Adam Dunn
by AGC on Dec 18, 2008 2:27 PM CST
Email
PrintI thought I'd start my first ever post off with a topic that will sure to have mixed opinions.
Would having Adam Dunn in the middle of our lineup be that awful? Yes, I know his defense makes Sori look like a Gold Glove, but the man can hit and is at least adequate in the field. A power lefty in the 3-5 hole would be a great asset.
It's been posted over the last couple days how it might be beneficial to move Sori over to RF. I think it'd be an easier switch than to center. If Sosa could do it, Sori can too.
Finally, if (as stated several times in the early offseason) D Lee is moved eventually, Dunn can plug right in at first.
Dunn playing 81 games at Wrigley could possibly put up very gaudy offensive numbers (and probably some equally ugly defensive stats as well).
This also depends on how the market starts shaking out and what Dunn is actually expecting to receive.
Thoughts?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
102 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
One thing I've been speculating...
..is JH’s plan for 1B after 2010. Assuming we don’t have any in-house options, and depending on the FA market for 1B and OF (as well as his own defensive prowess at the time), Soriano may end up covering that bag. If this is the case (and it’s admittedly a BIG “if,”), it may account for why he’s being so careful with that RF position… and why Dunn may not fit into our plans.
Maybe We Can Bring...
… Hee Sop Choi back…
My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!
Follow the money
which is why I think they’ve looked at Bradley first over Dunn & Abreu, as Bradley won’t be as expensive.. With the decline of Lee, they need another power bat so I"m hoping for Dunn..
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
What question do you want answered?
Would Adam Dunn look good in the middle of our lineup? Absolutely.
Would Adam Dunn be a bad fit defensively in RF? Absolutely.
Would Adam Dunn be too expensive given his defensive issues? Probably.
won't happen
Dunn would be awesome in the middle of our lineup. But there’s no way he can play right and it’s highly unlikely that the Cubs think Sori can. I’d say Bobby Abreu is a more likely option, though I know he’s lost a lot of steps defensively.
by elgato on Dec 18, 2008 2:46 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
109 days
til Opening Day. It can’t get here sooner. These topics are so old by now. Is it just me or has this been one of the slowest offseasons ever? Maybe it’s the way we went out last year.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Dec 18, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Just slow compared to the last two years...
But we’ve had plenty of slow offseasons. Remember the dragging in the Dusty Baker days? It’s just that in Nov/Dec 2006 and Nov/Dec 2007 we made a big splash early so there was stuff to talk about. This year, we haven’t had that big splash (just retained some guys and signed a backup).
+1
rec’d
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
Adam Dunn will not be a Cub, that much I am confident
Dunn is waiting for the Mark Texiera shoe to drop. Once Texiera signs with the Red Sox (he’s going there in my view) then Dunn gets to decide on a likely offer from the Angels in balance to the offer he already has from the Nats. Cubs aren’t going to be getting into a bidding war for Dunn. We’ve got no where to hide him defensively plus very doubtful the financial means to meet his asking price.
Seems to me Hendry has a lot banking on Milton Bradley. If that breaks in another direction then I have no idea what his Plan B is. Not sure any of us do.
Seems like Borass wants the Yankees to get in on Tex..
and continue raising the price and then set up a Anaheim v. LA bidding war over Manny…
Also, Anaheim’s looking at Bradley now..
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
There are worse things than going into 2009
with someone like Garet Anderson on a cheap 1-year deal and seeing who shows up as available at the trade deadline.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Dunn's price tag is contigent on Texeira
if Tex goes to Washington, then Dunn could be had cheap… Just don’t see Anaheim, LA, the Yankees or Boston throwing lots of money at him. Washington will throw a bunch of money at Dunn, if they don’t get Tex.. Who knows when Borass will permit Tex to sign though. Maybe by May.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Addendum
I guess San Fran or Seattle could throw big money at Dunn.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Disagree
Adam Dunn is in line for a big payday. There is no chance that Mark Texiera signs with Washington in my view. It will either be Boston or Anaheim. And seeing how Texiera hails from Baltimore and keeps saying he really wants to play back East I think the Red Sox will eventually get their man. The Yankees have entered the derby in order to drive the price up for the Red Sox.
