In Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, and Wily Mo Pena, the Washington Nationals have three extremely talented young outfielders, but the only problem is potential doesn't win games in the Major Leagues. And to this point, none of the three have proven anything in the big leagues.
Milledge came to the Nationals over the off-season from the New York Mets, and he's a five-tool player with power, speed, a strong arm, a good glove, and the ability to hit for average. But Milledge's first six weeks with the Nationals have been decidedly underwhelming. Through his first 147 at-bats with the team, Milledge is hitting just .238 with one homerun and only 13 RBIs. He's done little to secure his spot in the starting lineup.
Dukes has similar skills to Milledge, but his professional career has been marred by off-field troubles and run-ins with the law. His season began with a stint on the disabled list, but now he's healthy and ready to prove he can be a productive citizen. He has just one hit in his first 18 at-bats, leaving plenty of room for improvement.
No one has ever questioned Pena's raw power. Few players can hit baseballs farther than the former Cincinnati Red and Boston Red Sox slugger. Unfortunately, Pena can have trouble connecting with the baseball. Like Dukes, Pena has also battled injuries this season, limiting him to just 76 at-bats. He's still looking for his first homerun of the season.
If the Nationals are going to make a run in the National League East, Milledge, Dukes, and Pena have to find their strokes. And they better do it in a hurry.
