Here's the problem I have with that. Dunn is the poor man's Thome. The Sox had Thome and he was willing to return for peanuts. Now we're going to replace Thome with the same guy for half a year at a higher salary than Thome would have demanded for a full year (or maybe even two) and give up prospects to get him.

I'm not a Thome FANBOY® and I wasn't sad to see him and his bad back go, but he needed to be resonably replaced. Ozzie preferred a .293 OBP in his spot. Kotsay is fine as the 25th guy on the roster but not as a key guy in a regular lineup. He was effectively cut in the midst of a pennant race by a team you'll eventually have to beat, but he's one of your big boppers? How is that going to work? Now you're going to give up Hudson and who knows what else to get Dunn when Thome was yours for nearly nothing. It's goddamn dumb.

Thome 2009-2010 - 473 AB, 70 R, 24 2B, 30 HR, 98 RBI, 94 BB, .249 BA, .866 OPS

Dunn 2009-2010 - 818 AB, 124 R, 51 2B, 55 HR, 152 RBI, 152 BB, .270 BA, .927 OPS

Comparable stats, though if Dunn was on a better team he could have more runs and RBI. I'd take Dunn over Thome even with the price though, as he is performing much better this season, and has less of a chance of breaking down.

Here's the problem I have with that. Dunn is the poor man's Thome. The Sox had Thome and he was willing to return for peanuts. Now we're going to replace Thome with the same guy for half a year at a higher salary than Thome would have demanded for a full year (or maybe even two) and give up prospects to get him.

I'm not a Thome FANBOY® and I wasn't sad to see him and his bad back go, but he needed to be resonably replaced. Ozzie preferred a .293 OBP in his spot. Kotsay is fine as the 25th guy on the roster but not as a key guy in a regular lineup. He was effectively cut in the midst of a pennant race by a team you'll eventually have to beat, but he's one of your big boppers? How is that going to work? Now you're going to give up Hudson and who knows what else to get Dunn when Thome was yours for nearly nothing. It's goddamn dumb.

As much as the White Sox and General Manager Ken Williams are coveting the Nationals' power hitting first baseman and likely full-time DH, I'm not so sure they have enough in their paper-thin farm system as is to give the Nationals what they want in return. With Mark Teahen under contract and the White Sox probably regretting paying him three years and $14 million this winter, and the Sox still very high on Dayan Viciedo despite the lack of playing time since his call-up, where does Brent Morel fit into the equation? Right now, he's the Sox #1 prospect in their farm system, and the Nats appear to be set for quite sometime with Ryan Zimmerman patroling the hot corner. I don't think the Nats want Morel, and I'm not so sure they would want Viciedo either.

I'd be surprised if the price tag for Dunn was that high. If they know that Dunn isn't coming back (and I don't know if they know that or not), they'd be better served getting his money off thier books and getting a couple of serviceable arms for when the team plans to compete (assuming 2012 is realistic.)

The Sox didn't give up a world of talent for Peavy (even though Clayton Richard is pitching well) - and that's because the Padres wanted the salary off the books.

Konerko would have gotten you back nothing a few weeks ago (or so I was told by Ranger) but Dunn is going to require Hudson?

I entirely agree with your point. It's dumb but you don't compound it by not looking into getting someone who can make a difference in a tight race. If the Twins get Lee, the Tigers find someone to replace Zumaya and the Sox stand pat, I will not be happy.

Is Jim Thome reaching Aaron Rowand-status??

The Padres have also had money woes of their own, even though they are a first place team in the National League West.

With Strasburg's deal and soon to be Bryce Harper's deal, the Nats will have a lot payroll for a team that is 22nd/30 in attendance.

"Stoney, this Adam Dunn reminds me a lot of Ted Kluszewski"

I'd rather have a starting pitcher instead. Keep Dunn and his 100+ strikeouts (so far) out of here.

I'm starting to think Lance Berkman may be a better fit for the Sox. He'll cost a little more money ($8Mish) than Dunn but not as much talent. He's a switch hitter that doesn't strike out a ton and has a very good eye. He's also a great clubhouse guy. Berkman's numbers are down a little this year but he's on a terrible team and putting him in the middle of a lineup with Rios, Pauly and the Carlos Quentin will only help. I'm really starting to warm to the idea of adding Fat Elvis for the stretch run.