We’re not the first Web site to couple “Elijah Dukes” with the word “crazy” in a headline, but this time, we actually hint at positivity. While we haven’t fully endorsed Dukes as a fantasy player, we don’t believe we’re crazy for considering it.

Dukes is a five-tool player who hit 10 homers in limited time with the Rays last season; he just also happens to be one of the league’s most volatile personalities.

But, there’s no such thing as team chemistry in fantasy baseball and there are no instances where a fantasy manager would have to confront Dukes in a dugout. Thank God for that. If he has a blowup and is suspended, we can simply cut ties with him while sacrificing nothing more than a waiver wire pick.

The product on the field seems to be improving, too. While he did hit 10 homers in ‘07, he also had a .190 batting average. He entered the Nationals’ most recent road trip with just a .195 average, but a week later, Dukes is on a modest seven-game hitting streak to bump his average up to .235. After last season, any trends toward a higher average are good signs.

The power has been lacking - Dukes has just one homer in 102 at-bats - but it will come, so long as he can stay on the field. The talent-deprived Nationals have every incentive to keep Dukes on a long leash, which is a nice, intangible asset in fantasy.

The recent production includes three stolen bases in his last four games. More power or an extension of his hitting streak should move you closer to a waiver wire selection.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.