Report: Rays "Favorites" in Adam Dunn Sweepstakes

 The rumor...

 #Rays acting like don't want as DH only, but one exec said, "they are favorites.

As R.J. Anderson points out, Joel Sherman was the reporter who broke the Scott Kazmir trade so his reports may hold a little bit more weight that others. However, being the favorites for Adam Dunn does not mean the Rays will be the team to acquire his services. After all, the Cliff Lee/Yankees deal was "on the goal line" and when that didn't happen, New York was the likely destination for Dan Haren.

Adam Dunn, the offensive player, fits the Rays profile well. He hits for power, he takes his walks, and he strikes out a lot. Defensively, his numbers show he's been about average this year, but we know better than to put stock in a few months of defensive data. From all accounts - including advanced defensive metrics and scouting reports - Dunn is a terrible defender. While the Rays have an open spot waiting for him as a designated hitter, Dunn is not interested in that - at least he wasn't last week. 

I don't want to DH. I don't want to DH. If I have to DH, I'll probably go home.  I'm 30, I'm not ready to DH yet, 35, maybe. --CBSSports.com

I don't think the man wants to DH. Meanwhile, if the Rays feel they are getting value in a trade for Dunn and are secure enough to pull the trigger, he has little recourse. He doesn't have a no-trade clause, and I doubt he really wants to go into operation shutdown when he's months away from free agency. On the other hand, according to Sherman, the Rays are "telling people" they are hesitant on Dunn for this very reason. I'm going to blame this on Pat Burrell.

 #Rays telling people Dunn's vehement stance against DHing is huge impediment.

One potential fix would be putting Dunn at first base and using Carlos Pena as the DH. This would weaken the team defensively, but since we're getting little-to-no offensive production from the DH spot (sans Matt Joyce), the likely offensive upgrade from Willy Aybar to Dunn would outweight the negative decline from Dunn to Pena. At the same time, I really don't want Adam Dunn in the field during a potential playoff series.

As for a return, we've been hearing the Nationals want a starting pitcher in return. I highly doubt the Rays would give up five-plus years of Wade Davis or six years of Jeremy Hellickson for three months of Adam Dunn and two compensation picks.

I guess we'll know by 4p.m. Saturday. Until then don't believe every thing you hear - or see tweeted.