Adam Dunn Signing

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Today, one of the biggest (and yes I also mean literally) sluggers signed with his 4th team in 10 years. Do you know who this is? Who is the only person in the last 7 years to hit at least 38 home runs per year, but has never eclipsed a season average of .270? Thats right, Elvis Andrus , has signed with the Chicago White Sox. Wait... thats not right, no no no first baseman Adam Dunn,30, has signed with the Chicago White Sox.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick and Bruce Levine report that the deal is all but finalized between the Sox and Dunn. Dunn, slated for four years and 56 million, will primarily serve as the DH for the Sox, but that depends on the status of free-agent Paul Konerko. Konerko, who has been a long-time White Sox, doesnt plan to sign before the winter meetings, which are to be held two weeks from today.

Although Dunn is considered to be one of the most durable players in the game ( at least 150 games/ season since 2004), he will likely not play the field every game for the White Sox. Although he has expressed interest in not Dh'ing, the White Sox signed Dunn for his hitting ability, not his ability to field. Currently, the White Sox plan to sign Konerko again, and for him to be the every-day first baseman. Although Dunn will spell Konerko, he will considered the Sox' DH.

Dunn was originally believed to sign elsewhere, with his former team the Washington Nationals aggressively pursuing the slugger, but other teams in the mix were The Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays. The Sox plan to hit Dunn primarily in the cleanup slot, but with Alex Rios and Carlos Quentin, Dunn may have to earn his worth. The only thing that is for certain next season is that Adam Dunn will continue to mash.