Welcome to 'Getting it Dunn' only on MASNsports.com!
Just before the All-Star break, Adam Dunn sat down with Nationals Beat Writer Pete McElroy to conduct a Q&A for his first blog post on MASNsports.com.
Get to know Dunn and his thoughts on the events of All-Star Week and the first half of the season through the following question and answer series with Pete and then look out for Adam's first weekly video blog of the season coming soon.
Throughout the second half of the 2009 season, Dunn will be checking in with fans each week to talk Nats baseball, answer questions and respond to fan comments. So don't miss this chance to submit your questions for Adam using the comment box below and check back soon for his first video blog available later this week only on MASNsports.com.
Are you disappointed that you weren't invited to participate in the All-Star Game in St. Louis?
No I'm not. I can say that because, first of all, there are a lot of guys that definitely deserve it probably more than I do and there are some guys that are left out that deserve it. I'm glad that Ryan [Zimmerman] gets to go--he definitely deserves it. Having the worst record, you don't expect more than one guy to be chosen for the All-Star team, so I think they did the right thing taking him.
With injuries to the National League team, if you were asked, would you go?
I would respectfully decline if that happened. There are some body parts that I would like to rest and get ready for the second half.
What are your plans for the break?
I'm going to my ranch (about 45 minutes outside of Houston) to hang out there for a couple days.
How would you assess your first half?
I would say inconsistent. I felt good, healthy for the most part. It's kind of weird because the numbers are there, but I know, I could've done so much more. But it's something to build off of for the second half.
How about your defense?
Now knowing that I'm only going to be in left field, that helps a lot. Having to work on three different positions every day is not fun, that's for sure; but it's good to know that I'll only be in left and occasionally at first so everything should be a lot better.
What are your thoughts on the team in the first half of the season?
The first word that comes in my head is embarrassing. I think it's embarrassing the way we played especially with the personnel that we have. If we had a bunch of scrubs that I realistically didn't think could play, I wouldn't use the word embarrassing, I'd use disappointing or something like that. I think we have the personnel to win, and that's why I'm using the word embarrassing. I think everybody in the clubhouse is embarrassed.
Moving forward, how do you correct that?
I think pride has to kick in, and I think the best thing to do is for everyone to look in the mirror. Pride can take you a long way, and I think if we look in the mirror and say 'This is ridiculous. What can I do to get this turned around?' and hopefully [we won't] go into 'operation shut down' and make this an even more miserable second half - which I don't think we have people in the clubhouse to do that; so I'm really not worried about that part of it.
Your name has been rumored to be moved by the trade deadline, what are your thoughts on that?
I want to see this thing out. The trade thing is nothing new to me, and ever since I've been in the big leagues I've been rumored to be traded ,so that doesn't affect me. I'm used to it every year.
If Nick Johnson is traded, are you comfortable playing first base on a regular basis?
I am fine with that. Nick is having a great year and I don't know what's going to happen, but if that's the case, so be it.
What kind of guy is Manny Acta in your mind?
I have nothing but respect for Manny. If you talk to everybody in the clubhouse they'll say the same thing. This is definitely a business and it's hard to fire 25 guys. [Manny getting fired is] a shame, knowing that we got a guy fired, not because of what he did, but because of what we did or didn't do.
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Hey Adam Dunn. First let me say you are my hero. I have the utmost respect for you. I have followed you since you played for the Dayton Dragons. I use to come to Fifth Third field and watch you. You are by far my favorite baseball player of all time. I had to order MLB extra innings just to watch you play when you played for the Reds/Diamondbacks. If you ever come to Wichita Falls,TX make sure you note it in your blog. I would love to be able to meet you in person one day. I am really glad you have decided to start blogging.
My question for you is when you were a child who did you dream of playing for in baseball? or was it even baseball?
Also next year if they invited you to the HR derby would you go? I just have a feeling you would destroy half of those guys. The farthest one hit was 503 ft. and I remember when you played for the Reds you smashed those balls farther then 503. Thank you for your time! and Please keep blogging.