Preview: Adam Dunn

In the early stages of the season, I’ve done a lot of talking about the trio that I have labeled “the comeback kids.” Alex Rios, Jake Peavy, and of course Adam Dunn fall into this category: the players that were at one point All Stars at the top of the league, but recently have struggled to contribute towards the White Sox winning ball games. I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I have very high expectations for Peavy, so now lets get down to how I think the big man will perform.
In 2012, I expect Adam Dunn to make huge strides. I see his average increasing by over 50 points, his home run total more than doubling, and his OBP being at a steady rate all year. If you didn’t know how Dunn performed last season, you’d probably think I

am predicting the best hitting season in baseball history. However, the former National League star hit .159 with 11 HR and 42 RBI in 2011 for your White Sox. And as you all remember, those numbers may not even do justice to how bad he was from start to finish…and we’re talking about the worst numbers a designated hitter has ever put up! So, back to my predictions…
For Adam Dunn, I’ll give you an exact stat line: I’m predicting a .222 batting average, 27 HR, and 78 RBI. Those numbers are still not what Kenny Williams expected when he signed the free agent Dunn, but they’d be a huge boost for this 2012 team trying to surprise the masses. It would serve as an acquisition in terms of the boost in production from last season. And so far, Dunn looks a lot better at the plate. His numbers don’t quite show that yet, but he is seeing a lot of pitches, making good, solid contact, and looks to have his head up even when he does strike out or get retired.
If Adam can have the level of production I’m predicting, there’s no doubt it would be as instrumental as anything in our attempt to shock the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central this year. And who knows, maybe he could even surpass those numbers and produce like he did throughout all of his career, hitting 40 HR and driving in about 100 runs. I’m not going to expect it, but pitchers still have to remember what Dunn is capable of every time they face him. And hopefully that thought alone can give Adam the boost of confidence he needs this season.