I’m guessing Dunn ultimately signs for a big contract with Washington under the theory of taking the biggest payday possible and winning be damned.
Agree that Dunn goes to Washington for big money, if
Tex doesn’t… I’m not sure Dunn will get a big payday, if Tex goes to Washington, but I think Boston is the most likely destination for Tex..
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Not a Bradley or Abreu fan
Bradley might be less expensive, but I just can’t see him on the Cubs. The whole atitude doesn’t bother me as much as the injury history does. That’s all we need. A guy who’s aging on the bench nursing his injuries. As far as Abreu, att he end of a 3 year deal, lord help us with him out in RF.
moot
I wish this could all be moot by having Fukudome snap out of it and hit like we know he can this spring.
Love your pic
Murrays awesome.
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
+1
This is such BS, though. Now that I could break out the ginger balls jokes around here, Matt Murton is gone :(
by dr stabbingworth on Dec 18, 2008 6:03 PM CST up reply actions
Cheer Up, Murray is my favorite song
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I'm a Fan
of Dunn. What’s not to like about about a career .899 OPS? I know his defense blows but maybe some of the sabermetric guys around here might be able to figure out his win shares vs the games his defence might cost us. Imho his offensive ability outweighs his defensive liabilities.
"Without me to keep the saber-magicians and drool monkeys in check, this blog is narrow minded and non-challenged opinion sharing with much less traffic. I am the straw that stirs the drink." #17 in Cubbie World According to MDBNIU
I've changed...
I once was for Dunn as my #1 choice in RF, but the more I think about it and read about the choices, the more I lean towards Abreu as the best solution. (Crasnick over at ESPN has a nice article on Abreu.)
Abreu is the kind of guy we need:
1. He is an actual RF.
2. He bats LH.
3. He takes pitches therefore works the count.
4. He is not flashy, but a solid producer in every category.
5. He can hit in the middle of the lineup for us.
Yeah, there are negatives as well on Abreu – mainly his price tag (and aversion to walls).
But, if we can get him on a 2 year deal with some sort of performance based option for a 3rd year, why not? Heck, Jimmy loves to backload deals as well, why not try that here too?
100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.
You are close to describing Dunn...
with your 5 points.
No Dunn is not a RF, but Abreu is pretty bad out there himself if I’m not mistaken.
He bats LH
He takes pitches as well. He may strike out more and have a much lower avg, but he will hit twice as many HR’s and has actually had a higher OBP the last 2 years.
A donkey in the OF, but he is 6 years younger.
…And he can DEFINITELY hit in the middle for us.
Honestly, I don’t think we are getting either one, because they are both worth more than Ibanez and he just got 10M+ per year. That said, I would much rather have Dunn.
Here's a little rebuttle.
1. In 119 games in left field, Dunn was a -10.1 fielder in 2008, which while bad, is not terrible. He would probably get a bit worse in right field, or we could move Sori to right, where his arm strength becomes even more valuable. Abreu, in 150 games i right field, was a -25.2 fielder, meaning he was worse than Dunn. Let that sink in a bit. So while Dunn isn’t a prototypical left fielder, per UZR he is probably as good or better than Abreu in right field.
2. Dunn too is a left handed hitter.
3. While Abreu does see more pitches than Dunn, it’s not all that many more. Dunn saw 2815 this past year, Abreu 2937.
4. Dunn has a higher OPS than Abreu, meaning he has more power and gets on base more often. In terms of base running, Abreu got thrown out a third of the time last year, basically nullifying his stolen base production.
5. Dunn too can hit in the middle for the order for the Cubs. While Abreu theoretically could, he shouldn’t. He’s not a middle of the order type hitter.
by dakoose on Dec 18, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
All true...
The bottom line is that I have no problem with Dunn or Abreu being our RF for 2009. (I actually have no problem with hoping Fukudome improves or if we let Pie go out there next year as well.)
1. I am still not sure what to make of the fielding stats, so that means pretty much nothing to me. Besides, I am more concerned about our lineup and offense.
