Dunn's struggles continue

by Phil Wood

After Nats Xtra postgame today, I went down to Camden Yards to watch the Orioles take on the White Sox in the final game of that series. I wanted to see Adam Dunn, and while he went 0-for-3, he did walk a couple of times.

It's been a lost year for Dunn, who's now hitting .161 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. Last fall when Adam filed for free agency there was a large outpouring of fan support for the Nationals to re-sign him. Negotiations took place, but the four-year offer he received from the Pale Hose got his attention, and it was off to the American League and a team that would have him being the designated hitter a good portion of the time.

I've mentioned several times that Dunn, during his time in Washington, had stated his aversion to DH'ing. He said he didn't think he'd be able to stay focused having to sit for 45 minutes between at-bats.

I wonder if that's what he talked himself into, since the general consensus among folks who've watched the Sox all year say he frequently looks "lost" at the plate. The size of his contract pretty much forces Ozzie Guillen to put his name in the everyday lineup, and he now bats seventh, quite a comedown from his previous successes with the Reds, Diamondbacks and Nationals.

Here's hoping Dunn finds whatever it is that's been eluding him in Chicago. He still can draw a walk, so it's not like he's lost his concept of the strike zone. He's a young man - he turns 32 in November - and he's such an engaging personality, if you've spent any time with him, you want him to succeed.

Still, I wonder if those Nats fans who claimed Dunn's departure would negatively impact their enjoyment of the game still feel the same way.