Posted March 17, 201015 yr Nationals Release Elijah Dukes By Tim Dierkes [March 17, 2010 at 9:11am CST] The Nationals released outfielder Elijah Dukes, according to a team press release. According to a tweet from MASN's Ben Goessling, the move had nothing to do with off-the-field issues. This is very surprising news, as Dukes projected as the team's starting right fielder and could've been traded or sent to the minors. 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 Goessling noted that the Nationals had "taken the reins off Dukes -- letting his personal adviser go and allowing him more freedom with the media." he'd be a solid backup outfielder and pinch-hitter. and if maybin struggles he'd be a nice place holder
March 17, 201015 yr The last thing we need is OF depth, specially from this guy You always want depth and the ability to horde players. I'd take him and try to trade him. But the chances he gets by someone like San Diego, Pittsburgh, or KC, who are young and looking to rebuild, is highly unlikely. He could still turn out to be pretty good, and there is absolutely no risk involved here.
March 17, 201015 yr The early word from MASN is that this wasn't related to off-field or clubhouse issues. We'll have to wait and see. This is a bit surprising.
March 17, 201015 yr Not a bad idea to give him the opportunity to prove ha can play and see what happens. A change of scenario many times help. That could mean an extra motivation for Dukes. Especially when Maybin seems to be injured
March 17, 201015 yr I'm not sure with the talent already in the organization how he improves on it. He showed some promise in 2008 in limited play but last season wasn't any better than the players he would theoretically replace. I seriously doubt Carroll doesn't make the team and Stanton is the future in right. Unless maybe Maybin shows he can't stay healthy or just can't cut it, then there's a possible opening but there isn't a lot of room for him on the active roster. And I'm not convinced Morrison won't eventually wind up an outfielder too.
March 17, 201015 yr I'm not sure with the talent already in the organization how he improves on it. He showed some promise in 2008 in limited play but last season wasn't any better than the players he would theoretically replace. I seriously doubt Carroll doesn't make the team and Stanton is the future in right. Unless maybe Maybin shows he can't stay healthy or just can't cut it, then there's a possible opening but there isn't a lot of room for him on the active roster. And I'm not convinced Morrison won't eventually wind up an outfielder too. And what about Dukes and his 14 baby mamas and 17 illegitimate children he threatens via text message?
March 17, 201015 yr THEY ALSO RELEASED LOGAN KENSING TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :whistle Don't go get him :thumbup
March 17, 201015 yr I'm not sure with the talent already in the organization how he improves on it. He showed some promise in 2008 in limited play but last season wasn't any better than the players he would theoretically replace. I seriously doubt Carroll doesn't make the team and Stanton is the future in right. Unless maybe Maybin shows he can't stay healthy or just can't cut it, then there's a possible opening but there isn't a lot of room for him on the active roster. And I'm not convinced Morrison won't eventually wind up an outfielder too. And what about Dukes and his 14 baby mamas and 17 illegitimate children he threatens via text message? They can play with Hanley's illegitimate children.
March 19, 201015 yr I'm not sure with the talent already in the organization how he improves on it. He showed some promise in 2008 in limited play but last season wasn't any better than the players he would theoretically replace. I seriously doubt Carroll doesn't make the team and Stanton is the future in right. Unless maybe Maybin shows he can't stay healthy or just can't cut it, then there's a possible opening but there isn't a lot of room for him on the active roster. And I'm not convinced Morrison won't eventually wind up an outfielder too. And what about Dukes and his 14 baby mamas and 17 illegitimate children he threatens via text message? He'll be closer to them as they live just across the state.
March 19, 201015 yr WHY DID I SEE THIS COMING? Caps lock makes you clairvoyant? exactly. makes things clear for everybody :thumbup
March 20, 201015 yr I'm not sure with the talent already in the organization how he improves on it. He showed some promise in 2008 in limited play but last season wasn't any better than the players he would theoretically replace. I seriously doubt Carroll doesn't make the team and Stanton is the future in right. Unless maybe Maybin shows he can't stay healthy or just can't cut it, then there's a possible opening but there isn't a lot of room for him on the active roster. And I'm not convinced Morrison won't eventually wind up an outfielder too. And what about Dukes and his 14 baby mamas and 17 illegitimate children he threatens via text message? They can play with Hanley's illegitimate children. Oh, snap!
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