According to the Atlantic League website's transactions page, the Newark Bears have signed former Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes.
When last we heard of Dukes, he was rumored to be taking a year off from playing after he didn't show up to a tryout with Mexican League franchise Tabasco Olmecas. Dukes was surprisingly released by Washington on March 17 after being given the Nationals' starting right-field job over the winter, and it was generally believed that the move was made to "improve clubhouse chemistry."
Dukes joins a number of former major leaguers on the Newark roster, most notably Carl Everett, Daryle Ward and Brian Barton. Dukes has a career slash line of .242/.349/.421 in 970 plate appearances with the Nationals and Rays. Given his history of problems off the field, any major league teams who may be scouting Dukes will be paying just as much attention to his behavior as they will his on-field performance with the Bears.
I’m real happy for Dukes. He didn’t really create significant incidents off the field. He accepted a demotion to AAA last year with maturity. I was saddened that they cut him, especially with the lack of options in the majors and the need for a right handed bat in their outfield. I thought he was at least a viable option to play at AAA. I suppose he’s a bit of a loner or downer in the clubhouse.
I had heard that he had some family issues with his father (getting released from jail or passing, can’t remember)? Of course his paternity challenges also weigh him down as well. I doubt a Bears salary is making much of a dent in addressing these issues. Still, it seems to me that his talent is worth a decent minor league contract and hopefully he can parlay a strong performance with the bears into that.
In all honesty, if they didn’t want him, I’m surprised we didn’t keep him for a couple months and then trade him for a prospect. Though, since the rest of the league declined to sign him, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Elijah Dukes in Newark, N.J.?
I see no possible way in which this can end well.
Well, the town of Newark itself isn’t bad, it’s the surrounding areas, so, as long as he doesn’t wander too far, or start hanging out in Camden, it shouldn’t end as poorly as it seems, but will probably still end poorly.
Newark Bears got some Pop in their Line up and some serious MLB experience…..lol I hope Wards still taking pitchers Long Long Deep…Good times!
if produces in the independent league for the rest of their season if will sign a minor league deal with a invite to spring training for sure. get the temper in line dude!
I find myself wondering what bsox21 has to say about this signing.
just what Dukes needs is to be hanging out with Crazy Carl Everett.
just what Dukes needs is to be hanging out with Crazy Carl Everett.
Just what Dukes needs ! Time to hang out with Crazy Carl Everett.
Just what Dukes needs ! Time to hang out with Crazy Carl Everett.