Snakes on a different plane since Dunn's arrival

There are no dreadlocks.

So they're not selling dreadlock wigs -- nor mullet wigs, the man's self-described hairstyle -- at the Arizona concession stands.

"Let's hope not!" the slugger says.

With Adam Dunn, the D-Backs are averaging 5.5 runs. (AP)

And to the Diamondbacks, "Adam being Adam" simply means slugger Adam Dunn wearing his usual T-shirt around the clubhouse and underneath his jersey, the funny black one that brings a smile to your face every time.

The front is adorned with the smiley yellow face that was popular in the 1970s. The lettering underneath reads, "I Hate You."

"Seems like he's been here forever," Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin says.

The best trades of all aren't simply when the new guy makes a big splash and goes on a tear.

No, the best trades come when the new guy not only produces, but when he makes those around him better while he's doing it.

The jury is still out in Los Angeles, where recently acquired slugger Manny Ramirez has, in addition to trimming his hair, cooled off and his Dodgers have hit the skids -- again.

Here in the middle of the Arizona lineup, it appears as if Dunn and the Diamondbacks are here for the long haul this season.

Since his arrival on Aug. 12, the Diamondbacks have gone 7-5 -- and yet doubled their NL West lead on the Dodgers, from 1½ games to three.

Some of Dunn's influence has been obvious. Signature moment so far: Ripping that three-run, first-inning homer against San Diego ace Jake Peavy in Arizona last Wednesday after the Padres had seized a 4-0 lead in the top of the first. The Snakes went on to win 8-6.

Some of his influence has not been so obvious, though it has been just as important: Lengthening the lineup and easing the pressure on some of Arizona's other hitters. Allowing them not to be forced into pretending to be what they're not.