Saturday, December 6, 2008

Dunn?

Right now, while the big lynch pin on the market – Mark Teixeira – decides on a new home or stays perhaps with the Angels, Birdland might as well start looking at Plan B just in case Plan A fails.

In a very quiet Hot Stove season, Adam Dunn’s name has not been mentioned much aside from the media in Washington (lest we forget, he’s very much admired by Nationals’ GM Jim Bowden from their days in Cincinnati).

In case Baltimore does not get Teixeira and they still have a few bucks in the bank they want to spend, why not on Adam Dunn?

He would not be my first choice – he’s better than Giambi, and far superior to Millar, but he could be a suitable bat in the heart of lineup who could strike fear into opposing pitchers.

From the Washington Post’s Tom Boswell (his piece is more focused on the Nationals, but here’s a snippet…

…The market for Diamondbacks left fielder Adam Dunn has shriveled along with the economy. Once thought to be a $15-million-a-year player, despite his weak defense and plentiful strikeouts, Dunn (29) may eventually be available for a few years at $10-million-per or even less.
Dunn has had five straight seasons of forty home run seasons – 46 in ’04 and 40 from 05-08 – and carries a career on-base percentage of .381; sadly, he leaves nothing to be desired in the field (he can play first or one of the corner positions) -- but Baltimore could use his power.

The big slugger’s real big downside – his career batting average of .247 – and his propensity to whiff (he had 164 strikeouts in ’08); however, his bat could be one of incredible value in the Oriole lineup – especially with the right field wall that’s ever so inviting.

He’s one-dimensional, ala Dave Kingman – with a better batting eye; however, but he’s only 29, and could come far cheaper than Teixeira. I don’t know if I would allow him to put on a fielding glove (let Huff hold the fort at first), but the big man could be formidable in the Baltimore lineup.

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6 comments:

ProfTruck said...

I think Dunn would be a great consolation prize. I actually posted something about this on Wednesday in my examiner.com column. If Huff keeps his 0 numbers or close to them, you've got yourself to power guys for 4-5, along with a very solid 1-3 for your lineup. When you consider his high strikeout/low BA total, you've got to measure it against his high walk/high OBP numbers. Maybe that puts him in 4 ahead of Huff, who is more likely to swing for a double with guys on.

I didn't get any support in my column. Maybe we need to start a movement.

Unknown said...

Thanks Jay. I certainly agree with you on Dunn (just got done reading your piece). If we could get him for a reasonable rate, I say let's take a flier on him.

We've got Huff -- assuming he keeps his production the same as he did in '09 -- Dunn may not be needed, but Markakis - Huff - and he could be a solid 2-3-4 or 3-4-5 in the lineup.

His power and batting eye is something the team really needs and as long as he can produce, I can look past his fielding and low BA.

Hope all is well.

Dave Mc said...

I'd like to see Dunn in Baltimore if Tex doesn't work out. OBP is more important than BA anyway and Dunn could DH for us if his defense is really that bad (Huff taking over 1st). Consider me part of the movement.

ProfTruck said...

I think three's a party and four is a movement. One more supporter and maybe we can make some noise about this!

Actually, the best time to start talking this up is when Tex signs, assuming he goes elsewhere. Then, a runner up should make a big move for Dunn. My guess is he takes the first offer for 4 years/50 mill.

Unknown said...

Jay: Obviously we all want Tex, but Dunn would be a suitable second option.

Dunn would obviously be the DH, and while Huff I guess it slotted for now. We may have too many DH types in the lineup right now, but Huff seemed to be a serviceable enough infielder for me.

I expect Dunn's interest with teams to pick up once Tex is signed (unless is it with Baltimore), but then again the Nationals (specifically GM and Team VP seem to covet him as well.)

Unknown said...

Desert O: I am sitting with my hands on the fence with Dunn, but I would be intrigued by him in a the Baltimore lineup.

I like his power, and the damage he could do being a left-handed batter; however, he's got a few negatives.

Bottom line -- he's under 30 and can mash the ball against mediocre pitching. I say if we can get for Jay alluded to or even cheaper, I say take the chance.

I don't know if I would give him a long term deal, but he's someone who could really contribute to the Orioles offensively.

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