No Dunn deal; Cuban hurler signs

by Phil Wood

Adam Dunn's still here.

In light of the apparent interest in the big guy from multiple teams, I'm sure many fans expected to arrive at Nationals Park tonight to see someone else playing first. But no, it's still Dunn.

That some of the big-name baseball writers nationally had written that Nats' GM Mike Rizzo had reportedly told White Sox GM Kenny Williams something along the lines of "get-me-Edwin-Jackson-and-I'll trade-you-Dunn," when the Pale Hose indeed got Jackson from Arizona, the next step of the swap was anticipated.

Except someone forgot to tell Mike, who says he never made any such offer. Was he approached about Jackson? Absolutely. Did he indicate he was particularly interested in obtaining him? "He's a scout's dream in terms of stuff," he said, "but he doesn't strike out enough hitters to compensate for the number of guys he walks." Sounds simple enough.

Anyway, the idea that any other GM's were "pulling out their hair" over the asking price for Dunn is simply ludicrous. When nothing of even remotely equal value to Dunn and the two draft picks the team that might lose him to free agency would receive was offered, a deal was out of the question. There was never any urgency to trade him in the first place.

On another note, the ballclub signed Cuban right-hander Yunesky Maya to a multi-year big league contract. Maya, 28, won Cuba's equivalent of the Cy Young Award during his final season with the Pinar Del Rio Vegueros in his homeland, going 13-4 with seven complete games and a 2.22 ERA. Some older fans may recognize Pinar Del Rio as the hometown of former Senators' favorite Pedro Ramos.

Maya is considered major league ready by most scouts who've followed his career. He'll report to Viera, FL, and will likely make a rehab start before being getting to Washington.

This could be a very interesting September.