March 17, 201016 yr The Nationals released outfielder Elijah Dukes, according to a team press release. No reason was provided. This is very surprising news, as Dukes projected as the team's starting right fielder. Dukes' time with Washington was marked by injuries and a disappointing '09 season. Dukes, 25, hit .250/.337/.393 in 416 plate appearances last year, playing a below-average right and center field (according to UZR). He also played 22 games in the minors. Dukes has avoided off-the-field problems since Jim Bowden acquired him from the Rays in December of '07, with a June '08 dugout confrontation with Manny Acta probably his worst offense. Just a couple of weeks ago MASN's Ben Goessling noted that the Nationals had "taken the reins off Dukes -- letting his personal adviser go and allowing him more freedom with the media." Pretty strange how he was just outright released. I'm sure the Nats could've found a trade partner, even if all they got was a draft pick in return or something.
March 17, 201016 yr hah, we both posted the same thing 1 minute apart. we should definitely try to get him to reinforce our outfield depth and bench
March 17, 201016 yr Pretty strange how he was just outright released. I'm sure the Nats could've found a trade partner, even if all they got was a draft pick in return or something. Teams cannot trade draft picks in baseball, unless it is a predetermined deal to pick someone in the Rule V draft then swing that player to another team. (Please correct me if I am wrong on this)
March 17, 201016 yr Author Pretty strange how he was just outright released. I'm sure the Nats could've found a trade partner, even if all they got was a draft pick in return or something. Teams cannot trade draft picks in baseball, unless it is a predetermined deal to pick someone in the Rule V draft then swing that player to another team. (Please correct me if I am wrong on this) I'm not sure myself. I might be stuck in Hockey mode right now by thinking that. Still, even a minor league player or something would be a suitable return for the Nats. I really don't get the logic behind this.
March 17, 201016 yr Not only can you not trade picks, you can't trade a player who was drafted in the Rule 4 (Amateur) draft until a year after.
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