Nats Give Dukes a Chance

The Tampa Bay Rays have had enough of Elijah Dukes and all of his illegitimate children as of this afternoon, having dealt the troubled outfielder to the Washington Nationals for minor league pitcher Glenn Gibson.

The 23-year-old rookie, who can play all three outfield positions, hit .190 with 10 homers and 21 RBIs in 52 games last year before being optioned to the minors in mid-June. He was placed on the temporary inactive list after he reportedly threatened his estranged wife and their children, and then violated their protective court order.

Nationals GM Jim Bowden had an interesting spin on Dukes' situation, "His book hasn't been written yet. Just the first two chapters. The rest of the book has a chance to be special."

Mhmm. Does the last chapter include his prison sentence?

Hopefully Dukes can rehabilitate and become the loving father and husband he should be, aside from the promising ballplayer he already is.

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