2. We are agreed then that they both bat LH. =)
3. We are agreed then that they both approach at bats similarly, although Abreu does have the sexier batting average.
4. Again, we seem to agree that they both approach at bats similarly, so not sure what this proves.
5. You are correct, Dunn is a more prototypical middle-of-the-order guy with his power, but I think Abreu would probably be just fine in the 3, 4 or 5 holes breaking up our RH hitters.
Honestly though, will signing either guy happen though? Probably not unless we unload some money. The teams that miss out on Teixeira will be all over these two guys and that is what they are waiting for. I guess my whole point was that these two are more similar than I thought in the first place.
On last thought though, Abreu has performed in NY and Philly while Dunn has be in relative obscurity in Cincy and AZ. That is a positive for Abreu in my mind.
100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.
If defense isn't your main concern...
then that would argue even MORE in favor of Dunn. And frankly, the idea that Abreu is better defensively is probably outdated at this point. It was almost certainly true 3-4 years ago, but it appears that Abreu has really fallen off defensively. He’s a RF in reputation only at this point.
Really, the only arguments that I can see in favor of Abreu over Dunn is that Abreu hits for a higher average, that Abreu steals bases, and Abreu has the potential “intangibles” advantage of having played well in big markets (no reason that Dunn couldn’t handle playing in a big market either, though). Most everything else is a wash or is largely an advantage for Dunn.
Abreu's an ideal Ned Colletti short-term pickup
2 years and $32 million…
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Yeah, I can see that too.
But he could be an ideal short-term pick up for us as well.
Remember we seem to be playing with a short window of opportunity here (2009 and maybe 2010). We are not built for the long haul right now of being a perennial contender. Now is the time to pounce and go all in.
100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.
That would be among the worst contracts in the league.
The Yankees are in win-now mode and deemed him and his sixteen million dollar option expendable. Sixteen million annually for Abreu is way too much.
Colletti gave big contracts to
Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre.. Can see him giving a similar deal to Abreu.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Well, just for posterity's sake...
…I’ll state for the record that, if the Cubs are going to spend big bucks on a name free agent, my vote definitely goes to Adam Dunn. He would most likely make the biggest (positive) difference in the Cubs offensive output. Plus, he’d help keep the team OBP high, and he’s familiar with Wrigley Field and the NL Central as a whole.
I can certainly see the logic in trading for younger, higher upside options such as Hermida or Kubel as well. But if Lou really wants that name lefty slugger to strike fear into the hearts of postseason pitchers, and the team can somehow put together a plan to mitigate Dunn’s well-publicized defensive shortcomings throughout the regular season, he is Da Man.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
If I knew for certain that Dunn could take over for D-Lee when Lee's contract is over...
… I’d be much more interested in signing him. Until then, though, RF would be a disaster area.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Ryan Howard plays 1B.
Can’t be hard.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
Moot
I don’t think we have the cash to do it.
At last check, we were at $136M. This is before the settled values for Gregg, Wuertz and Cedeno. Adding these three in, we are likely at $140M. This is the speculated lower range of the 2009 payroll budget.
Assuming the high range is $145M, and that Hendry doesn’t want any wiggle room during the year, and the Cubs were able to shave, say, $6M for Marquis’ salary, we’re talking $11M left over. That won’t be enough to land Dunn or Abreu.
My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!
I'm not so sure about that.
I see at least one of the solid outfield free agents ending up a bargain, whether it be Dunn for 10-12 million annually or Abreu for 8-10 million annually. I have no real basis for that assumption, I just have a feeling there are going to be a few bargain big-name players out there.
Has Anyone Heard...
… if there is an offer on the table for Bradley? Last I heard was that Bradley was going to decide between the Cubs and Rays by the end of the year, but I hadn’t heard of any formal offer from the Cubs…
My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!
I am getting bored waiting
let’s get some deal done. If this is such a priority why are we getting this done? Signing Gathright? Let’s get our big #1 thing accomplished so we can haggle about what else has to be done.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Why get some deal done for the sake fo doing it?
Wait until the right offer is on the table, other wise we are still sporting a good team out there and may be able to make a move when the season is starting.
