Who knows what the Texas Rangers are going to do as the trade deadline is less than two hours away. First, they place their entire team on the market, saying they would listen on every deal. Then the Rangers say that they want to add a bat as Nelson Cruz is facing a suspension. Is Adam Dunn the right guy to go after as the Chicago White Sox are one of the worst teams in baseball?
First of all, word on the baseball streets is that Cruz is going to appeal, which would delay the suspension, possibly until next season. Cruz is the Rangers' slugger, hitting 24 boppers in 2013. Cruz and Adrian Beltre are the only hitters in the Rangers' lineup with more than 20 home runs. Beltre has hit 22 in 2013 and the loss of Cruz from the Rangers' lineup means Beltre will be the only remaining power hitter in the team.
Dunn is one of this generation's prolific sluggers. All he does is hit home runs and strikeout, but his power has kept teams interested as the 13-year veteran has played with four teams in his career. Dunn has 25 home runs with 65 RBI in 2013. The downers in acquiring Dunn are his strikeout totals. He has 120 strikeouts in 2013, which consequently affects his average, which is sitting around the Mendoza line at .216. His .323 on-base percentage is somewhat impressive, but Dunn is all about his power.
The problem with Dunn is his contract as the lefty is owed over $15 million in 2014 before becoming a free agent. However, if the Rangers are seeking a power hitter, if they offer the right pieces to the White Sox, could they possibly land the slugger?
MLB Network proposed the trade, but no progress has been reported.
