Headlines

Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Adam Dunn

Latest Dunn To Padres Rumor

By | at

A new trade rumor has surfaced, though Kevin Towers may have already shot it down.

The report on San Diego radio (specifically XX Sportsradio 1090) was that the Padres could send southpaw reliever Justin Hampson as well as groundball artist Clay Hensley to the Reds for Adam Dunn.  Kevin Towers described this rumor as "not worth chasing" to the San Diego Union Tribune’s Tim Sullivan.

Hampson is the only lefty in the Padres’ pen, and he’s allowed just two earned runs in 22.1 innings.  However, his strikeout rate is quite low and his history isn’t that impressive.  The Padres insist they don’t need a southpaw in the pen, but could easily bring up Royce Ring if they trade Hampson.

After a breakout rookie season in ’06, Hensley hasn’t been able to get on track this year.  He’s been battered around in 12 starts split between the Padres and Triple A.  He had a fine spring but blister and groin injuries surfaced and Hensley ended up losing his rotation spot to Justin Germano.

Kevin Towers and Wayne Krivsky have matched up on a trade once before.  In March of 2006, Towers sent catcher Dave Ross to the Reds for right-handed starter/former top prospect Bobby Basham.

Sheehan On Adam Dunn

By | at

Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus gives his analysis on some Adam Dunn trade suitors.  And it’s a free article.

Is Dunn really a lightning rod for criticism in Cincinnati?  I’d like to see what those who live there think.  I feel that in this day and age Dunn is mostly appreciated for his strengths.

Sheehan’s top five fits for Dunn, in order of likelihood, are the Twins, Angels, Yankees, Padres, and A’s.  As Sheehan alludes to, Terry Ryan and Bill Stoneman don’t make this type of trade. 

What’s more, the Angels would have a serious logjam with Dunn.  You don’t move Casey Kotchman off first, leaving the DH and left field spots for Dunn.  You’d rotate the DH spot between Dunn and Vlad, and the left field spot between Garrett Anderson, Reggie Willits, and occasionally Dunn.  Someone’s losing some playing time in the deal, and Vlad is probably getting less time at DH to rest.  Use of Dunn on the field probably compromises the defense.  An Anderson injury could make this less of a problem.  Another thought: a coworker of mine suggested that the Angels give up some quality prospects for their bat, but force the inclusion of Shea Hillenbrand in the deal.  Not a bad idea.

Interesting to note that Sheehan calls Chase Headley unavailable.  Not sure if that is based on some inside info.  I had speculated yesterday that Headley’s callup could be a showcase.

Sheehan’s idea of the Yankees for Dunn makes a ton of sense, but they would have to assemble a prospect package without any real alluring name.  Well, Joba Chamberlain might be somewhat alluring.  It sounds like Wayne Krivsky would ask for Robinson Cano though. 

Reds and Angels Discuss Dunn

By | at

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.

Rosenthal’s Latest

By | at

The authority on all trade rumors, Ken Rosenthal has spoken.  Let’s review.

  • As we have heard before, the Dodgers like Adam Dunn.  We’ve also discussed the fact that there’s not a clear place to put him.  Whether you go with first base or left field, a veteran must move.  The Padres like Dunn as well but talks have yet to occur.  The Angels may have liked him in the past but they don’t seem likely at this point.  And the Twins?  They just won’t break the bank for him unfortunately.
  • With Michael Barrett having issues with 40% of the Cubs’ rotation, the Cubs could look to trade him.  Even though he’s a top offensive catcher, his impending free agency might prevent any strong return.  Plus, the Cubs would have to go with a Henry Blanco/Koyie Hill tandem.  A more likely scenario is that the Cubs will let Barrett walk after the season.
  • Finally some clarity on Eric Gagne’s limited no-trade protection.  Rosenthal reveals that he can veto trades to 12 teams.  The Phillies and Indians are again mentioned as suitors.  Rosenthal thinks Mark Teixeira could generate a lot of talk but no action at the trading deadline.  Kind of like Alfonso Soriano or A.J. Burnett before him.
  • The asking price for Brad Lidge, supposedly: a premium young catcher and promising young pitcher.  Lidge will probably earn $8MM next year before hitting free agency.  The Astros should be happy with a young catcher or a young pitcher, not both.  I’d mention Salty here but I think he is worth much more than Lidge.  Rosenthal says the Astros could move another bullpen arm like Wheeler or Qualls to get the bat they need. 
  • Could the Devil Rays simply retain Al Reyes and Carlos Pena?  Both players could be valuable contributors to the 2008 club.  I like the idea of keeping Reyes around for next year, but I think Pena has peaked.
  • Noah Lowry would get the attention of the Braves or Cardinals, but the Giants are unlikely to move him.
  • The Phils are likely to pass on Tomo Ohka despite their need for pitching.

