I have heard a lot about a potential trade for Devil Ray’s Elijah Dukes. With blogs and message boards buzzing, the Nats remain quiet about the issue. Jim Bowden was quoted as saying, “I’m not going to [talk about] any trade discussions that we are having, I think it’s fair to say that we talk to almost every team in baseball on a regular basis. I’m not going to confirm nor deny any discussions that are out there, except to say that we are not close to any trade with any player at this point.” However it’s no secret that Bowden has a history of giving players with checkered pasts a home. This gamble worked with Young, who has been a pleasant surprise both in the Clubhouse and on the field. The difference between Young and Dukes is a huge one. Even while Young was struggling with substance abuse problems and depression, his teammates remained loyal to him and spoke highly of him. This is not the case with Dukes, a self admitted loaner with a history of anger problems. He has been suspended multiple times in his short career, once for 15 games because he was fighting with a teammate. How much help is he going to be in center field or offensively if he is suspended?
The fact is that Dukes is not a good choice for this team of gentlemen. Manny Acta has done a fabulous job this season, he provides a positive influence in the dugout. Even when the team is not winning, the players still have a positive spirit and a sense of humor. It’s difficult to ask this group of upstanding guys to welcome a trouble maker. If the trade happens I have no doubt the Nats will be a positive influence on Dukes, but is it fair to ask them to do that? How much of Manny’s time will have to be focused on Dukes alone? Building a team is a monumental task but starting with quality guys on AND off the field might make things a little easier…
Entries (RSS)