Nats welcome Dukes

The Nationals are preparing for Wednesday's arrival of OF Elijah Dukes, with this detail from the Washington Post:. With this update that Dukes will speak at 3 p.m. today.

Outfielder Elijah Dukes, whose acquisition in December created a stir owing to Dukes's troubled past, is expected to report to camp on time Wednesday and meet with reporters on Thursday. Dukes, 23, has not spoken publicly since the Nationals acquired him from Tampa Bay.

"The kid is eager to start a new career in a new place with new teammates," said Acta, who saw Dukes work out three weeks ago in Orlando. "But there's a ways to go in spring training, and I really, really hope things work out for us because he's very talented."

Team President Stan Kasten is planning to fly in from Washington for Dukes's arrival -- another indication of how much effort and how many resources the team is putting into the project. . . .

Dukes traded to Nationals

The Rays finally had enough of Elijah Dukes.

The Rays confirmed and announced they have traded the troubled outfielder to the Nationals, and will get back minor-league left-hander Glenn Gibson, who was 4-3, 3.10 in 12 starts for short-season Class A Vermont this season.

"We have been committed to providing Elijah the support needed to get his personal and professional life back on track,'' Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said in a statement. "He has made progress, and a logical next step is a change of cities and a fresh start for him and his family.''

After the teams agreed to the trade, Nationals officials met this morning with Dukes at a hotel near the airport here in Nashville, site of the winter meetings. According to the Washington Post, Nats veteran Dmitri Young - the older brother of former Rays OF Delmon Young - was also at the meeting and he is expected to serve as a mentor to Dukes.

Also, the Rays lost utility infielder Josh Wilson on waivers to the Pirates. The Rays must have taken him off the 40-man roster to make room for an expected addition. And there is chatter that the Mariners are interested in RHP Edwin Jackson with the Rays, as at least one scout said, interssted in 1B/DH Ben Broussard, who could end up the lefthanded bat they are looking for.

Trading Dukes seems to make it more likely the lefthanded hitter the Rays are seeking will have to be an outfielder. As it stands right now, they'd go into the season with Rocco Baldelli and Jonny Gomes as their two options, and obviously there are questions about Baldelli's health. Plus they need a DH.

Gibson, 20, was a fourth-round pick by Washington in 2006, and was cited by Baseball America as having the best changeup and best control of pitchers in the Nationals system, and previously had been named as having the best curveball. He is the son of former major-leagur Paul Gibson, who pitched for the Tigers, Mets and Yankees from 1988-96.

There had been some circumstantial evidence earlier in the day that the Dukes deal was in the works, including word that Nationals GM Jim Bowden was overheard on his cell phone yesterday at the airport talking to someone named "Elijah.'' Both teams have scheduled announcements at 5 p.m. Plus, the deal would explain why Dukes, the troubled outfielder, hasn't played since his latest eruption after being ejected from a Dominican League game on Thursday night.

Dukes was dropped from the Rays active roster in June after a series of off-field and personal issues, including allegedly threatening his wife and kids. He also has had numerous legal problems, most recently a charge of marijuana possession. Dukes recently told Licey teammates he would welcome a chance to play elsewhere, likely figuring it would help to be away from the Tampa area where he had many of his problems.

He had been having a successful and somewhat uneventful stint in the Dominican Republic until Thursday, when he was ejected after a strikeout, charged the umpire and had to be restrained by teammates. Earlier in the game he gestured at fans.

The manager of the Licey team, Tim Tolman, who also happens to be the Nationals third-base coach, said that Dukes has left the Dominican for good because he missed his family.

"He is not coming back,'' Tolman said from the Dominican on Monday. "He left on good terms with everyone, with his teammates and with the front office. Yes, he got ejected the other night, but that always happens in these games. He had gone home for about 10 days for Thanksgiving and then came back for a couple games but said he wanted to go home to be with his family. That's not uncommon.''

Nationals GM Jim Bowden is known for his willingness to take chances with troubled players, and also tends to be infatuated with athletes who have extraordinary tools, as Dukes does.

Dukes involved in incident in Dominican game

Elijah Dukes apparently hasn't calmed down that much.

The troubled outfielder had been enjoying what Rays officials have said was a seemingly quiet and successful return to the field with the Licey team in the Dominican Republic - until Thursday night.

Dukes reacted angrily after being called out on strikes in the ninth inning and was ejected after going chest-to-chest with the umpire, and had to be restrained by several teammates at different times.

"It got a little ugly,'' said Jesus Campos, VP of baseball operations for the host Gigantes team. "If it wasn't for (teammate) Andy Tracy holding him back, things could have gotten a lot worse. ... It definitely wasn't a safe situation for the umpire because (Dukes) is a big guy.''

(Watch the video of part of the incident here. Scroll ahead to about 5:25.)

Dukes - who had been dropped from the Rays roster in June after a series of off-field and personal problems and confrontations, including accusations he threatened his estranged wife and children  - had a rough night overall.

