Tag: Adam Dunn

Sticking With Adam Dunn?

Adam Dunn is struggling as much as anyone in baseball over the past few weeks and now is the perfect time to pick him up off the wire.

Analysis: Adam Dunn is struggling to the tune of a .098 batting average. His strikeout rate in on par with his past few erratic seasons, however, his walk rate is down 10% this year through sixteen games. Obviously Dunn’s batting average will hurt in roto leagues… he is a career .239 hitter, but in points leagues and deeper roto leagues Dunn’s power can be quite valuable. He hit 41 home runs last year and drove in 96 runs. Despite his early season struggles he is still projected to hit 25-30 home runs this year.

Dunn is available in about 50% of fantasy leagues for two simple reasons- his walk rate is down and his BABIP is down .170 points from his career average and down .130 points from last year. His dreadful BABIP is unsustainable and his batting average will rise. Dunn is getting every chance to succeed because he’s still hitting in the heart of the White Sox batting order. We also cannot forget that Dunn has went on awful stretches in the past and his power always seems to be there for you by season’s end.

Brandon Belt and Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn will be out at least a week after undergoing an appendectomy Tuesday night.

Analysis: If you are in a daily lineup situation and you don’t have the depth at first base that you’d like you have then you have consider the rookie who is the hot commodity right now, Brandon Belt. Belt ripped through the minors last year hitting 23 bombs, stealing 22 bags between High A ball and Triple A. His walk rates are solid as he is a very disciplined hitter. Belt already has a homer, a steal and four walks in five games this season and as long as he has a starting job he has great speed numbers to offer as a fantasy first baseman. Belt may go on a cold streak longer than his current 0-11 streak but he’s a good fit right now for the injured Dunn and he offers some potentially solid numbers as the season moves forward. Belt has reached base three times during his 0-11 streak so even if his bat is cold his eyes are sharp and patient.

Projection: The ChiSox list Dunn as being out for five days but I’m not buying it. Dunn will be out at least a week if not two so you’ll need a servicable replacement if one isn’t already on your roster. Brandon Belt isn’t going to hit 30 homers but he’ll produce in all five categories if he continues to start.