Elijah Dukes

Dukes battled lower body injuries in 2008, but that's far better for his baseball future than battling teammates, managers or umpires. Nationals bench boss Manny Acta seemed to have an idea of how to handle the volatile outfielder, and the result was an impressive .264/.386/.478 line between DL stints. Dukes won't turn 25 until midseason and if he can just keep his head screwed on straight (and his legs in one piece) he's got a chance to be an impressive five-category producer. For all the right and all the wrong reasons, Milton Bradley is still his best comp.

At press time, Dukes was turning in good numbers in the Dominican Winter League. That was Dukes' first baseball at any level since the Rays suspended him in June due to personal issues (which is a rather nice euphemism for the litany of troubles Dukes caused, including threatening to kill his wife and children). Dukes reportedly has been in counseling ever since. While Dukes showed great tools in 2007, note he was in a 4-for-50 slump at the time of his suspension. Tampa Bay traded him to Washington for a Low-A prospect at the winter meetings; Dukes could compete for a regular outfield role in spring training.

Dukes is a legitimate five-tool prospect, but he needs to prove he has one more: self-restraint. He flashes power, speed and leather, but his anger keeps derailing him. He was suspended five times in the minors last season, either by the Rays or by the league. Nevertheless, the Rays not only hung on to him, but had him play first base in the Arizona Fall League. If he comes to spring training with a new attitude, he could compete for the first base job. With his stroke, a healthy, level-headed Dukes is a legitimate ROY candidate.

He's got some power, shows some speed - and has a wicked temper. Dukes was suspended for a week in the minors last year after being ejected on six different occasions. He's been arrested four times since December 2003 for crimes ranging from driving an unregistered vehicle to misdemeanor assault. He also had to skip the Arizona Fall League this year to finish his court-mandated anger management classes. He could start 2006 at Triple-A. We'll see if he gives himself a chance at a career.

Dukes did well at high Single-A Lancaster to finish the season after sitting out a month for anger-management intervention. A typically toolsy Tampa Bay prospect, he'll start 2005 at Double-A.