He had words with the opposing catcher, objected to a strike call in his first at-bat, then was hit by a pitch his next time up and flung his bat to the ground, and on his way to first made a somewhat suggestive gesture to the typically rowdy crowd, which had been jeering him. It's not uncommon for fans at these games to scream and throw bottles on the field while player ejections aren't as rare as in American baseball.

Campos said he wouldn't be surprised if Dukes was suspended for his actions.

"He needs to grow up,'' Campos said. "His body and ability, it looks like it's there. He's a big man, but he has a long way to mature."

Dukes returned to the Licey lineup Thursday for the first time in 12 days. In 18 games he is hitting .236 (13-for-55) with 2 homers and 6 RBIs and 4 steals. He has struck out 21 times and walked 11 times.

Rays officials have said they hadn't decided if Dukes would return to the team next spring, but that he had been doing well. With the trade of RF Delmon Young, Dukes would have a chance for considerable playing time if he was on the team.

Rays officials were not aware of the incident.

"We are not able to properly comment until we have had a chance to speak with Elijah and officials from the Licey ball club,'' Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said.

Earlier Friday during a media session at Tropicana Field, Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman was asked about Dukes' overall status and said he had been doing well.

"We're doing a lot of work with him and feel like he's made a lot of positive strides,'' Friedman said. "There's still a lot of things that would have to happen from our standpoint for us to count on him, and it's Nov. 30 and there's a lot of off-season to go.''

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA and MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writers

(Photo -- Licey TV, YouTube. Click to enlarge.)

Dukes back in action

Troubled OF Elijah Dukes will be back on the field soon playing winter ball for the Licey team in the Domnican Republic. Dukes was taken off the Rays active roster in June after.a series of personal and off-field issues. The Rays haven't decided if he will rejoin the team in the spring.

Rays drop Dukes from roster

The Devil Rays finally had enough of Elijah Dukes, at least for now.

The troubled outfielder was optioned to the minor leagues and placed on the temporary inactive list.

“It’s the right move for right now,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “The tack we are taking will make everyone better.”

Maddon, who held a meeting with the players though said it wasn’t specifically about Dukes, said Friday’s move will “be viewed as a positive ... By everyone.”

Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman said there is no time limits with regards to the temporary inactive list, and said it is possible that Dukes could return to the major league team.

"I would not rule that out," Friedman said.

Dukes, a 22-year-old rookie from Tampa, has been the subject of controversy and scrutiny for weeks, since the May 23 St. Petersburg Times report of allegations by his estranged wife that he threatened to kill her and their kids.

Dukes created another controversy Tuesday by calling a Tampa radio station to defend himself and his family and make further accusations against his estranged wife, NiShea Gilbert.

Rays officials were not pleased, acknowledged they were frustrated over the distractions he had caused and seemed poised to accelerate plans to cut ties.

The Rays called up outfielder Dustan Mohr from Durham to replace Dukes on the roster.

In other news, the Rays moved outfielder Rocco Baldelli from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL as a result of his recurring hamstring problems.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Angry Dukes sounds off

UPDATE

Rays  executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Tuesday night team officials had "disappointment and frustration" that the  Dukes issues has caused such a distraction, and that the sentiment "extends all the way throughout the organization.'' He also said team officials spoke with Dukes today after hearing of the radio spot.

ORIGINAL REPORT
An angry-sounding Elijah Dukes called Ron Diaz's and Ian Beckles' radio show on WDAE 620-AM early this morning to address the recent controversies and accusations by his estranged wife, NiShea Gilbert.

Among other things, Dukes said if he hadn't left Gilbert he would be in jail because she would have provoked him into attacking her:

"I know if I stayed with her I'd physically be in prison because she provoked me by hitting me,'' Dukes said. "She done hit me across the head with a picture frame and everything. I hate that because I told my kids I would never go back to jail for no domestic violence.

"I have made strides. I maybe, I probably, have an anger problem but I manage my anger and I know how to get rid of some of the problems to my anger.''

When Dukes was asked if he "needed help,'' he said:

(Times photo: Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

"No, I don’t need no help. Everybody needs guidance. Do I need guidance? Yes, I need guidance. Sometimes you need somebody to talk to. But do I need help? No, I don’t need help.

"How many times have I ever shot someone? How many times have I ever stabbed someone? How many times have I gone to jail for brutally beating someone? Never. I went to jail for breaking a remote control (in a previous domestic case).''

Dukes admitted that the recent issues (specifically being ordered by a judge to not see his kids with Gilbert for a year) are the reason for his extended slump on the field, which has led to him losing his job as the starting centerfielder and raising the question if the Rays will soon demote him to the minors or release him. He was not in the lineup for a seventh straight day on Tuesday.

"I am in a bit of a slump because I've got all this other stuff going on,'' he said. "You know how hard it is to be away from your kids when you've always been with your kids. Does anybody  know how that feels?"

He also said he is not the father of a baby with a former foster child at his step-grandmother's house, though admitted they did have a one-time relationship.

