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Adam Dunn will reach for number one in the desert.

Dunn Deal -- On the heels of the Griffey trade the Reds have reached a post trade deadline waiver-wire deal sending hot and cold, loved and hated outfielder Adam Dunn to the NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks for yet another bag of baseballs. Actually, we don't know much about what's in this bag -- there are two minor league players to be named later, and there is Class A pitcher Dallas Buck from former NCAA champ Oregon State. Buck is coming off Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery and also sat out 2006 hoping to heal, by the way, so don't hold your breath. Yes, this means that Adam Dunn was waived by the Reds, claimed by Arizona, pulled back, and then traded after any other interested team had an opportunity to throw in 2 cents. Of course, the whole reason for the trade is that Dunn will command many more pennies in 2009 as he is a top free agent. He has been roundly criticized by casual fans for his strikeouts and current .233 average, but any seasoned Moneyballer knows his value is in his .370 OBA and his league leading 32 homers.  Dunn's had 40 or more HR and 100+ BB four years in a row, heading fast for a fifth in the desert, where he's likely to make the playoffs . I won't miss his glove, but I'll miss the production and affability. Good luck, big man.

David Ross' tough play and 21 HR in 2006 are apparently forgotten.

Free Fallin' -- It doesn't seem like that long ago back in late July when we were tracking the Reds' march towards respectability. Heck, they were just 2 games under the magic .500 mark. Ancient history, fogies. The endless plummet now finds the Reds 12 games worse at 52-67, winning only 2 out of the last 15. OK, I just learned that the Reds beat the equally lowly Pirates tonight 5-1 behind Edinson Volquez (14-5,"the franchise") and Brandon Phillips' 18th HR. Big deal -- this one's history and the white flag has been flying, from players not running out balls to the unfortunate recent trades. It's the rock bottom my friends.  Bailed Out -- We hardly knew ye, Homer. The Reds' former glory boy will be hurling again in AAA, but at least we won't be doing the same in the big show now. Bailey ended this last stint in Cincinnati 0-6 with a 7.93 ERA and a paltry 18 K's but 76 hits/walks in only 36 1/3 innings. The talking heads are starting to question how he will ever fit into the big picture. Ross Released -- Veteran catcher and general good guy David Ross has been released by the Reds as the revolving door continues to spin. Ross was not claimed off waivers, but may accept an assignment. He had a .381 OBA but too few AB's to matter, despite giving the Reds 21 HR and a .353 OBA just two years ago. Catcher Ryan Hanigan was recalled from Louisville to fill the spot. He homered in his first game on 8/10.

Tags: adam dunn, baseball, cincinnati reds, homer bailey, ken griffey, mlb, reds