Peavy: Struggles affected Dunn privately

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GLENDALE, Ariz -- Jake Peavy and Adam Dunn are close friends. Their lockers are right next to each other here at spring training and inside the White Sox clubhouse at U.S. Cellular Field.

While Peavy has had his struggles since being traded to the White Sox in 2009, its nothing compared to what Dunn experienced last season when he batted .159 with 177 strikeouts in first year with the ballclub.

As a fan, you have the right to cheer or boo. Unfortunately for Adam, he was on the receiving end for more than his share of the latter.

Im very close to Adam and his family. It takes a toll, Peavy said in an interview with Comcast SportsNet. Theres nobody who feels worse than the player going through it. To watch his family kind of go through it with him I think was awfully tough. I think a lot of people dont think about that. Our families are sitting up there right with the fans, and we understand theres going to be heckling and talking, but when youre in your own home ballpark and youre trying as absolutely hard as you can, and you cant get out of a funk, its tough to have to sit up there and your kids have to listen to people yell about their dad. It was painful. Theres no doubt.

Despite his difficult season, Dunn was able to remain his happy-go-lucky self -- at least publicly. Privately, however, it was a different story at times. Peavy said the season affected Dunn, even if he didnt always show it.

Adam sure will sugarcoat it. Ive been through the same thing. Weve all been there. And it was tough to watch, no doubt, but we hope that all thats behind me, him, and Alex Rios, and we can start with a fresh year in 2012.

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