Dukes said he hadn't addressed any of the previous reports or accusations by his estranged wife, but decided to call in to the station after hearing about a caller claiming Dukes admitted to him during an anger management session that Dukes' mother had smoked crack:

(Pictured: Phyllis Dukes, mother of Elijah Dukes. Times photo - Kathleen Flynn)

"I don’t talk about this stuff because I'm not one of those people who have to get even,'' Dukes said. "Just like the Bible says, If you know it's not true you don't have to say anything and I haven't been saying anything. But I will say something about this situation with my mom out my mouth, because everyone knows I do love my mom. And I am tough on my mom but I know for fact I never told nobody my mom smoked crack because that would be a lie on my behalf. She never told me and I never caught her.''

The Rays are in Arizona, and Dukes made the call shortly after 7 a.m. Arizona time, when most players are sleeping. The Rays play again tonight.

He also accused Gilbert of trying to "steal my money" and made this observation:

"I had to go through a lot to get to where I am today. All I want to say is that every time you get to the top you always have those hyenas who want to knock you down as a lion. ... I have come a long way. ... Nobody's going to bring me down with all these accusations they're making about me.''

His comments were exclusive to the radio station, which has been airing interviews from his relatives and Gilbert over the last week.

Listen to the audio, located at 620wdae.com.

Dukes not talking

OF Elijah Dukes is playing Wednesday for the Devil Rays but not talking. Team spokesman Chris Costello said Dukes would have no comment on the court ruling resulting in a restraining order. "It's a personal matter," Costello said. Dukes is leading off and playing center. He was in the clubhouse playing cards before batting practice as usual.

Judge: Dukes must stay away from wife

[Times photo: Ken Helle]

PLANT CITY – A Hillsborough County judge granted a one-year restraining order to NiShea Gilbert, above left, the wife of Tampa Bay Devil Ray Elijah Dukes.

The order means Dukes, who waived his appearance and was not present in the Hillsborough Circuit Court in Plant City, cannot contact his wife for one year.

As part of the ruling handed down by Circuit Judge William Levens, Dukes is ordered to undergo psychological evaluation before he is allowed to see his children. Also under the order, Dukes is not allowed to possess weapons.

"I'm just happy that I've got it for a year, and I can move forward," Gilbert, 26, said outside the courtroom.

Gilbert said her life lately had been "hell" and that she hopes that the psychological evaluation will get Dukes the help she feels he needs.

"He just needs to get help so he can be a normal, functioning citizen," she said.

Gilbert said she wasn't surprised Dukes was absent.

"He never shows up to court," said Gilbert, accompanied by her mother Mary, who added that the past few weeks had been difficult

"I'm just glad it's all over," Mary said.

Gilbert's attorney, Dale Gabbard, said the next step will be arranging a hearing to determine child support and alimony.

-- By Carrie Weimar, Times staff writer

Previous stories:
- Elijah Dukes' troubled past
- Ballplayer's wife: He threatened me, kids
- Without cooperation, charges are unlikely
- Shelton column: Only we can stop cycle of violence

Dukes held out again

Elijah Dukes was held out of the Rays lineup again Thursday. Rays manager Joe Maddon had said Wednesday Dukes was expected to play today. His absence is notable since Seattle is pitching a lefty, Horacio Ramirez. He is at the stadium and in uniform.

-- Marc Topkin

Rays statement

The Devil Rays issued the following statement regarding Elijah Dukes late Wednesday afternoon:

"The Devil Rays organization takes these types of allegations very seriously, but at this point it remains a private matter between Elijah and his family. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide ongoing assistance to Elijah."

Dukes not starting

Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes was at Tropicana Field and working out but is not in the starting lineup for the game against the Mariners. The team said he would not be available to the media today. About 4 p.m. he went into a 5-minute meeting with manager Joe Maddon. The Rays had made no additional comment on his situation in which his wife said he threatened her and their children. B.J. Upton is starting in centerfield and batting leadoff in Dukes' place.

First day in the books

Year two of the Joe Maddon era officially opened today with the Rays' first full-squad workout at the Naimoli Complex.

There were plenty of highlights: Jonny Gomes' return, Casey Fossum's bullpen session and Elijah Dukes' batting practice show. But without a doubt, all eyes were on new Rays third baseman Akinori Iwamura.

With about 50 media members -- including some 30 Japanese reporters -- looking on, Iwamura participated in his first major league workout. It seemed like Aki had some trouble reading some of the plays (With a runner on first, he didn't understand when catcher Dioner Navarro called "One!" and he threw to second for a force), but he showed a solid glove and quick bat speed.

Left hander Casey Fossum threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session and said afterward that his surgically repaired left shoulder feels good. A leaner Jonny Gomes looks to have his swing back after shoulder surgery.

And then there was Elijah Dukes, who put four balls over the left-field wall on Field 3 in batting practice, hitting a couple of trees along 80th Street.

For more on Iwamura's debut and Gomes' return, check out Friday's Times