Marlins Still Like Elijah Dukes
The Marlins have flirted with the idea of acquiring Elijah Dukes for center field for at least a few months. Back in March, Jayson Stark mentioned the idea. At that point, Peter Gammons felt that the Fish would not trade young pitching to get their center fielder.
Now they may be able to get Dukes for next to nothing. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Marlins have Dukes on the radar if they can get him for little. Any breathing reliever might do the trick. If the Marlins think, for some reason, that they can alleviate Dukes' off-the-field issues, it could be a fantastic example of buying low.
By the way, one source tells me that the Nationals are definitely not interested in Dukes.
A less exciting but safe option for Florida would be Brady Clark, who recently became a free agent. The Marlins have some interest.
Well, that sounds like a terrible idea. The way I see it is, if Dukes has any shot at turning things around its gonna take being traded far away from Florida. If the Devil Rays feel they can't fix his off the field problems, I doubt a move to the Marlins will do the trick. Send this guy to Seattle or Minnesota (as if they'd take him). Get him away from all the lousy influences in his life. Then maybe (MAYBE) he can get his act together.
Posted by: Mr_Punch | June 21, 2007 at 12:20 PM
If Dukes isn't their cup of tea as far as misbehaving centerfielders, they could go for Milton Bradley, who was just DFAd.
Posted by: zubes007 | June 21, 2007 at 12:20 PM
By the way Roto, I had some annoying thing block me from posting. It claimed to believe that I was spamming the message board. Took me three tries to get this up. Not sure whats up with that.
Posted by: Mr_Punch | June 21, 2007 at 12:22 PM
The Marlins could match up well with the A's now that Milton Bradley has been designated for assignment.
Speaking of Bradley, the Padres are another team I see as a potential fit in order to add some more power to their outfield. If they were to acquire him, it could ironically lead to the release of Hiram Bocachica.
Posted by: WestCoastBias | June 21, 2007 at 12:22 PM
The Marlins could match up well with the A's now that Milton Bradley has been designated for assignment.
Speaking of Bradley, the Padres are another team I see as a potential fit in order to add some more power to their outfield. If they were to acquire him, it could ironically lead to the release of Hiram Bocachica.
Posted by: WestCoastBias | June 21, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Pacman Jones could probably man Florida's centerfield
Posted by: Pimpinpinstripes | June 21, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Jones vs Dukes (could be a good Fighting league match)
Seriously though Dukes has never been charged with anything.
South Florida and north florida are like polar opposite in terms of life-style as well. Compare NYC to Kansas pretty much is a fair example.
I think if Dukes could be had cheaply how do you say no?
A potential 270/350/450 type CF for the price of a pitching prospect or perhaps a relief pitcher?
I dont care how much they like Carroll you take the chance and DFA that lump of crap Abercrombie.
Milton is a nice player as well, despite his problems. But, you get the problems of Dukes added to injuries and much older and more expensive.
Actually I would say the projections of Dukes his potential is a type of player like Milton Bradley someday if he got his act together.
Come on Beinfest snag Dukes, pull the dang trigger and make this team better. We need a nice OF presence on defense, arm and bat to add to our lineup to make a run actually (4.5 back in the East only now).
Posted by: Baseballfan79 | June 21, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Baseballfan79 - Dukes has been charged with possession of marijuana just this past offseason. And come on, Tampa isn't part of North Florida and Tampa isn't different enough for you to really think Dukes can make the changes he needs in his life do you? It's definately not Kansas.
I'm all for Dukes being gone from the Rays but a trade to the Marlins isn't going to do the trick alone. Plus, a move to Miami definately ain't going to solve the marijuana problems.
I wish there would be enough draw in the trade that could net the Rays a good reliever, maybe one that could even be steadily reliable at the major league level. Fingers crossed.
Posted by: DRayDude | June 21, 2007 at 01:07 PM
I didnt know that he had been charged, I thought those charges had been dropped my apologies there. Yet, I think he is a little different then pac-man jones for instance or even the on the field troubles of Bradley (chair problem remember).
I am sure with all of the pitching down below something there would be able to work something out for a kid of this potential.
Posted by: Baseballfan79 | June 21, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Right, because marijuana is hard to find in other parts for the country.
Any acquiring team (or TB) would be jumping for joy if all he were doing was smoking weed...
Posted by: bobo | June 21, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Baseballfan79 - Take note too that the only reason Dukes is STILL on the TB roster is the fact that BOTH their Double A and Triple A affiliates have told Tampa that Dukes is not welcome back. Clearly, he's been a major problem everywhere he's been. The Rays are in a tough bind.
Posted by: Devlsh | June 21, 2007 at 04:21 PM
That and he has amazing talent. Yes, he is a headcase but so have been a lot of major leaguers over the past century some going on to great years some not.
For the price of pretty much close to free? He is worth trying.
Posted by: Baseballfan79 | June 22, 2007 at 07:14 AM