Dunn assumes he is headed to free agency

Washington Nationals 1B Adam Dunn stated that he is assuming that he is headed to free agency., according to the Washington Post. The Nationals and Dunn have said the right things to the media over the season on both sides wanting a contract extension. The problem is, they have apparently forgot to tell each other, because nothing is imminent or even in progress. Her is what the Post story had to say.

Dunn leaves negotiations to his representatives and generally avoids updates from them, but he said Friday nothing is imminent and he is "assuming" he will end the season without a contract extension from the Nationals. The Nationals can offer one-year arbitration to Dunn and they will have an exclusive window to negotiate with Dunn until 15 days after the World Series. But players eligible for free agency rarely pass up the chance to test their value.

On Friday, General Manager Mike Rizzo said Stephen Strasburg's impending Tommy John surgery -- which will knock him out for at least one year and likely the entire 2011 season -- will not affect his plan to build a winning team next year or his pursuit of Dunn. He called Strasburg's surgery and Dunn's potential signing "two independent things."

Rizzo also told MLB Network Radio he and Dunn's agents are in communication and continue to discuss a possible deal. If the Nationals offer Dunn arbitration and he declines and they don't sign him, they will receive two compensatory draft choices.