Yankees 2010 Trade Target: Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn, OF/1B Washington Nationals
2010 season: 66 G, .288/.379/.588, 16 HR, 39 RBI

Just about everyone knows Adam Dunn. Low average, lots of strike outs, lots of home runs. He hits an average of at least 40 home runs per season. His left handed swing would fit perfectly for Yankee Stadium. Seeing as he hit 38 home runs last year in spacious Nationals Park, he would hit at least 60 home runs playing in Yankee Stadium. Could you imagine that ruthian power hitting behind Tex and A-Rod?

However, it's well known that Dunn, 30, is a horrid defensive player. Since right and left field are covered by Swisher and Gardner and first base by Teixeira, it seems as though Dunn would be certain to be the Yankees' designated hitter. DH would be a perfect spot for Dunn, where he could rack up the home runs for the Yankees. The only issue with DHing is that recently Jorge Posada has occupied the DH slot since coming back from a broken foot. While he has been catching lately, he has complained of soreness in that foot while catching nine innings. The Yankees may want to use the DH spot to give Posada days of rest while Francisco Cervelli starts at catcher.

The other obstacle would be what to give the Nationals and if they would trade Dunn. At 31-37 and very much still on contention, the Nationals may be unwilling to trade Dunn. Dunn's at .288 (a career best) with 16 home runs and 39 RBI through 66 games this season while being owed $12 million this year. He's a free agent at the end of the year, and it's been rumored that the Nats are in talks for an extension. Being in contention, the Nationals may not want to trade Dunn, who's been a big part of their 2010 success. However, if they do decide that they want to trade him, I think the Yankees could have to give up a package that would look like this:

OF Colin Curtis
RHP Zach McCallister or Andrew Brackman
1B Juan Miranda
C Austin Romine

That's just what I think could get it done. You'd have to imagine that the Nats would ask for one of the catchers and if it's between Montero and Romine I think I'd rather give up the latter. Montero's been mentioned as one of MLB's best prospects and one of the best hitters in the MiLB. You imagine the Yankees would rather keep Montero. While I think Romine would have to pried away from the Yankees, I think they'd eventually go for it, especially if the team is still offensively struggling. I don't think the Yankees would trade Romine for a rental player, which Dunn could potentially be if the Yankees were to let him walk. I also think Yankee Universe would have an uproar. The Yankees already traded two top prospects in Austin Jackson and Arodys Vizcaino over the winter, so they may be reluctant to deal Romine. If the Yankees can trade for Dunn without giving up one of the catchers I think that they have to do it.

So while it could potentially happen, I think it could be likely that Dunn does end up in the Bronx, especially if the Yankees are still offensively struggling. It'd be tough to give up Romine, but with three other great catching prospects you have to take a chance. The object is to win now.

So will Adam Dunn be wearing pinstripes? Only time will tell as we're six weeks away from the trading deadline.

UPDATE 2:34 PM: The Yankees lead the Mets 5-3, so at least the offense has woke up a little.