Trade not getting Dunn
According to the LA Times, the Angels have talked to the Reds about Adam Dunn. Dunn has an option for next season which would be voided if he gets traded, making him a short term rent. However Dunn, who is hitting .266/.357/.544 with 17 home runs this season, would certainly be a intruiging option at DH (and occasionally LF). But if the Reds really ask for a “proven major league starting pitcher, a major league infielder — preferably a second baseman — and a top prospect“, this will never happen. Dunn’s price might still drop once Reds consider themselves completely out of the so called “race” in the NL Central. The Reds are in last place and 11.5 games out of first already, but the Brewers are no lock to continue playing above .500 for the rest of the season and Cincinnatti is only five games behind the second place Cubs right now.
I think that Dunn is the kind of player that can really make a difference and the Angels should be willing to give up something of value to get him, especially if there is a chance that Dunn might consider staying with the Halos. But even if he does not stay, he might push us to the World Series and beyond, so this is not the time to be too stingy (Aybar, Mosely and Mathis? Or is this too much?). However, the Angels are not the only club looking for a big bat and some GM not named Stoneman might get himself talked into reaching a bit deeper into his pockets.