Elijah Dukes "went to bat" for Riggleman
Nats Outfielder Elijah Dukes "went to bat" for Jim Riggleman before Riggleman was named the Nats third full-time manager on Thursday.
Dukes recommended to the Nationals that they resign Riggleman and enthusiastically encouraged the team to retain him, according to Burton Rocks, Riggleman's representative.
Dukes greatly admires the way Riggleman led him and the ballclub and felt Riggleman's teachings improved his outfield play. Riggleman promised Dukes lots of playing time following his recall from the minors in late July.
I was very impressed with the way Dukes handled his demotion last year to Syracuse. The talented outfielder did not pout, went to Syracuse, put in the hard work and returned to the Nats a better player. I like what I've seen from Dukes and expect him to have a big year in 2010.
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Categories (click for archive)Byron Kerr | Nationals News |
Nice to hear you say that about Dukes, Byron. I agree whole-heartedly.
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Thanks NN, yes, it was something I have been meaning to say about Elijah since he came back in August. I think he really has grown as a player and as a man. The mere fact he has taken a leadership role to step up and say "I want Jim to manage the team" shows he can be a vital part of this teams success. I hope it works out well for Elijah.