Dukes released

[Jollay]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sport ... 98692.html

Thought they'd give him one more shot. Well, now this means Maxwell has the inside track to start in right, with Bernadina, Tavares, Mench, and Duncan now having increased chances to make the team. Maxwell could shift to center and they could use Morse in right as well against lefty starters, although indications are Morgan will usually start against lefties most days. Tavares might be the guy to play occasionally in center versus lefties if he makes the team as well.

A little surprised. All indications were they were happy to roll the dice on Dukes for one more year.

Desmond is NOT a candidate for right according to the article.

Good. He should be our starting shortstop.

[Jollay]

In the first clear jackass move of the Riggleman regime, he's gone ahead and already named Willie Harris the starter in right versus Roy Halladay.

That better be just an occasional thing against a tough righty.

Maxwell or at worst, Bernadina should have that job. You don't cut Dukes to "free up" Willie Harris at bats. He's a stopgap utility guy plain and simple. In fact he should probably be traded to a contender, especially if you're serious about keeping Desmond and Guzman up.

The Nats seem poised a safe bet to win 67-70 games with a veteran team instead of going with the young guys. The ceiling would be alot higher with said young guys, but the Nats apparently just want to show improvement this year.

I hope the Nats can parlay some of their excess mediocre pitching into a rightfielder, if Willie Harris is the "plan".

[craig01]

Dukes is just a knucklehead with a nice package of physical skills.

Nats clearly don't need anymore of his future disruptions.