Mr. Dunn goes to Washington
For a team that hit just shy of 120 HRs in all of 2008, inking a guy who'll hit 40 by himself should be a harbinger of better times. But the Nationals' signing of former-Red Adam Dunn isn't likely to dislodge the Nats from their home in the NL East's cellar.
Dunn, who's been a 40/160 guy -- that's 40 HRs, 160 Ks -- for the past five seasons, inked a two-year, $20 million deal with Washington on Thursday. After trading for Florida's Josh Willingham in November, the National's are hoping to boost their offense, which finished 28th in the league in both homers and runs-scored in '08.
There's a whole litany of things ailing the Nationals... and more power isn't the cure. Dunn's arrival will put the play of rest of the Nats under the microscope. Production from youngsters Lastings Milledge or Elijah Dukes will likely be touted as keys to Dunn's success.
ESPN.com's Keith Law breaks it down here. My gut tells me that Dunn's time in Washington will mirror that of Alfonso Soriano's stint; he'll be a good player on a bad team and head for greener pastures when his contract is up.
