Dunn Deal

Jim Bowden psychoanalysis aside, the Nats officially announced their deal with Adam Dunn today. The deal locks up the 29 year old slugger for two years for a combined $20 million. $8 million will be rewarded in 2009 and the rest in 2010.

On paper this is a great deal for the Nationals. Dunn initially was seeking a big long term contract as most 27-29 year old allstars do on the open market. Luckily for the Nationals, however, this market has just gotten worse and worse, and by playing the waiting game they signed him for less money and years than anyone would have ever have expected.

To put this deal in monetary prospective, Adam Dunn was making $13 million in 2008 and will be making $8 million in 2009. That is a 38% pay decrease after averaging 41.5 home runs and 100RBI  for the last four years. At the age of only 29 Dunn will produce close to the top power numbers in the league and get paid less than the money he signed in his first major league contract.

The Nats signed Dunn for $160 million less than they were willing to give Mark Teixiera. That's $160 million for 33 more times on base, seven less home runs, and 20 more RBI...and a little bit of defense. By not making the popular big splash signing the Nats picked up a player of close to equal value as Teixiera without threatening the integrity of the teams financial future. 

The Nats now have two years of a legitimate power threat in the middle of their line up. Two years of an all star at an average starters price. They have a name for two years to get them from A to B, from last to contention. Don't get me wrong, Dunn wont be the one to take them there, but he will help the team along as they develop.

Inserting Dunn into the line up will be great for the young Nationals hitters as well. Putting him behind Zimmerman and Milledge will allow the two to see much better pitches and will make them more selective. Dunn's ability to get on base will allow Elijah Dukes, who should hit behind him, to hit more often with runners on base, making him more effective. 

Defensively Dunn is probably slightly worse than Nick Johnson at first base. His great size however will make up for his lack of traditional range, and if the Nats can trade Johnson they can use that $5.5 million to sign a second basemen...Orlando Hudson anyone?