Adam Dunn homers in 1st game with Oakland

Adam Dunn had earned #TrueAthletic status long before suiting up in the home whites and clobbering a two-run homer in his first at-bat with Oakland.

Acquired for minor league pitcher Nolan Sanburn just prior to the Aug. 31 trade deadline, Dunn had long been sought after by A's general manager Billy Beane. He embodies the characteristics (power and patience, but slow and with subpar defensive skills) that drove the Beane-hype into overdrive more than 10 years ago, but that the Athletics have largely moved on from in terms of application. No doubt they still employ offense-first types (hi, Brandon Moss!), but they've focused heavily on defense, versatility and platoon bats in recent years (even Moss plays three positions), trusting manager Bob Melvin to place the puzzle pieces correctly.

The homer was the 21st on the season for Dunn, and part of a five-run first inning that provided all the scoring Oakland needed to put away the Mariners. The win moved the A's 4½ back of the first-place Angels, who did not play Monday. While Jon Lester has pitched well since his acquisition, Yoenis Cespedes' absence has been felt in the lineup, and Dunn should help address that. Batting only .220 at the time of his acquisition, Dunn still had a .773 OPS thanks to his patience and power (now .787 after his Oakland debut), something the A's were keenly aware of as they fend off the Tigers for possession of the top wild card slot.