Quote:
Originally Posted by Heath
As an experienced major league employee of a front office, who understands advance scouting and statistical analysis of major league baseball players, here are two questions.
What camp do you belong to, TC?
How would other major league teams view Adam Dunn?
|
I have been pretty hard on Adam as I have a relationship with him that I doubt that anyone on this board also has. I know a lot of the "truths" and myths.
I think the entire sitaution with Dunn boils down to expectations. What I would view as "working hard" and what Adam views as "working hard" are ENTIRELY 2 different things. I've spoken with Adam about this and everything is just a laugh and a joke. Alrighty then.
What I find most amazing is this. The Reds get into Adam's butt. Not only for his play but for a few other things. He responds. He coincidentally has a great July which he also had last year. He makes adjustments in his swing, pays attention to othe players AB's, watches video, shows up EARLY, NOT 3:55 but 2:00 for hitting, etc. etc.. Adam goes on a tear. Hits the ball up the middle, the other way....basically where it is pitched. Two things happen. 1) Adam isn't hitting Home Runs.
Makes Adam Sad because he is a HR hitter. Even though he repeats some of Chambliss' lines in the paper, Adam misses pulling the ball into the River 2) Every team the Reds play has Advance scouts. They see Adam's new adjustments, do their homework and sprinkle smart dust on their pitchers. Adam does not make any further adjustments. Oh well, hitting is just too damn hard. Maybe I should go back to trying to use my Driver on this hole.
I love Adam. One of the GREATEST people you would ever meet. EVER. Unfortunately he has absolutely no idea what it takes to SUSTAIN that top level of success in this game. July should not be an aberration. Having said that he still hits 40 Bombs and is near 100 RBI again. Not bad at all. His numbers could be through the atmosphere. I just personally do not think he really "WANTS" that. I think he is pretty content. I can't say that I 100% blame him. He's not garbage. He's making plenty of $$$ and he's got some good power numbers. Like I said earlier. Everyone, including me, has much higher expectations of Adam.
I know of some other teams opinions. They are as divided as this board to be honest. I think he would be a great DH and could flourish where he was just "one of the guys". In Cincy he is a main ingredient and I think that wears on him.