Is this offseason boring? Yes. Do I think we have gone backwards? Yes (mainly with releasing Wood). Would I like to pick up Dunn? Yes, but only if the terms are right.
Dunn could have a home very soon.
Boston’s looking to sign Tex by tomorrow or Saturday and is offering 8 years and $184 million…
If that happens, I see Dunn signing with Washington quite quickly.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Im sure that'll work out well
Theyve got nothing
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
He's NOT coming to the Cubs
This is the same guy who blasted the Cubs at the end of 2007 for their outfield conditions (remember he injured himself at Wrigley). He has criticized Cubs, outfield fans, and the organization in the past (not in 2008 though).
The Cubs are not nearly going to offer him enough money to change his mind about the team so let’s move onto someone else who might actually play for us.
Don't forget the field has been replaced since that criticism.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Entire field?
I thought it was just the infield that got the complete revamp?
Well regardless, I don’t think Cubs are willing to spend the money to get him to change his mind about a potential dislike of the team.
It was the entire field
The infield had a new drainage system, but the whole field was lowered like 6 inches IIRC
by GoCubbies34 on Dec 19, 2008 12:02 AM CST up reply actions
The entire field got a new drainage system.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I think you're overthinking this.
Baseball’s a business. It’s not like Dunn went all Ozzie on Cubs fans/Wrigley.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
Looks like Texiera to Boston is very close to being done
Which should lead to Adam Dunn signing with either the Nationals or Angels by Christmas.
My guesses…
Texiera – Red Sox (a done deal for a whopping $22 million per season)
Dunn – Nats
Manny – Angels
Abreu – Yankees (he’s going back home in my view)
Hudson – White Sox
And the NL Central
Has gotten who exactly this year in the free agent market?
It’s too early to say that division just got significantly weaker?
Which is why we might not be willing to overpay for someone...
until the deadline.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
Hmmm
I see Manny going to New York to counter the Tex signing… Dunn will slip to Washington for a big payday while Borass has Anaheim, LA and NY bidding for Manny. When Manny goes to NY, LA will sign Pat the Bat.. They need a right-handed power hitter. That leaves Bradley and Abreu and one of those guys will go to Anaheim.
At this point I’d rather have Giles than Bradley. Just add him to the Peavy deal, since SD wants to cut payroll… At least the Cubs aren’t committed to a long contract with Giles and can hope Fukudome starts to hit. Also, I have a feeling Harden won’t resign and Dempster won’t be nearly as good, so Peavy’s a good long-term pickup..
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
The Yankees don't seem to want Abreu.
And if the Yankees do get Manny, it will be interesting to see what the two LA teams do. I still hope there is a chance for us to trade Soriano to one of those teams if they both fail to get any of the big FA signings.
I also keep wondering if Abreu will be the one left out of the market and end up being a bargain.
A lot of wishful thinking here.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I agree that Dunn is not likely....
but I sure would like to see him land on the Northside. His offensive numbers are ridiculous! I like the fact that he’s not afraid to work a count and let the walks pile up. As far as his defense goes… not good by any stretch, but it’s something that you put up with. See Man-Ram.
I’m just not sure how Bradley would work out. There’s just something about him… his health is always a concern and he’s never been a clubhouse guy. At least in the past.
I’m just not that excited about Bradlely and Abreu. You can make solid points for both but Dunn would be my choice if it were up to me. I’m not sure that it’s likely because as always, it comes down to money. I want to win right NOW as much as anyone but I’m not a huge fan of the backloaded contract that handcuffs the future.
I agree.
What appeals to most about Dunn are his reliability and his power. While Abreu is likely to stay healthy, he is getting old and is declining both at the plate and in the outfield. Bradley is a more well-rounded player than Dunn, but more prone to injuries and bizarre occurrences. Dunn can not only be relied uppn to play day in and day out, but you can pretty much guarantee that he’s going to hit at least forty home runs and walk 100 times. There’s also the appeal of having him play half of his games in the park he has had the most success in.
Does Dunn REALLY work counts?
Or, does he just get pitched around/IBB’d a lot?
I’m genuinely asking.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
I think he does work counts.
