Just like the Brewers acquired C.C. Sabathia in early July, and their divisional rival Cubs acquired Rich Harden a short time later, the Diamondbacks have acquired a power hitting Adam Dunn in response to divisional rival Dodgers acquiring Manny Ramirez on the trading deadline.
With the emergence of young stars Edinson Volquez, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, and the established “Veterans” 27 year old Brandon Phillips and 25 year old Edwin Encarnacion, a “sell-now” style was implemented for the Reds Organization. With the departure of Dunn, the Reds acquired RHP Dallas Buck and two players to be named later from the Diamondbacks, if 2 of the 3 young prospects acquired in the trade turn out to be solid Major League Players, and maybe one of them being all-star caliber, this was a great trade for the Reds.
Dunn adds another power threat to the offense, bringing over his Major-League Leading (tied for) 32 homers, and a hefty 74 RBI. Dunn also brings a high strikeout rate, and low batting average to the club, 2 stats that the D’Backs are familiar with, Mark Reynolds, Arizona’s leading HR and RBI man with 24 and 79 respectively, also has 147 strikeouts, and a .246 batting average. Dunn has 32 HR with 74 RBI, 120 strikeouts, and a .233 batting average.
Conor Jackson benefits from this acquisition greatly. Pre-Trade, Jackson was asked to be a power source for the D-Backs, which isn't really his style. Jackson was asked to due this due to his raw power, but was not necessarily a Power Hitter. Post-Trade, Jackson will go back to his hitting style, allowing him to hit to all fields, improving his average and RBI contribution that way, rather than swinging for the fences.
This acquisition may have just sealed the D'Backs as 2008 NL West Champions. With a pitching staff Starred by NL Cy Young Candidate Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, and Playoff-Tested Randy Johnson, those 3 pitchers are arguably the best 1-2-3 in baseball. This acquisition gives the D'Backs just what they need in the middle of their lineup, and can easily lead them into the playoffs, and maybe deeper with the pitching that they have.
