The Tampa Bay Rays took a calculated, but necessary risk in trading both Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes. While Young had an overall impressive rookie year, Dukes was relegated to rehab. Both, however, have the potential to be big-time, impact players for a long time in the Big Leagues.
But both come with too much behavioral baggage: the surly, entitlement attitude of Young and the ticking time bomb of violence that is Dukes. The Rays did the right thing and got what they could now before any more implosions on their watch. And Joe Maddon likely sleeps better.
But if the Rays continue their losing ways, at least they will lose with nicer guys.