He has finished in the top 10 in IBB in the NL four times:
2004, 8th
2005, 6th
2006, 10th
2008, 10th
Career high: 14.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Cool, thanks.
That’s good news.
Noticed Dunn played RF for the Dbacks…his play there hasn’t really been mentioned. All people are saying is what a butcher he’d be in right.
Wondering if we’re guilty of overthinking this a little much?
As it stands right now, though, I think the point made early this morning (forget by who) about the NL Central getting weaker this year is valid. We’re still the best team in this division. Would love to make a deadline deal…but I’m skeptical of our prospect pool.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
Tex talks just broke down with Boston...
Borass overplay his hand?
"We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry wrote in an e-mail. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ApEsGziCyAh0.1KRIqXh20Y5nYcB?slug=ge-redsoxteixeira121808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Since I started typing this comment...
…Adam Dunn has struck out three times.
dropped a fly ball
and threw to the wrong base
Ran over the bullpen mound, tearing up his knee and out for the season.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 AM CST up reply actions
Don't know
if this has been posted but http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2008/12/cubsrumors1219.php#more
in the article it mentions Adam Dunn wanting to come to the cubs “in the worst possible way”
Life's a garden, dig it.
pretty interesting
"Adam Dunn
Dave Kaplan reported on Thursday night that Adam Dunn is telling people if the Cubs will have him, that’s where he wants to play. Kaplan reminded his listeners about how awful the Cubs defense would be in the outfield with Alfonso Soriano in left and Dunn in right. Kaplan finished his brief, yet revealing, discussion about Dunn with the following: “He wants to play here in the worst way.”
bring up felix.
Well, his outfield play WOULD be "in the worst way"
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I think this is being overstated
Add him to this offense and the team could easily lead the league in runs again, making up for any losses in his defensive capabilities.
Again, the difference b/t him and an aged Abreu and DH Bradley is minimal to negligible
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Remember that Dunn has been playing LF for the Reds...
… and he isn’t very good there. RF is a more difficult position, even more so at Wrigley because of the sun.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I hear ya, but
I think his positives outweigh his negatives and I think his offense could help us run away with the division again, especially since Milwaukee is losing CC and Sheets and the Pirates are the Pirates
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
He played mostly in RF for the Dbacks
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
And Dunn may only play 100 or so game in RF
since Soriano probably misses 35-50 games and Lee will need some days off.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
I stand corrected
With my above statements then.
I think the critical question is
will he take less money to play here. At a certain price, the Cubs can live with the defensive issues. I mean, what’s Joey Gathright for if not replacing Dunn on the basepaths after he walks in the 8th inning?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I think I´m warming up to the idea of Dunn
And if the Cubs are really his first choice then I definitely believe something can be worked out. I’m not afraid of Bradley’s attitude but his injury history is just extremely alarming. And the idea of moving Dunn to first when Lee’s contract is up is a good one too.
I don’t foresee a trade happening, so perhaps this is our best option. And move Soriano to right and have Dunn in left. You get the lead and then you have plenty of people that can make the defense good for the latter innings.
I'm kind of intrigued by this, too.
Worried about his defense, but obviously, the offense would be a big help.
In 217 career AB at Wrigley, Dunn has hit .286/.419/.664 with 23 homers.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Very interesting numbers.
100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.
DUNN ANOTHER DISASTER...........
Have to agree with Al on this one … Maybe we will all have to see what DOME can do …or can’t do is better ………
dunn
a reds fan told me he,s as bad a 1st baseman as he is an outfielder.adam says he wants to play for a contender so washington makes no sense but we all know money talks.i cant see him coming to the cubs.this guy is a dh.
I'd like to see Dunn get some starts
at 1B.. It’s not like Lee’s much of a hitter anymore.
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
I'm warming up to Dunn too...
I think he could go off for 50 HR’s next year playing at Wrigley. I can’t even remember the last time the Cubs had a legit power hitting lefty. He gets on base, walks a ton; I’m sure we could live with his defense. Like others suggested, we’ll have plenty of options for defensive replacements for him in the late innings with Gathright/DeRo/Johnson/Dome.
Someday we'll go all the way...
The thing in Dunn's favor is that his defensive problems are well-known.
