Dunn Deal

Great move today by the Reds in locking up 1B/OF Adam Dunn for two years for $18.5 millon. Dunn, who hit .247/.387/.540 with 40 HR's and 101 has been the Reds best player for the past 2-3 years. The salaries he will earn over the life of this contract are $7.5 million this year and $10.5 million next year. The Reds also have a option for $13 million for 2008. This actually a relative discount as opposed to what Dunn would have made via arbitration. The other aspect of this signing that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere yet is this contract could make Dunn prime trade bait come the trade deadline. No offense to Cincinnati fans but the Reds are going to be a bad team with or without Dunn in 2006. Dunn has complained openly about the team's performance in the past and has mentioned how he'd like to eventualy play for his home town team the Astros. Sluggers signed to reasonable contracts can be moved. Why do you think Manny Ramirez hasn't been traded? Because of the size of his contract. Dunn is just entering his prime and I imagine teams would be lining up if he were available. The Reds would be able to receive some young talented pitchers in return which is what they need to improve as a team. Teams that should be interested include the Dodgers (after Nomar gets hurt) and the Red Sox (to replace Manny). Because of Dunn's ability to get on base via walks 114 last year I imagine Billy Beane and the A's would be interested.