A day after trading Lastings Milledge, one of its most talented players, the Washington Nationals have demoted OF Elijah Dukes to AAA. Dukes was the Nationals most talented outfielder combining power, speed, plate discipline and defense. At least those were his calling cards entering 2009.
Can the Nationals expect a similar return for Dukes that Milledge brought? Given both players are talented with reputations for clubhouse discord, one needs to ask how many more teams can take the same chances on upside that the Pittsburgh Pirates did with Milledge.
The Kansas City Royals? The Toronto Blue Jays? San Francisco Giants?