Elijah Dukes

A week ago, a Dominican news site reported that the Nationals were trying to acquire outfielder Elijah Dukes.  It’s a love affair that’s gone on for some time now; Jim Bowden has a thing for athletic, troubled ballplayers.  The Rays still want some kind of useful pitcher or shortstop in return, but the Nats don’t want to surrender anyone of value. 

Tonight, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson has further details on Washington’s pursuit.  He quotes a baseball official close to the situation who believes it’s more likely than not that the Nationals acquire Dukes.  Coincidentally, the Nationals’ third base coach is currently coaching Dukes in winter ball.  So far he’s avoided any incidents.

If the Nats acquire Dukes, they expect manager Manny Acta and first baseman Dmitri Young to act as mentors to keep him in line.  Young had his own problems but has taken advantage of a second chance.

The Devil Rays have a new-look outfield, with Delmon Young in center, Jonny Gomes in right, and Elijah Dukes on the bench.  Gomes just homered today and could really take off as a 30 home run guy if he plays every day.

Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times hinted this morning that if Dukes didn’t start today, his departure may be imminent.  He didn’t, and Rocco Baldelli may be back by Friday.  Some sort of action with Dukes at that point seems likely, whether a release, demotion, or trade.  Jim Bowden’s recent "character is extremely important" comment to the Washington post seems to indicate he’s not interest in Dukes despite initial reports.

However, that comment may mean nothing.  Dmitri Young choked his 21 year-old girlfriend last year, and Bowden signed him.  Most likely Bowden just needs to sit with the player and feel convinced that he is reformed.

Dukes would still be a great fit for the Marlins, baseball-wise.  The Rays were said to be looking for a solid reliever in return for Dukes, but that was a few offenses ago. 

According to Ken Rosenthal, Jim Bowden and the Washington Nationals are attempting to trade for Devil Rays center fielder Elijah Dukes.  Rosenthal notes that Bowden has before extended opportunities with players with off-the-field problems, most recently Dmitri Young.

Dukes, who will turn 23 later this month, has an interesting line on the season.  He’s at .199/.321/.409 with ten home runs and thirty walks in 209 plate appearances.  It’s an odd way to arrive at a .730 OPS, but ultimately puts him pretty close to the average AL center fielder (.260/.332/.408).  Obviously once Dukes’ batting average catches up – and I think it will – his OBP will be quite solid. 

Baseball Prospectus’s PECOTA system shows comparables for Dukes like Rondell White, Jack Clark, Matt Holliday, Ellis Valentine, Vernon Wells, and Michael Cuddyer.  Current Nationals Alex Escobar, Austin Kearns, Ryan Langerhans, and Mike Restovich all make his top twenty as well.  I find that strange…maybe Bowden is collecting a certain type of player. 

Dukes of course carries ridiculous character and anger management issues as baggage.  The theory is that moving him away from Tampa Bay could calm him down. In the past, the Pirates and Marlins have expressed interest in Dukes.