Would Dan Uggla Be A Good Fit For The Braves
by gondeee on Nov 14, 2010 3:15 PM EST
in Braves Trade News
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PrintThis week at Talking Chop we're going to take a look at the Braves second basemen, so why not kick that off by kicking the tires on a potential trade for a second baseman. Ken Rosenthal lists the Braves as a potential destination for the Marlins to trade Dan Uggla:
Fredi Gonzalez, previously with the Marlins, is the Braves' new manager. The Braves in the past have viewed Uggla as an option at third. They currently are unsettled at the position with Chipper Jones attempting a comeback from major knee surgery.
Of all the teams potentially involved in any Uggla trade discussions, the Braves should know the most about him. They've watched him for years in the division and Gonzalez managed him for the past few years. I had thought that the Braves might aggressively pursue Uggla last year when Chipper Jones went down, but the Marlins were still pretending to be in the playoff hunt, and nothing ever materialized.
Uggla could be a good fit for Atlanta, and great protection against the inability of Chipper Jones to return to the lineup or play every day. Ugla's .877 OPS is higher than anyone in a Braves uniform posted last year, and he's proven that he can hit 30 home runs year after year. The Braves haven't had anyone hit 30 home runs since 2005.
The negatives with Uggla are there too. He's a guy who strikes out a lot with his big swing. He's got a bit of an iron glove at second base, though it's not as bad as Brooks Conrad. He's in his final year of arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2011 season, so he would cost plenty in 2011 (somewhere North of $10 million) and he could walk away after only one season. The Marlins will likely have several suitors for Uggla's services, so the price in prospects could be high, but there have been mentions of them trying to trade Uggla in the past without much success. That could mean there's a lack of interest, but it's more likely to mean that the Marlins are asking for a lot in return.
I'd be slightly more than okay with the Braves acquiring Uggla. I fear though that Atlanta would have to give up too much to get him, and then he'd walk away after just one year. If I'm the Braves I test the water on Uggla, but I wouldn't rush anything. If he's still around later in the off-season, hopefully the price for him has dropped to an acceptable level.
The Braves could potentially have a logjam in the infield if they were to acquire Uggla, and neither Uggla nor Martin Prado have played the outfield. While Uggla is an interesting option, the Braves would probably be best to pass on him and focus on an outfielder, with Omar Infante serving as Chipper insurance.
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It is hard to say.
Prado can play the outfield and does in winter ball. Uggla can probably play left field poorly, sort of like he plays second base poorly and third base poorly.
Now, if we did a Prado/Rasmus swap or something like that, I could see Uggla making a huge amount of sense. However, that is probably unlikely and it is more likely to see Uggla being traded to the Cardinals.
It would be nice
But doesn’t fill a need, so hopefully they put the feelers out but pass unless it’s a reasonable trade.
Need to keep the focus on the outfield.
"Lord, beer me strength"
NO
they want bullpen arms.. and that was a huge advantage we had this year. i wouldn’t want to give that up for a year of uggla.
my answer….. the cards want a middle IF option. this has been made clear. they are pursing juan uribe pretty hard. if we were to offer vizcaino/delgado, beachy/minor, schafer and omar, i am positive we would get rasmus, whether they are looking to trade him or not. omar wont do what he did last year gain. it will pay off immediately.
then we do whatever we can to sign burrell or mags and if we cant get them we roll with matty d.
then we replace omar by resigning jerry hairston jr or willie bloomquist
keep the pen in place frank… pemo, eof, venters, kimbrel, dunn better than any in the league
Following the infamous "astroglide" comment and the challenge for use of word:
"no way the Astros glide into the playoffs."
by BrockSamson on Aug 29, 2010 3:26 PM PDT
Given the Marlins bullpen arms like a venters or Kimbrel could give them the division- seriously.
May not be worth it.
give them Venters
his arm is literally about to fall off at any minute
"That's my teammate, man... That's my quarterback"
by TurnerTheBurner on Nov 14, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
agree Broccoman
Don’t like the idea of giving up our good BP arms to a division rival. That would come back to haunt us.
A baseball diamond is, most simply, the intersecting of four 90-foot baselines, and, most powerfully, the intersecting of seemingly random lives.
That offer won't get Rasmus.
Infante is a rental who is best as a super utility guy, Schafer won’t have trade value again until he performs well somewhere, and two good pitching prospects just isn’t enough for a very good young OF who is under team control for four more years. I doubt Rasmus is available at all.
So can we stop the Rasmus talk now?!
David O’Brien
November 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
Tomas: Just yesterday, Beinfest said Coghlan was told to start doing drills to prep for center field. I don’t think he’d have said that if Coghlan might move to 2B; they’d have waited to tell him that.
Deal probably only makes sense for Marlins if they get a 2B in return.
Along those lines, I can’t see Braves trading Prado, particularly not to a division opponent. That would have potential to haunt them for a long time, as beloved as Prado is among teammates and fans. And Prado is only a first-time arb guy.
Until I hear something that leads me to think otherwise, I’ve got a feeling this leaked rumor is a tactic by the Marlins to get Uggla signed. And if not, if he’s traded, I think it’ll be to someone outside the division.
Sorry wrong article but this is the correct one!
David O’Brien
November 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
Here’s what Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told Post-Dispatch’s Joe Strauss, regarding Rasmus and unlikelihood of trading the 24-year-old CF:
"Every player in the right deal could be traded," Mozeliak said, "but we are not shopping him. More importantly, I think it would be very difficult or almost impossible for us to replace him. So the way we’re planning on moving, he’s a big part of our club."
Joe wrote: Mozeliak has worked to improve a sometimes jagged relationship between player and manager that in July led Rasmus to request a trade during a heated exchange with La Russa. Mozeliak does not deny an issue existed but insists edges have been smoothed.
"We’ve all talked through it," Mozeliak said. "I really don’t see it as a big issue anymore."
Mozeliak added: "I don’t think someone with his service time (two years) can pick and choose where he wants to be. That’s the nature of this business. If somebody didn’t want him here — the manager, for example — we’d have to do something about it. But Tony realizes he’s a talented player and can help us win some games."
I completely agree.
He really isn’t available. Like the Cards’ GM said, he’s available if they get blown away, that’s about it. And the offer that was mentioned above is not a blow away offer. It would probably take something like Prado and Teheran, which is just too much. In other words, he isn’t available unless someone offers so much that it is a bad offer to make.
His power is tempting, but we’ve got nowhere to play him and he’s going to cost a pretty penny. I just don’t see any sense in wasting all that money on him when we’ve got nowhere to play him. If he had any kind of track record in left, then I’d say try to work out trade-and-sign to be sure we could hold onto him another few years, but he’s never really played anything but infield, and he’s does that terribly. With a staff that’s full of groundballers, the last thing we need to do is sacrifice infield defense.
Does Paul Emmel get a ring too?
dan Uggla
He would be better at second than what the braves have? He’s got power and plays a good second base. Sign him and we’ll be in the playoffs again.
"he plays a good second base"
according to who? his mother?
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
by Scott Coleman on Nov 14, 2010 4:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Why would we commit $10 million + prospects to a guy that just displaces other good players? Now, if Chipper had retired or if Uggla is available in the Spring then I can see it (with Prado moving to third), but this is little more than Rosenthal spit balling.
Agreed No unless
Unless Uggla was willing to discuss a serious contract extentsion with the Braves to remain one and take over back in the infield after the 2011 season then no. Prado could be moved to third an Uggla at 2b after 2011 season once Chipper and his crazy $14 million are off the books.
Food for thought:
Imagine if Chipper only hits 14 hr’s this upcoming season that is 1 million dollars a homer. Umm money well spent, I like Chipper as much as the next guy but he should have retired after last season and accepted a contract buyout if he was truly a team player and cared about ATL organization. Chipper is coming back for a payday PERIOD! If even admitted to the media in a dugout interview this past season.
So a trade for Uggla sure, but FLA wouldn’t be getting any of our great bullpen arms such as Kimbrel, Dunn, Eric O’, or Venters. Perhaps Moylan, and Marek and a so-so pitching prospect.
