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.

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Play small ball once in a while...

Every team needs that slugger, the one who's going to hit HRs and drive in runs. The Nats have plenty of guys who can play small ball when needed (Guzman, Johnson, Dukes, Belliard, Harris) and the guys that will drive in runs (Dunn, Zimmerman, Willingham, Kerns). Their depth actually allows them to change the lineup to fit their needs as well.

Needless to say, the problem in the past has been lack of power. Last year, Milledge and Zimmerman led the team in HRs with 14, with Milledge leading the team with 61 RBIs. Dunn steps in as their bonafide cleanup hitter, something the Nats haven't seen since their playing days in Montreal.

And I think the fans know that Acta isn't the problem, that their pitching is atrocious...Acta also has Kasten's backing, so he'll get the benefit of the doubt.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

Every team needs that slugger, the one who's going to hit HRs and drive in runs. The Nats have plenty of guys who can play small ball when needed (Guzman, Johnson, Dukes, Belliard, Harris) and the guys that will drive in runs (Dunn, Zimmerman, Willingham, Kerns). Their depth actually allows them to change the lineup to fit their needs as well.

Needless to say, the problem in the past has been lack of power. Last year, Milledge and Zimmerman led the team in HRs with 14, with Milledge leading the team with 61 RBIs. Dunn steps in as their bonafide cleanup hitter, something the Nats haven't seen since their playing days in Montreal.

And I think the fans know that Acta isn't the problem, that their pitching is atrocious...Acta also has Kasten's backing, so he'll get the benefit of the doubt.

I can't really argue with that...you are certainly right about the Nats needing a power hitter. My point was lack of discipline which Dunn doesn't help. Also that pitching is a priority, not hitting, but I guess you have to start somewhere huh? It's not like they have the money to really spend when they ranked 13th out of 16 NL teams for attendance at barely over 2.3 mil. So I get your point.
Just an FYI, and I know he was just a "rental", but Soriano hit 46 homers for you in 2006. I'm surprised that was forgotten given that he joined the 40/40 club that year. (4th player ever I believe...Canseco, Bonds, A-Rod, Soriano)

On a side note, how much more losing do you think Acta can endure and still remain with the team?

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I can't really argue with that...you are certainly right about the Nats needing a power hitter. My point was lack of discipline which Dunn doesn't help. Also that pitching is a priority, not hitting, but I guess you have to start somewhere huh? It's not like they have the money to really spend when they ranked 13th out of 16 NL teams for attendance at barely over 2.3 mil. So I get your point.
Just an FYI, and I know he was just a "rental", but Soriano hit 46 homers for you in 2006. I'm surprised that was forgotten given that he joined the 40/40 club that year. (4th player ever I believe...Canseco, Bonds, A-Rod, Soriano)

On a side note, how much more losing do you think Acta can endure and still remain with the team?

Dunn has 808 career walks in 8 seasons, so while he's not the model of discipline, I wouldn't say he has a lack of discipline either. We're not talking Rob Deer...

The Nats have several young arms on the farm that they are waiting to bring up, which is why I think they went after hitting as opposed to pitching. They have 2 or 3 guys at AAA that are almost ready to rock and roll.

As far as Soriano goes, I didn't mention him because I don't consider him a true cleanup hitter. He has too much speed and would be more important in other spots in the lineup. In fact, he spent most of that 2006 season hitting first or third for the Nats.

I think Acta has a long leash until the Front Office starts spending more money. I think Kasten realizes that it's going to take some time. But once he thinks all the pieces are in place, that leash will shorten considerably.