You can sub for him defensively in a way that Lou wouldn’t for Abreu and won’t for Soriano.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Between the two of them,
Dunn is probably the better fielder. We need to stop looking for the perfect player and accept the fact that all of the free agent options have some significant flaws. Dunn can’t play much defense, as his -20 UZR attests to. But Abreu, who gets a pass defensively, graded out worse than Dunn last year. Bradley is a pretty good defender, but do we really want a guy who can’t stay healthy playing in the outfield every day. Every foul ball to right I’m going to be crossing my fingers that Bradley doesn’t get roughed up by the opposition’s bullpen mound.
In terms of what Lou wants, its a power hitting lefty. Dunn fits that profile best. He can’t play the field, but his 40-50 moonshots should help us get over that.
You're right, you CAN sub for him defensively.
The question is, would Lou actually do it?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Without a doubt...
Dunn doesn’t seem like an ego-maniac. I could see Lou pulling him in the 8th, “Come here big guy, you’ve done your job, now let’s get some defense out there and finish it off.” And to that Dunn would respond, " *grunt*", in approval.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Dec 21, 2008 8:26 AM CST up reply actions
Thing is...
… Lou usually doesn’t “ask” his starters if they want to come out. He could easily do that with Soriano, too, but Lou THINKS Soriano is a “superstar” outfielder.
Soriano is a superstar hitter, but a mediocre outfielder. Dunn is a superstar hitter and a BAD outfielder. Think Lou’s going to take him out?
You’d have to convince Lou first that it’s the right thing to do.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I think it has more to do (for Lou) with how the player perceives himself.
Lou isn’t willing to upset Soriano by suggesting he needs a defensive replacement. Dunn knows what he is and wouldn’t be upset by Joey Gathright taking CF and Dome sliding over.
I could be wrong about this, but I think Lou’s lineups and in-game substitutions have a lot to do with player reputations.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I've said it and so have others
Think a left-handed Dave Kingman. I cringe to think what an outfield with Soriano & Dunn at the corners would do to our pitching. 2009 might become the year of “Sore elbows and done”.
The difference between Kingman and Dunn is...
… Dunn draws a ton of walks. And has a better attitude.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
While Dunn would be a downgrade in right,
Kosuke/Gathright/Pie will be a MAJOR upgrade in center field. At this point Jim Edmonds is a good fielder by reputation only, and the upgrade in center field and the late inning defensive replacements with Dunn are going to help negate the switch from Kosuke to Dunn in right.
Adam Dunn is a terrible idea
…and I doubt it will happen given the $$$ he can demand from somebody. There is no possible way a team can have an outfield that includes Soriano AND Dunn at the same time.
Well, the obvious solution
is just to move Soriano to SS.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I'm waffling...
Early here I moved into the “Abreu for RF in ’09” camp.
After reading everything here, contemplating it some more, and thinking about what people had to say to me earlier, I am switching camps. If Dunn will come on a relatively cheaper deal ($8 mil or less – maybe back loaded?), then I am for the gamble.
I mean he has to be better than Jeromy Burnitz, right?
Plus, I am also firmly in the “Say No to Bradley in RF in ’09” camp.
100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.
I'm beginning to come around to this idea.
I still cringe at the thought of him losing fly balls in the sun.
But maybe he’ll hit enough homers to make up for that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Definitely not Burnitz
and I bet we see a lot of DeRo and Fukudome in RF considering injuries and guys needing days off. Also, have Gaithright for late innings…
SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!
Sorri and Dunn in the OF would be and adventure...
but I think Dunn brings enough offense to offset what he lacks in the field. Though I’m not sure I like the idea of moving Sorri to RF. There’s already enough potential for disaster without Sorri having to learn to play a new position.
"I find sometimes it's easy to be myself. Sometimes I find it easier to be somebody else..." - Dave Matthews
dunn
hey we survived dave kingman in the outfield years ago .why not dunn???we need a left hander and this guy is the best available.such an obvious move you know it wont happen.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleed Cubbie Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
- Giancarlo Stanton misses cutoff man, and Logan Morrison is thankful he did (Video)
- Snoop Dogg delivers memorable first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field
