Nats Need Dunn's Super Power

Dunn's bat would improve Nats' attack

All offseason, the Nats have openly talked about improving their mediocre offense.  Manager Manny Acta has even cited the need for left-handed power.  With pitchers and catchers set to report soon, there's one obvious free agent target. 

Sign Adam Dunn.

Dunn's a player that many love to hate.  He has some very obvious flaws in his game.

He lumbers indifferently around the outfield like a cow in search of the right grass to chew.  He swings often -- and misses even more often -- at pitches, leading to some ugly-looking strikeouts.  He doesn't even really look the part of a baseball player, with a giant frame that make him look more like an out-of-shape tight end.

Despite those flaws, he's perfect for the Nats.  Why?  'Cause he does lots of other wonderful things that do help win ballgames, something the Nats don't do enough of.

Adam Dunn gets on base.  No Nat who played semi-regularly last season had an on-base percentage as high as his .386.  He doesn't kill rallies with outs the way most of the Nats do.

But what the Nats most need, he's got plenty of.  The Big Donkey has power.

Last season was Dunn's fourth straight year with exactly 40 homers. The top three Nats combined hit only one more homer than Dunn did.

Some will say that his power is a product of his park, but not many wallop 'em the way Dunn does.  When he hits them, they're gone.  There aren't many wall scrapers off his bat.

Dunn would fit on the roster perfectly.  He could split time in the outfield and at first base, filling in there when Nick Johnson inevitably breaks.

Sure, he's still reportedly asking for a lot of dough, but with the clock still ticking, it won't be long before his price comes down to a level that even Ted Lerner would be willing to match.

Chris Needham used to write for Capitol Punishment before he held out for a better free-agent contract.

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