The Final Word on the Elijah Dukes Situation

This blogpost by former Nats beat reporter Mark Zuckerman breaks down the Elijah Dukes story with some insightful, telling comments about how a player's clubhouse presence can affect how a team views him - no matter how good his numbers may be.

almost 2 years ago daver 13 comments 0 recs |

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Oh, I don't believe that....

I’ve had the misfortune of following the Dukes saga for awhile now, and the short answer is people tolerated him in the hopes that they’d see productivity on the field. But after a few years now, he’s gone from prospect to suspect offensively, making him not worth the bother.

Make no mistake though; if he’d banged 20 homers last season, he’d still be employed today, regardless of how much he’s acted like a nitwit.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 18, 2010 1:01 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I probably overstated things a bit.

I should probably change my, uh, very long sentence to: “This blogpost by former Nats beat reporter Mark Zuckerman breaks down the Elijah Dukes story with some insightful, telling comments about how a player’s clubhouse presence can affect how a team views him – no matter how ~~good his numbers may be~~ much potential he may have.”

That’s really what I meant. And I agree – if he’d even equalled his 2008 season, the Nats would’ve probably thought twice about releasing him. Nonetheless, I think the blogpost does a good job of spellling out Dukes’ history. Who do you think he’ll end up with? Maybe the Pirates or Royals?

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by daver on Mar 18, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

The Pirates already have a very young, and potentially very good outfield.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Mar 18, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Pirates OF is full of potential

With McCutcheon in CF and Garrett Jones in RF. Lastings Milledge is the other OF and he’s always been talked about as a guy who might be good, but hasn’t really played up to his potential. If Pittsburgh doesn’t trade these guys away too soon, the Bucs could be decent in the not-too-distant future.

In other words, you’re right. Dukes probably won’t end up in Pittsburgh any time soon.

"It's Spring Training. You know how many home runs Barry Bonds hit off me? One - in Spring Training." - Big Z

by Phubbies on Mar 18, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Plus, they have a backup in Church who is a serviceable starter.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Mar 18, 2010 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

OK, how about KC?

They’ve got Scott freakin’ Podsednik in centerfield this season. Seems like they could use the outfield help.

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by daver on Mar 18, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Neither...

If I were advising Dukes, I’d say sign a minor-league deal with a potential contender, keep your mouth shut, play a couple of months in AAA, and come back later this season “rehabilitated”.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 18, 2010 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Hm, makes sense.

Randy Winn is getting up there. Maybe he shoots for a 4th/5th OF spot with the Yankees?

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by daver on Mar 18, 2010 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

If I were Cashman, I might...

With the provision that he commit to some sessions with the team pyschiatrist.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 18, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

JMHO

But the Yankees have enough speed in the OF and don’t really need what Dukes brings to the table. Not a lot of room for a headcase on that team unless he ends up in AAA

"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck

by Musicdude10 on Mar 19, 2010 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions