Are the Nationals really that bad?

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

I'm an Adam Dunn fan. I love the fact that he's good for 40/100 every year, and if he can continue his current career clip, he'll hit 500 HRs easily. He's a decent fielder too, and once he can't run anymore, he'll still hit HRs and drive in runs as a DH in the AL. So what if he strikes out 160+ times a year...if you're going to get out, might as well go down swinging.

However, as far your question, I have 2 words for you: Jim Bowden. Considering he drafted Dunn when he was in Cincy, it's only natural that he went after him when Dunn was available.

I like Adam Dunn as well, what I am saying is, he's not a good fit for Washington, and he's not a decent fielder (explain in a moment). He's a career .247 hitter, and man can he bash the ball! But what Washington needs to do is manufacture runs. Play small ball once in a while, and Dunn isn't the type. He only has 21 sacrifice flies in his CAREER! Only 2 sacrifice hits in his career. You say "might as well go down swinging", I think that logic is why teams lose. Walk so someone else can get you home (something Dunn is top notch at) or put the ball in play so there is a CHANCE at a run somewhere. Dunn doesn't do that. He has average speed at best.
About his fielding. The league average during his career for an outfielder is .984% fielding percentage, his is a miserable .969%. 1st base the league average throughout his career is .993%, his is .985%. He is below average at both positions. With his power and his great health, he should average 120+ rbi a season. He's an all or nothing kind of guy. Don't get me wrong, this works for some teams, and he is valuable to some teams. But he can't relied upon to be the backbone of a lineup. He's one of those guys who would be a great compliment to a super star. If he could get his average up to .280, his OBP would soar over .400 (.420 range) and his RBI totals would reach amazing heights. He has been top 5 in strikeouts 5 years running, and #1 3 of those 5. That's not a flattering stat.