The Chicago White Sox are in a tough spot. They might have to resign a legend, but they might have to move a power bat, which is why trade rumors are swirling with Adam Dunn as the most valuable piece in a possible deal. What are the factors behind the White Sox possibly moving the slugger Dunn?
Firstly, here is what Dunn provides.
Except for that random 2011 campaign where Dunn finished the season with 11 home runs, he is a bet to hit at least 40. He is a strikeout threat, but he is also, ironically, a very patient hitter at the plate. He might strike out 170-220 times in a season, but he will walk 70 to 100 times as well. That keeps his on-base percentage up and allows him to score a couple of runs a game.
In 2012, he contributed with 34 home runs, 86 RBI, a .219 batting average and .320 OBP. The Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros or Minnesota Twins do not need Dunn, but there are plenty of squads around baseball who could use a DH if they are willing to trade for the 13-year veteran.
Take the Seattle Mariners who could use any type of power in their lineup. Raul Ibanez led the team with 29 home runs, so plugging in an Ibanez-like bat would truly help the club. Like Ibanez, Dunn is a lefty, but he is younger. He played a little bit of outfield and a little bit of first base, which would only give the team some flexibilities when they want to give a starter some time off.
The Kansas City Royals only hit 112 home runs last year. That is just over three times as many as Dunn hit alone. With young bats in the middle of that lineup, Dunn could provide fear and protection. Of course, he could be a strikeout threat, but the Royals had a decent .315 OBP, placing
It all depends, as MLB Trade Rumors reports, if future Hall of Famer Paul Konerko decides to return in 2014. At age 37, Konerko will face the possibility of retiring or he can try to find a new home, though he has been a part of the White Sox organization since 1999. He has won a ring with the White Sox and has remained with the club despite all their ups and downs.
Can Konerko provide solid contributions?
Since becoming a full time player in 1999, Konerko has only played less than 130 games once in his career. There has been a slow decline in his production in the last three years, mostly in the ability to hit. In 2010, Konerko revived his career, hitting 39 home runs and driving in 111 RBI, while hitting .312. He had a solid 2011 campaign where he hit 31 home , driving in 105 runs. Then, in 2012, Konerko hit 26 home runs with 75 RBI, but he hit a decent .244.
In 2013, things did not go too well for the 17-year veteran. He only had 12 home runs, 54 RBI and a measly .244 batting average.