Scouting The Reds

By | at

The chatter regarding Reds’ left fielder Adam Dunn is picking up, and it’s only June 13th.  It’s looking more and more like we can add Dunn to our 2008 MLB free agents list, as his 2008 option becomes void with a trade.  Ken Griffey Jr. and various other Reds may be in play too.

Five articles referenced Dunn this morning.  The Newark Star-Ledger contains just one sentence:

"The Cincinnati Reds, who could be in position to trade reliever David Weathers and slugger Adam Dunn, had a scout at the [Yankees-Diamondbacks] game."

One imagines the Yankees may like a number of additional Reds, including Griffey and Mike Stanton.  But the Weathers/Dunn speculation is the most reasonable.  The Reds, by the way, have yet to approach Junior about any possible trades.  While we know Griffey would probably approve a trade to Atlanta, some real creativity would be required with his contract.  And he’d have to be open to playing left field.  Buster Olney noted today that the White Sox have at least had internal discussions about acquiring Griffey.

The Dayton Daily News has the scoop on scouts from many teams in attendance at the Reds-Angels game last night: the Braves, Astros, Dodgers, White Sox, Tigers, and more.  Actually the article references "Los Angeles" so that could be the Angels too.  Any of these clubs could conceivably make room for Dunn.  I imagine young pitching is the name of the game for Wayne Krivsky.

Besides the previously named players, Eddie Guardado, Scott Hatteberg, and Kyle Lohse could be on the market.  The Reds have a $3MM option for ’08 on Guardado and a $1.85MM club option for ’08 on Hatteberg.  Lohse, a Scott Boras client, reaches free agency after this season.

Krivsky Has No Comment On Dunn

By | at

That Wayne Krivsky greeted Jon Heyman’s Adam Dunn rumor with a no comment might be taken by some as confirmation.  After all, we have seen GMs deny similar rumors if the player wasn’t actually available.  Then again, it may just be a blanket "no comment" on all trade rumors.

One interesting part of this Cincinnati Enquirer article was Krivsky saying that a 48-hour window could be granted to an acquiring team to hammer out a contract extension.  Defense aside, Dunn’s impending free agency is the biggest drawback when comparing him to the also-available Mark Teixeira.  But if Dunn is open to a reasonable extension at $12-14MM annually, that could even things out.

Reds Taking Offers On Dunn

By | at

We kind of figured Reds slugger Adam Dunn might be available, given his $10.5MM salary and the Reds’ 25-39 record.  Today, Jon Heyman at SI.com confirmed that Dunn is "already out there as available," according to his "league sources."  Heyman does not mention that Dunn’s $13MM option for 2008 voids if he’s traded. 

While Dunn can technically play left field, he will more likely be used as a first baseman or DH by the acquiring team. 

The White Sox are short on power this year, but may shift to sell mode soon and probably wouldn’t want Dunn bumbling around in left field anyway.  The Dodgers would make a great fit, but acquiring Dunn could require shifting Nomar to third base.  He would then break down during his first round of fielding practice.

The Padres make sense too, but Adrian Gonzalez is entrenched at first so Dunn would play left.  Oakland or San Francisco could definitely accomodate Dunn at first base.  He’d make a great DH for the Twins.  Dunn was born in Houston; maybe Wayne Krivsky could do an intra-division trade and Lance Berkman could stick to right field.

I’d really like to see the Twins pull this off, but Dunn just doesn’t seem their style.  It seems the Dodgers will snag a big bat one way or another, but Dunn isn’t the easiest fit.  I honestly can’t pin down the best suitor for him right now.

Rosenthal’s Latest

By | at

Time for another Rosenthal column!  Some of this is just a writeup from his recent video; here’s the new stuff.

