Justice Prepares Astros' Apology (in advance)
In his blog, Chronicle columnist Richard Justice, in his neverending quest to serve as the John Kerry of Houston sports media, has made sure to insert an anti-Dunn post so as to protect himself (and all of the important people that he has been friends with for a really long time) just in case the Astros' choke away a deal for prolific slugger Adam Dunn. Justice writes:
Sure, Richard, the fact that Dunn currently ranks 5th in the NL in OPS, 4th in HR, 7th in SLG and 13th in OBP is certainly inconsequential because of Dunn's alleged loafing in the field. It is ludicrous and insulting to write such crap in a major (but admittedly equally crappy) newspaper. While watching the punchless Astros score 5 runs total in a 3-game sweep by the Cardinals, my thoughts were that a little more hustle and effort on defense likely was the missing piece. I'm sure that whatever menial impact the Big Donkey would have provided would have made no difference. Not to mention the fact that Fernando Nieve and Troy Patton are far too vital to Round Rock and Salem, respectively, as those clubs chase down all-important minor league championship glory.
By the way, Adam Dunn has an OPS of .938 against the Cardinals thus far this season, scoring 8 runs, hitting 4 home runs with 5 RBI and 6 BB (and only 6 K for the sabremetrically-impaired). Good luck convincing Astros' fans that he's not worth the deal.
Adam Dunn probably doesn't even remember the play, but inside the Astros' clubhouse and front office, it left a huge impression. It happened a few weeks ago when Dunn appeared to loaf on a play in which he could have thrown Brad Ausmus out on the bases.
Players and management alike mentioned it to me over the last couple of days. They're wondering if that single play doesn't signal a larger issue. They're wondering if he has come to accept the losing in Cincinnati, and if he'd be a good fit for the Astros.
"I'd say he'd make us a LITTLE better," one guy told me.
In the end, the more important issue probably is how the Reds have overvalued him and want too much to make a deal. But that play has stuck in a lot of minds, too.
They're wondering what it says about his work ethic, commitment, etc. For now, scratch Adam Dunn from the list of possible future Astros.
Sure, Richard, the fact that Dunn currently ranks 5th in the NL in OPS, 4th in HR, 7th in SLG and 13th in OBP is certainly inconsequential because of Dunn's alleged loafing in the field. It is ludicrous and insulting to write such crap in a major (but admittedly equally crappy) newspaper. While watching the punchless Astros score 5 runs total in a 3-game sweep by the Cardinals, my thoughts were that a little more hustle and effort on defense likely was the missing piece. I'm sure that whatever menial impact the Big Donkey would have provided would have made no difference. Not to mention the fact that Fernando Nieve and Troy Patton are far too vital to Round Rock and Salem, respectively, as those clubs chase down all-important minor league championship glory.
By the way, Adam Dunn has an OPS of .938 against the Cardinals thus far this season, scoring 8 runs, hitting 4 home runs with 5 RBI and 6 BB (and only 6 K for the sabremetrically-impaired). Good luck convincing Astros' fans that he's not worth the deal.
posted by Scott | 12:48 PM
1 Comments:
I'm convinced. Dunn's not worth what the Reds are asking. He may get the opportunity to don the star in 2007, but only if he is willing to follow in the footsteps of Andy Pettitte and takes a hometown discount.
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