Rumor: Adam Dunn's option picked up?

[redsrbetter]

Just read somewhere that ESPN News reported this just a moment ago...

[redsrbetter]

Not the announcement but pretalks here:

Should outfielder Adam Dunn's $13 million option be picked up for next season?
"He's a big part of this team," Baker said at his introductory news conference Monday. "We haven't talked about personnel."
Team owner Bob Castellini jumped in. "I want him back," he said. "We'll see what happens."
"When the big man speaks ... " Baker said.
Dunn, 27, became the first player in Reds history to hit 40 homers in four consecutive seasons. This season was his best statistically -- a .264 batting average, .386 on-base percentage, 40 home runs, 106 RBI, 101 runs and 101 walks.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dunn was happy when told Castellini envisions a Reds future with the player.
"That's good news," Dunn said, according to the newspaper, adding that he's open to the possibility of signing a multiyear contract extension.
"That's the way I prefer to do it, so I don't have to hear trade talk every year," he said.
The Reds opened the season with a $69 million payroll, which ranked 20th in the majors. They have a lot of areas to upgrade coming off their third 90-loss season in the last seven years.
"It's very difficult to replace that kind of offense," Castellini said according to the Enquirer. "And I think Adam is ready to step up and be a leader on this team. Adam definitely wants to be here, and he wants to win."

ESPN - More to be Dunn: Reds owner wants slugger back - MLB

[McKain]

Now watch Dusty resign because he wanted to decline it.

[redsrbetter]

Nah, although it is a good thought our dreams will not come true just yet. He stated he likes Dunn.

[missionhockey21]

I think the lunch Castellini had with Dunn was huge. Dunn really needed someone of speaking power to be in his corner and it appears Bob is that guy (and has the call of whether to approve a contract/option or not as it's his and the ownership's money.)

[brewersfan19]

Also saw on Yahoo! Sports-Rumors that the Reds will probably add another 2-year to the deal as well.

[missionhockey21]

Fantastic.

[redsrbetter]

Any official announcement yet? I just got in from dinner and have not seen or heard anything.

I just listened to the press conference with Dusty Baker today as well and Bob Cast said he wanted Dunn back. Also, on my way homeI was listening to Daugherty on WLW and he was talking to Dunn (who was at his ranch in Texas) and he was being asked about his thoughts on Baker. Then Daugherty said something about Krivsky being interviewed and saying that Dunn will be a big leader for this team. Does he know something that we don't yet?

[NFLman2033]

i really think that if the organization didn't want to pick up his option they would have moved him this past season

[missionhockey21]

He was talking to Dunn? How did Dunn react to Baker questions?

[redsrbetter]

Find the Daugherty interviews here:

700WLW Cincinnati, Reds radio, Bengals radio, Cincinnati News, Cincinnati Weather, Traffic

Dunn seems to be real happy with the signing. As does David Ross and Dick Pole.

[redsrbetter]

Wayne Krivsky's interview is on there too.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Respect of the players is big IMO, and an issue overlooked by some who think it's worthless since it can't be measured empirically.

Definitely expecting the official Dunn announcement to be made soon and quite possibly an extension.

I'm guessing Castellini's lunch with him was to discuss his future and Castellini's plans to possibly go all-out at making the team better quickly.

[redsrbetter]

I truly hope so man. At thispoint I would be shocked if an extension isn't made. There are too many whispers going on not to lean on it.