In an effort to improve a perennially dismal team, the Washington Nationals rolled the dice and acquired Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes, two gifted prospects with baggage that troubled their previous organizations. The asking price was reasonable, so the risk is more about how they will fit into the Washington clubhouse. Their talent could provide a huge payoff.

Going into spring training, Willy Mo Pena and Austin Kearns appeared set at the outfield corner, leaving Milledge and Dukes to compete for playing time in center field. Now Washington’s problem children have an opportunity to play even more after Pena suffered a significant tear in his left oblique muscle this week, which will sideline him for a month or more.

Milledge, whose immature behavior made him unpopular in the Mets clubhouse, is the favorite to start in center. Dukes, who has sabotaged his career with anger issues that have included death threats against family members, will get a chance to show he belongs in the starting lineup with Pena out. Dukes is likely to open the season in left field.

Both prospects have the pop and speed to be productive big league regulars. Neither has fully tapped into his assets, but a change of scenery can’t hurt. Milledge has impressed this spring, and perhaps he’s ready to emerge as an everyday player. Dukes has been participating in anger-management counseling since he was suspended by the Rays last June, and he seems to have benefited from the Nationals asking former star shortstop Barry Larkin to mentor him during offseason workouts.

A move to Washington is a great opportunity for both players. Pena has a history of struggling against right-handed pitching, and his numbers against them took a severe dip in 2007. Both prospects have the talent to permanently put Pena on the bench if they realize their potential. Both have a lot to gain by getting a fresh start in a new organization.