Dukes: No beef with Rays

The outfielder says moving on was best but doesn't blame the team for his woes.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Published February 21, 2008

VIERA - Elijah Dukes began his career reclamation project Wednesday with the Nationals by saying the right things.

After toting and doting over his 3-year-old son, the former troubled Rays outfielder spoke about a "fresh start" and showing the "real Elijah Dukes."

The Nationals hope so, and that Dukes' repeated line of "you can't always believe what you hear" isn't a hint of buyer beware.

Dukes, 23, making his first public comments since joining the club, said he was part disappointed, part excited when he was dealt in December but didn't blame the Rays, who "gave me my chances" to succeed.

In a 20-minute news conference, the former Hillsborough High star, selected by the Rays in the third round in 2002, said that playing near his hometown was at times a bad combination with his maturity level and that it's a "shame" he found himself since he left the Rays.

"I have tests in my life every day,trying to raise my son and stuff like that," Dukes said. "I had my issues, but I overcame them without being on the front page or behind bars or something. So, obviously I kind of dealt with my things the right way."

Dukes has been the subject of controversy since the summer whenallegations were reported from his estranged wife that he had threatened the lives of her and their children. There were also several paternity claims against Dukes, including one from a foster child who was 17 and living in his grandmother's house.

"I was a real hard-headed guy," Dukes said. "It was at times hard for me to listen. I needed to be able to admit that I do things wrong and it's okay to do things wrong, but to make good after that."

Dukes has made a good impression on the Nationals, with general manager Jim Bowden saying, "He's done everything we've asked him to do." Bowden said "talent-wise," Dukes is capable of hitting 30 homers and knocking in 120 runs. But Dukes' major proving ground will be off the field, where he has been mentored by first baseman Dmitri Young as well as a club employee, James Williams, whom Bowden says spends every day with Dukes.

Dukes said Williams gives him "tough love," something he feels was missing in the Rays clubhouse.

"You're going to need that veteran guy there sometimes to be able to stick it to you hard," Dukes said. " And the Rays didn't really have that many older guys that been through too much."

Dukes paused when asked if this is his last chance to make it in baseball.

"I always leave that up to God," he said, "but as far as getting it together and knowing that I have to get it together? Yes, I know I have to get it together now. But I never count myself out."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

[Last modified February 20, 2008, 22:08:23]