. I have more freedom to really weigh things."

Entering the Mets' final home game of 2012, the former first-round pick is 19-6 with a 2.66 ERA and 209 strikeouts.

Should Sandy do everything in his power to lock both these guys up, or should he trade them for a boatload of prospects? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...

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