Wire Taps: Washington Nationals' Adam Dunn Claimed On Waivers.

Within the last hour, FOXSports.com's Jon Morosi published a story entitled, "Source: Nats' Dunn claimed on waivers", which cites an unnamed "major league source" who is reporting that an unnamed team has in fact claimed the Nats' big middle-of-the-order bat, Adam Dunn. As is normal with the way these things work, Mr. Morosi writes, "The identity of the club is not known," but, "The news lessens the likelihood that Dunn will be dealt this month." To explain, the Nats now have until Monday afternoon to work out a deal for Dunn with whichever team it was that claimed him, but as Mr. Morosi notes, "It will be difficult for the Nationals to get what they deem to be fair value in a one-on-one negotiation."

It's also important to point out, as Mr. Morosi does, that, "Trade waivers are procedural, so this in no way indicates that the Nationals are eager to move Dunn. He is still on the active roster." Asked after the July 31st Non-Waiver Trade Deadline passed what the Washington Nationals were going to do next when it comes to Dunn, DC GM Mike Rizzo told the Nats beat writers that the Nationals would, "...talk extension with Adam Dunn and his representatives...Adam Dunn is a big part of our ballclub, we've shown that by not trading for lesser value." It's hard to imagine the Nats are going to be able to work out a trade now if they couldn't before the Non-Waiver Deadline, but at least the DC Faithful should know that another step in the process is over by Monday. A 3-year/$40-$45 million dollar deal is Federal Baseball.com's official recommendation. As much as the Nats' GM might like the idea of adding two draft picks if Dunn walks, I think I can safely say the DC Faithful want to see Employee No.44 in a curly-W cap next season and beyond...#signDUNN...

In 5 games since the July 31st deadline passed, Dunn's walked twice and hit in 5 of 21 at bats with 3 HR's and 7 RBI's.