Rays Growing Frustrated With Dukes

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Tampa Tribune: Rays Growing Frustrated With Dukes
Published 6/20/2007 at BBTF's Baseball Primer Newsblog
Tampa Tribune: Rays Growing Frustrated With Dukes There was no pregame chatter about Dukes phoned-in rant to WDAE, 620 AM, Tuesday morning, apparently because the vast majority of the players were unaware it had even happened. That was not the case for those with Dukes immediate future in their hands, though. Once again, the Rays front office was forced to put out a fire, and there s a growing sense around the team that patience is wearing thin. ... Dukes did not explain why he chose to call into the radio show at around 7 a.m. Arizona time after staying mostly silent since his estranged wife NiShea Gilbert s allegations of threats and violence first surfaced last month. Approached by reporters in the visiting clubhouse at Chase Field on Tuesday afternoon, Dukes didn t say much. [Expletive] you, he said while walking away. You know I m not talking to you. ... Dukes apparently has told team officials in recent weeks that he k ...

"Rays Growing Frustrate With Dukes"
Published 6/20/2007 by Memphis Bengal at Sports Frog
... Least surprising headline ever. ...

Devil Rays Getting Fed Up of Dukes, Dawg
Published 6/20/2007 by PostmanE at FanHouse
... has long since crossed that boundary. In any case, the Devil Rays' front office is now stuck dealing with even more fallout : Dukes apparently has told team officials in recent weeks that he knows he probably would be better off playing somewhere other than his hometown. Of course, any trade would be contingent on another team being willing to take a chance on him and give up something of value. But if Dukes is simply released, he is talented enough that one of the other 29 organizations surely would risk signing him - keeping in mind that he still can be optioned back to the minors this season. The Rays could take that route themselves, but Dukes probably would not receive a warm welcome in Triple-A Durham after the difficulties he had there last season, when he was suspended five times. Wait a second -- are they saying friendly, cheery Elijah had trouble getting along with people in the minors? Never! Character assassinat ...