Ricciardi, Blue Jays have no interest in Dunn

Jun 19, 2008 - 3:59 PM By Douglas Tift PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Adam Dunn said on Thursday that he can officially cross the Toronto Blue Jays off his list of possible destinations.

Dunn came to that conclusion after reading Toronto Blue Jays General Manager J.P. Riccardi's comments about him.

"Adam Dunn is a lifetime .230, .240 hitter who strikes out a ton and hits home runs," Riccardi said. "Do you know the guy does not really like baseball? Do you know the guy does not have a passion to play the game that much?

"We have done our homework on guys like Adam Dunn, and there is a reason that we don't want Adam Dunn."

Riccardi made the comments on his weekly radio show on FAN590 Radio in Toronto on Wednesday in response to fan's questioning about acquiring Dunn to salvage the Blue Jays' stagnant offense.

Upon reading the comments, Dunn admitted the comments agitated him.

"It (ticks) me off to be honest with you," Dunn said. "The guy does not even know me. If he knew me, fine. Then say what you want."

Dunn, who has not many any trips to the disabled list since a 2003 knee injury, was surprised about the accusations about his commitment to the game as well.

"I don't play for any other reason than the rest of the guys here," Dunn said. "I've said it all along. It doesn't bother me what people say, or what people think. Especially somebody outside of the organization who has no idea of anything that goes on here.

"I don't care what people say, besides the people in this clubhouse. I don't care what my perception is. That doesn't matter."

The Reds visit Toronto for a three game series from June 24-26 but Dunn does not expect there to be any hard feelings on the field.

"The (Toronto) players didn't say anything," Dunn said. "Just a clown sitting in the front office, pushing paper."

Dunn's manager Dusty Baker had a different view on the effect of these comments on the upcoming series.

"If I am Adam Dunn, (the Blue Jays) would have a tough time getting me out," Baker said.

Baker was also taken aback by Riccardi's comments on his slugging right fielder.

"It serves no purpose," Baker said. "And that is not like J.P. either."

Dunn is batting .227 with 18 home runs and 43 RBI for the Reds this season.