  • A little elaboration on the Adam Dunn to San Diego idea – Rosenthal throws Clay Hensley’s name into the mix.  Hensley has had a rough couple of months, with a nasty blister, a groin strain, and some awful starts.  His 54% groundball rate would be a nice fit in Chicago or Cincinnati.  Another player I could see catching Wayne Krivsky’s eye is Cla Meredith.
  • The Cubs continue to shop Jacque Jones, hoping to slide Felix Pie in every day.  Pie is ready for the show, but the Cubs would like something to show for Jones.  He is earning $4MM this year and $5MM in ’08.  It looked like a bargain after Jones hit .285/.334/.499 last year, but he’s tanked in the Cubs’ crowded outfield.  He could fit well with the Padres, a team that doesn’t hit lefties or righties.  Jones normally just struggles with lefties.  Jacque was born in San Diego, too.  Kevin Towers and Jim Hendry matched up for a couple of smaller deals last summer with Todd Walker and Scott Williamson.
  • Mike Lowell may leave Boston after this season as a free agent.  He’s easily the best affordable 3B on the market.  Perhaps the Yankees want him back.  Other possibilities include the Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Phillies, and Astros according to Rosenthal.  Hard to believe Lowell is so popular and successful after he was a throw-in forced upon the Red Sox in the Josh Beckett deal.
  • Eric Byrnes is probably headed out of Arizona, and he’d be a valuable center field addition who won’t break the bank.  He’ll be 32 in ’08, and on a reasonable three-year deal could be a better value than Ichiro, Torii, or Andruw.  Wouldn’t be surprised to see the White Sox get involved.

Rosenthal’s Latest Video

By | at

Ken Rosenthal reeled off a slew of sweet trade rumors in a couple of videos today, which you can watch at FOXSports.  Let’s discuss.

  • Rosenthal says the Cubs won’t trade Carlos Zambrano unless they fall out of contention or the big righty requests a trade.  Rosenthal finds neither scenario likely.  He says Zambrano still has a good relationship with Jim Hendry, and the Cubs still intend to sign him.  The contract remains on hold.  Interesting, but not surprising to see that the Cubs are still veering towards this mistake after what we’ve seen this year.
  • Lots of good Jermaine Dye stuff from Rosenthal.  About ten days ago, the White Sox kicked around the idea of sending Dye to the Yankees for Bobby Abreu.  The Yanks covet Dye’s right-handed power, and Ozzie loves Abreu, his countryman.  Rosenthal says the White Sox like the option of keeping Abreu for $16MM in ’08 if they so choose.  That option comes with a $2MM buyout attached.  The Dye/Abreu swap may be on hold because Dye is finally showing some signs of life.  I have to be honest – I don’t understand the timeline here.  If the Sox were considering this ten days ago, nothing Dye has done since should have changed their thinking.
  • Other suitors for Dye: the Padres or Dodgers.  The two NL West competitors rank 10th and 12th in the league in slugging, respectively.  No doubt the Dodgers have the goods, but what reasonable trade could the Padres work out?  Kenny Williams and Kevin Towers have matched up twice before, but on minor trades involving guys like D’Angelo Jimenez and Geoff Blum.
  • Rosenthal says the Padres are also eyeing Adam Dunn, for whom their pitchers’ ballpark would present less of an obstacle.  Two hitches: Dunn can become a free agent after this season if he’s traded, and the Reds will ask for a lot.  The Padres’ best pitching prospect, Cesar Carrillo, recently had Tommy John surgery.  Their best hitting prospect, Cedric Hunter, is trying to figure out Low A ball.  Third baseman Chase Headley is hitting well in Double A, and I’m sure plenty of teams would like to have him.  Headley is somewhat blocked by Kevin Kouzmanoff.  Honestly, though, the Padres don’t have much in the minors to trade.  At the Major League level, they might be able to part with Cla Meredith and get a decent hitter in return. 

Healey’s Latest

By | at

Mark Healey of Gotham Baseball has some new rumors for us this morning.

  • There’s talk that if the Twins are more than five games out at the trading deadline, they’ll start dealing veterans.  An obvious one is Luis Castillo, earning $5.75MM this season.  He has long been connected to the Mets.  He almost signed with New York as a free agent and the team has tried trading for him before.  Healey believes Lastings Milledge is too much to give up, so don’t look for a straight up swap of those two.  Though I imagine the Twins would love having Milledge to man center field in 2008.
  • The Reds are ten games under .500 and ten out in the NL Central.  Healey speculates that Adam Dunn, Ryan Freel, and Dave Weathers are the Reds’ most tradeable commodities.  The Reds recently extended Freel through 2009, though – I think they want him around as a fan favorite.  Dunn I can see being moved.  He earns $10.5MM this year with a $13MM club option for ’08.  He’s got an unsurprising line of .263/.366/.538; that’s worth $13 mil these days.  The Dodgers or White Sox seem like good fits.   
Show all

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top