According to Ben Bolch of the L.A. Times, the Angels had preliminary discussions with the Reds regarding Adam Dunn. Bolch’s source indicates that talks died because the Reds requested "a proven Major League starting pitcher, a Major League infielder – preferably a second baseman – and a top prospect."
Translation: Wayne Krivsky wanted Ervin Santana, Erick Aybar, and Brandon Wood. OK, that sounds absurd. And Aybar is a shortstop. Negotiation is all about asking for more than you want and meeting at the right place, but I can’t figure out what the Reds asked for. There’s no way they asked for the above with a straight face. Maybe they wanted Santana and Howie Kendrick? But then a top prospect on top? C’mon now. Bolch’s source says the Halos wouldn’t trade Kendrick for Dunn straight up.
Santana plus one other useful player would be a fine bounty for Dunn, who will reach free agency after the season if he’s traded.
I have a correction, as I earlier wrote that Krivsky could simply exercise Dunn’s 2008 option and then retain freedom to trade him. That’s not exactly true. The situation, according to Ken Rosenthal:
"If the Reds keep Dunn and exercise his option after the season, he will gain full no-trade protection until next June 15. After that date, he could be traded to 10 clubs, but the list would be of his own choosing."
By the way, the Angels may turn their attention back to Miguel Tejada if they can’t get Dunn. The Halos are again interested in him, according to the Riverside Press Enterprise.
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