Dunn trade talk

Updated at 4:44 p.m.

The internet may explode at some point today from too many "updates" on Adam Dunn's status with the Nationals. Really, I've never seen anything quite like this, especially because as of this moment, nothing has happened.

Here's what we do know: The White Sox have acquired right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Diamondbacks for pitchers Daniel Hudson and David Holmberg. The White Sox have had very strong interest in Dunn all along. The Nationals have had some interest in Jackson.

So a subsequent trade of Dunn to Chicago in exchange for Jackson seems like an obvious conclusion to all this. But before you get too lathered up about it, this deal hasn't been made yet and it very well might not be made ever.

First off, I would be stunned -- stunned -- if Mike Rizzo traded Adam Dunn straight-up for Edwin Jackson. That doesn't fit with his oft-repeated mantra that he would have to be "blown away" with an offer in order to trade Dunn. It's entirely possible Jackson would be part of a package coming to Washington in exchange for Dunn, but I really can't see him being the only player involved. A young position player would have to be included.

Second, the White Sox have been trying to bolster their rotation in addition to their lineup for the stretch run, and thus could keep Jackson. I don't think that's out of the question.

Third, I know there's been a lot written out there suggesting the Nats either have to sign Dunn to an extension or trade him by tomorrow afternoon, but I don't believe it's that black-and-white. Mike Rizzo doesn't have to do anything in the next two days. I can certainly see Dunn finishing out the season, declaring free agency and then testing the market this winter to see what's out there. There's nothing stopping the Nats from re-signing him at that point.

I'll certainly keep monitoring all of these talks and report anything that truly needs to be reported. Please feel free to use the comments section here to discuss all things trade-deadline-related.

In the meantime, some actual news to report: The Nationals have recalled left-handed Atahualpa Severino from Class AAA Syracuse to take the bullpen spot vacated by Matt Capps. Severino, 25, was 4-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 40 appearances at Syracuse and is a very intriguing pitcher who can get both left-handed and right-handed hitters out.

UPDATE AT 4:45 P.M. -- Dunn held court for a few minutes inside the Nationals' clubhouse before batting practice this afternoon and pretty much acknowledged he has no idea what's going to happen to him. He put the odds of a trade at "50-50," though he wasn't basing that on any hard information he's received.

Dunn's frustrated by all the talk that's out there, but he doesn't stress over it because he's been through this rodeo before and as he pointed out: "My options are awesome. You can't have better options than what I have." In other words, either he stays with a Nats club he wants to stay with, or he spends two months in a pennant race.

One other key point: I asked Dunn if nothing happens in the next two days -- if he's neither traded nor signed to an extension -- would that change the way he approached any long-term contract talks this winter. "I would think if nothing's happened by now as far as contract stuff, they'll continue working on it," he said. "It might happen the first day of October. It might happen in the offseason. I don't know. Again, I wanted to get it done as early as possible and that hasn't worked out. It's not going to change anything."