Enough, already!

Let's put the idle speculation and mindless chatter to rest. It's time to put to bed the absurd talk of trading Adam Dunn.

Simply put, it probably ain't going to happen. But if it does, it could be a blunder of seismic proportions. If Dunn should be dealt, it has the potential to haunt and torment the Reds like their disastrous decisions to peddle away standouts like Frank Robinson, Tony Perez and Paul O’Neill.

Letting Dunn go would not only be a public relations nightmare but it would strip the franchise of one of the few homegrown studs they've managed to develop in recent memory.

It's hard to believe Reds' management would be foolish enough to jettison a budding star like Dunn before he's even reached full bloom. But given the Reds' recent propensity for self-inflicted gaffes when it comes to personnel matters, I suppose anything's possible, dunderhead move or not.

To be honest, the Reds' brass should have long ago declared Dunn untouchable and told prospective suitors that they were wasting their time trying to pry him loose. Cincy's message should have been crystal clear - you can look but you'll never be able to touch!

Yet, every time the trade deadline rolls around or the off-season commences, Dunn's name immediately comes to the forefront. The big and affable Texan has been the subject of more juicy rumors than even Paris Hilton. Countless talking heads and supposed baseball insiders have had him traded more often than a stock commodity.

Of course all of this supposition has amounted to squat, as it usually does, but that hasn't squelched the banter. It's time for the Reds to put the kibosh on the idiotic notion that Dunn might be available.

In truth, there's only one reason why Dunn would ever be moved. Simply put, it's money. Unfortunately, the Reds have earned the reputation as being a team way too tight with a buck.

Too often in the past, the Reds have divested themselves of gifted players because of their unwillingness to pay the going rate. Their lament has always been the same, a refrain any Cincy fan can recite by heart. We're a small market, the brass pleads and we simply can't afford elite-type players.

And it's been that very attitude, in great part, that has fostered five straight years of losing and disappointment. The Reds have been bottom feeders in the Central Division because of management's reticence to make bold decisions and to periodically spend some serious cash.

That myopic viewpoint has to change and Dunn would be a good place to start.

The Reds are sweating bullets over the prospect of what Dunn might earn if he goes to arbitration. Already making 4,600,000 and given his impressive numbers, Dunn will surely hit the jackpot when and if he gets a hearing.

If that's the case, then so be it. The front office must learn to take their medicine and fork out the heavy jack if it means holding onto a franchise-type player. In today's market, Dunn's entitled to the mega-bucks he's sure to command.

Now, if the Reds were smart, they would go into serious proactive mode. They would put a full-court press on Dunn and his agent in hopes of locking the young outfielder into a long-term deal. Nip the chance of him leaving right in the bud.  Convey to the massive redhead that he's a cornerstone guy, that he's a prized employee and an invaluable asset. And then, cough up a contract worthy of Dunn's talents.

That would be the sensible move. But things appear to have been disturbingly quiet on Dunn's contract status. And if that's the case, if the Reds aren't aggressively seeking to make Dunn a permanent fixture in their lineup, then the fans have every right to question the club's commitment to fielding a competitive team.

And without Dunn, the Reds' offense would suffer a severe power outage. His importance simply can't be minimized or ignored!

A quick review of "Dunner's" stats clearly reveals his value and worth. For the last two seasons, Adam has made like Paul Bunyan by crashing 40-plus homers and driving in over 100 runs. In addition,  Dunn has exceeded the century mark in both runs scored and walks. Couple this with his solid slugging and on-base percentages and it's a no-brainer that the Reds must move heaven and earth to keep this potent bat in the Queen City.

Now, to be sure, Dunn has his flaws and imperfections. He still strikes out at an alarming rate (168 K's in '05) and his average is way too low. Moreover, as a result of his lack of aggression early in the count, Adam takes far too many hittable pitches. And his fielding is still a work in progress, making fly balls hit in his direction sometimes a real adventure.

But the guy just has too much upside and untapped potential to ignore. He also has a genuine hunger to improve and develop.

Even after his solid '05 season, Dunn expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, claiming he should have been more consistent and put up even bigger numbers. Dunn fully realizes he's capable of so much more and one gets the sense that he's only now beginning to tap into the mother load of talent that resides in his impressive 6'6" and 275-pound frame.

The fact the he just turned 26 can only make Reds fans salivate over what this guy might do in the future.

And finally, if management requires further convincing that they should keep Dunn around, they only need look at his undeniable appeal. With his knack for whacking prodigious and majestic homers, Dunn gives fans a reason to come to the park every night, in hopes of witnessing one of his awesome power displays. The big Texan is legitimate box office because he puts butts in the seats. His is a name that will only increase in marquee value.

Dunn's light is just now starting to burn brightly and the Reds would be beyond stupid to let it shine somewhere else!

So, let's end all the senseless talk right now. Mark this down. Dunn's staying put, he's going nowhere. For the immediate future and beyond, his address will remain Great American Park!

But if, for some unthinkable reason it doesn't,  the Reds' front office will have hell to pay!