Maybe this won't sit well with too many (I've seen a couple of you mention this same thing, though), but I'm going to just come right out and say it.
Just lay all my cards on the table.
Live in the now.
Be 100% honest.
I'd rather have Adam Dunn than Mark Teixeira.
"Whoa, whoa!" you might be saying. "Why?! Dunn hates baseball! Dunn hates everything about baseball! Dunn's not from Maryland! Dunn's not as good as Teixeira!"
I know. I know, I know, I know.
Here's the thing, though: Dunn's going to be a lot cheaper than Mark Teixeira, who is reported to be seeking (through Scott Boras) a $230 million contract. He's going to test the free agent market. We know that. He even told his stalker, Gary Thorne, the other day that he would in fact test free agency and would consider signing with the Orioles.
So, yeah, everyone's all aflutter about Teixeira, and I don't blame anyone for that. He's a hell of a good player, an offensive powerhouse and a Gold Glove first baseman.
But considering the pricetag, we are unlikely to be able to come up with the money, and we are also likely to be outbid, no matter what. The Yankees will come calling, have no doubt about that. So will the Mets.
Meanwhile, Adam Dunn won't command near that same amount of money or attention. He has all that stigma, a lot of it started by the obscene Cincinnati broadcasters. He's a poor defender, he's slow on the basepaths, and he strikes out a lot.
Oh yeah, and he hits 40 home runs every year with 100 walks. And since this is the American League, screw his glove. Adam Dunn came into this world with a "DH" on his birth certificate.
I'm not saying it's wrong to pursue Teixeira, even at the money. He's a splashy signing and a hell of a player. But Dunn's going to be remarkably cheaper and has skills that age well (power and patience).
What say you? Go after Teixeira or focus on Dunn, who will be a secondary plan for the bigger spenders?