Is Adam Dunn on his way out?

MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that the Chicago White Sox are interested in trading for Adam Dunn to help jump start their terrible offense (the one that swept the Nats just over a week ago).

Well, according to Adam Kilgore at the Washington Post, there was a White Sox scout at the Nats/Braves game on Tuesday. Read into that what you will. In the game, Dunn went 0 for 5, with 3 strikeouts. Ouch. Now, I'm certainly not speculating that he blew his performance because the scout was there. However, Dunn is a smart guy, and I'm sure he knew that a scout was in the crowd. Maybe it was nerves because of that. Who knows? But one thing is for sure, Adam Dunn does not want to leave DC. He definitely doesn't want to leave DC to become a DH somewhere in the American League. He likes fielding, and he is getting better at it.

As someone who watches the Nats day in and day out, I acknowledge that the team is going to be dealing, not getting, star players this season. They're not good enough to contend, yet. But I, along with many people that I've spoken to, have become attached to the idea of Adam Dunn as a Washington National. I love seeing him play for the team, and I would like to see him stay with the club for several more years. Without him, Zimmerman has no power protection, and the Nats simply have no raw power on the team.

That said, realistically, Dunn's trade value is high right now and may be dealt before the July 31st deadline. One thing is for sure. If the Nats trade him, they better get someone good. If it's to the White Sox, it needs to be a front line starter. Mark Buehrle, perhaps? I know, I'm dreaming. Gavin Floyd AND another player? Maybe. 3 AA prospects? No longer going to cut it! Adam Dunn is one of the few quality power hitters in baseball today, and giving him up for prospects is an insult to him and to Nats fans that hope for a competing team in the reasonably near future.

Remember, stars usually aren't dying to sign contract extensions with a mediocre ball club like the Nats. This could be an opportunity that the Nats can take advantage of the situation. If they don't, they need to get something good that will produce today for the team. Not in 2, 3, 4, or more, years.... At some point, it's not going to be about building young guys, it's got to be about landing guys that are good NOW to push the team over the edge.