What's Next For Elijah Dukes?

Clearly, Elijah Dukes has ability.  But his off-the-field issues have long made him a liability.  This spring, Dukes played well enough that many observers felt he would be one of the Nationals' starting outfielders.  They abruptly released him last week.

 BaseballDigest.com's Charles Sollars wonders if the defending NL Central champion St. Louis Cardinals should take a flier on the troubled slugger.

Why David Wright Is My Favorite Baseball Player

Part of the reason is that I've covered his career since he got drafted.  Another big plus is that he hasn't changed one iota since A-Ball.  Another is the story told to me by the owner of a popular sports bar that Wright has hung out in from time to time:

One day, David shows up at the front door before we were really opened, and my dad -- who knows nothing about baseball -- saw him at the front of the place.  


Dad:  "Can I help you, son? 
David "No sir, I'm just looking for (the owner)." 
Dad: "Are you looking for a job, son, I'll get you an application."
David: "No, sir (smiles), I'll just wait until he comes."

So when Wright tells Mike Lupica, the following, it only makes me a bigger fan:

“Mets fans don’t have to tell me what they’re feeling, because I’m one of them… As bad as it was for them, it was worse for me.  And, trust me, I’m the same as them in another way: I don’t ever want us to go through anything like that ever again… The talent is still here, and there are some kids coming along.  We’re coming back."


Too bad the kid can't pitch.


(hat tip to Metsblog for the link)

Peterson, Duquette To Host Pitching Webinar Monday|Baseball Digest

Generally regarded as one of the best pitching instructors in the game today, Brewers Pitching Coach Rick Petersonwill join former Mets and Orioles General Manager Jim Duquette will host a unique “webinar” on preventing pitching injuries and improving performance on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Baseball Digest Classic: Silver Anniversary of the 1985 Season�|�Baseball Digest

Remember the 1985 season? Baseball Digest does, and our Bill Ivie takes a look back. Superb!

24-Hour Talk-a-Thon To Benefit Operation Homefront�|�Baseball Digest

24-Hour Talk-a-Thon To Benefit Operation Homefront�|�Baseball Digest

For the second year, the biggest names in baseball and the fantasy baseball industry join together to raise money for a worthy cause: to help the families of soldiers protecting our nation overseas.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

New Season of 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series Begins on MLB Network�|�Baseball Digest

New Season of 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series Begins on MLB Network�|�Baseball Digest

With Spring Training games set to get underway next week,MLB Network has announced it will once again televise the Spring Training series 30 Clubs in 30 Days, with hour-long features on each of the 30 Major League clubs previewing the 2010 season.

GOTHAM COLLEGE BASEBALL PREVIEW!

GOTHAM COLLEGE BASEBALL PREVIEW!

Great work by Gotham College Baseball Editor Stephen Okawa...