Rosenthal: Dunn would be smart alternative for Dodgers

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The Dodgers, on the other hand, are the likely favorite in the NL West. The Braves could intrigue Dunn; they have interest in him, but not on a long-term deal at his desired average salary of $12 million to $14 million, sources say.

Dunn obviously would prefer a contract longer than two years, but at the right salary such a deal would make sense.

He would be only 31 when he re-entered the market, presumably in a better economy. At that point, he might be sitting on 350 homers, giving his next team the chance to market his 500th and perhaps even his 600th.

Ramirez, of course, is chasing his own milestones, but his history suggests that he might become a distraction if he is unhappy with his contract. Who knows how he would conduct himself if the Dodgers failed to meet his goal of a four-year, $100 million contract?

Dunn strikes out more than Ramirez. His .899 career on-base/slugging percentage isn’t as gaudy as Ramirez’s 1.004 figure. And, unlike Ramirez, he has never played in the postseason.

Defense? Neither is a good left fielder, but Dunn ranked slightly higher at the position last season according to the plus-minus ratings on Bill James Online.