Dunn disappointed in way 2012 ended

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It doesnt matter how the White Sox played above the expectations of pundits and analysts in 2012, Adam Dunn is disappointed in the end result.

The White Sox slugger addressed his dissatisfaction with how the teams season ended in a second-place finish after leading the American League Central for 117 days on Tuesday.

The White Sox couldnt hold the three-game lead they held as of Sept. 18 as the Detroit Tigers -- who open World Series play in San Francisco at 7:07 p.m. on Wednesday -- charged back to win the AL Central crown.

Dunn, who on Tuesday was named the AL comeback player of the year by The Sporting News, spoke to reporters about the Tigers and a variety of other topics.

You knew (Detroit to the World Series) was going to happen, Dunn said on a conference call. Me and my brother were sitting there talking about it and I was like, Man, its going to end up being Detroit because that would pour more salt in the wound and sure enough.I play for one thing and if I dont get it, its all for naught.

Most baseball insiders didnt believe the White Sox were capable of success in 2012. Sports Illustrated predicted the team would lose 95 games.

But with Dunn, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios all rebounding from poor 2011 campaigns, as well as unexpected high levels of production from a young pitching staff, the White Sox won 85 games. Their season was done in, however, when the team went 2-10 down the stretch. Dunn believes the early trip home wiped out much of the good accomplished in 2012.

It doesnt matter what you do if you dont reach the ultimate goal, Dunn said. Its a wasted year. I would hope everybody on the team feels that way. Its definitely a disappointing season because you didnt reach your goal.

Dunn said an oblique strain that sidelined him for nine games, including seven straight in early September, feels OK. When he asked the teams training staff how to help the injury heal, Dunn said he was advised to rest.

I planned on doing that anyway, Dunn said. I havent done anything for it other than just kind of rest.

Though he has spent the bulk of October resting, Dunn has also done some reconnaissance for the White Sox in regard to Peavy. The White Sox are expected to buy out Peavys 22 million club option for 4 million, which would make the right-hander a free agent. Dunn said he speaks to Peavy often and believes the pitcher wants to return to the club.

We dont talk numbers or this or that, but what I do know is he really, really wants to stay with us and I know that as a teammate, as a friend, wed love to have him back, Dunn said. If it doesnt work out, he understands. But I know he really, really hopes it works out.

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