BUT FOR ONLY ONE YEAR OF UGGLA THEN HE WALKS NO WAY WOULD I MAKE THE DEAL!
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Nov 14, 2010 4:44 PM EST reply actions
We offered the contract to Chipper.
He agreed to it. He wants to play. I can’t blame him for that. If he sat on the DL for the next two years without any real chance of playing, you could give him a little blame, but even then, both sides agreed to it, so I can’t really blame him for taking the money—-his side of the contract was to play as much as possible and well as possible, and while he has been hurt and struggling, I haven’t seen any indication he isn’t trying as hard as possible to get on the field and play well. That’s all I can ask of him.
This hinges on what we give up
Chipper still wants to come back but the team can’t be sure about him yet. Uggla needs to play 2B and only 2B. I’d rather Prado play in LF and shift him to 3B when Chip needs a day/week off. Now all that is just speculation. If we are going to invest $10+ million in a 2B, I’d much rather reallocate that money to an actual LF/CF. If we make a trade it needs to be for an OF. JMO. Plus, venters and Kimbrel aren’t available, too important to the team.
by murph35 on Nov 14, 2010 4:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Too True But.
Prado in LF, makes me feel kind of dicey. Prado is a great IF, no way I would trade him. THis rumor has recently as of today really taken off. I have no idea if this idea comes true for us Braves fans. I am sure we would rather have Colby from the Cards but that seems almost impossible to get done at this point.
As I stated above: I would make it clear to Uggla that the only way we acquire him is if when can get a long term deal done. Uggla for our top pitching prospects ? Just doesn’t fit for one year rental player.
Although ATL may not have much choice in the matter, b/c Uggla is the best true power hitter available. Marlins would want top prospects for him though and Teheran, Delgado, are easily off the table.
Schafter, Marek, perhaps a Beachy or another mid – level pitcher with top ceiling of a #4 or #5 starter.
All in all Uggla is going to be a Marlin next year, move just doesn’t fit for ATL and it addresses one need in power but we still have no LF and really no CF either.
We should be trying to get Willingham and R. Davis as earlier report in rumors from MLBrumors. Braves just need a guy to hit about 25hr and drive in 88 that is right handed not a guy that hits 30-35 and drives in 115.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Nov 14, 2010 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
All of those ideas have issues, but I agree on your basic point.
Good prospects for rentals is a dicey scenario. I doubt Uggla agrees to a long term deal in advance unless it is one we don’t want to make—he has turned down 4/48. Schafer, Marek, Beachy won’t get a deal done. It is tough to trade within the division.
As for Willingham, he is just as much a rental as Uggla and plays poor OF defense. And has injury issues. And they don’t want to trade him, and we don’t want to part with top prospects for him either. I would guess he stays in DC—-they have the money to keep and no particular reason to give him up.
As for Davis, we could probably get him relatively cheap. Unfortunately, he isn’t really any good.
I feel Uggla
will decide to take the 4/$48M, and stay put.
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
I doubt it.
He will probably be traded as a rental and hit the open market. Second basemen who hit 30 HR’s per year will get someone to pony up the cash.
Just going on this quote I read earlier today:
“I want to make it clear, that I want to stay in Florida”, Uggla said in a phone interview with MLB Tonight on Friday evening.
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
Ah, so he wants to be traded to the Rays!
I have an inferiority complex, but it's not a very good one.
He'd be awesome.........depending on the price
If the Braves were to get him for say Beachy, Infante and Marek then I’d be down for that deal.
Well they’re all cheap, so probably. They’d want a pitcher better than Marek though. Probably Dunn or even better, EOF.
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
by Scott Coleman on Nov 14, 2010 7:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Dear lord.
I don’t know why I did it, but stay far, far away from the MLBTR comments thread. Its ugly in there.
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
by Scott Coleman on Nov 14, 2010 7:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Yeah, someone suggested we trade Teheran, Kimbrel, Freeman, and Delgado for Adrian Gonzalez and heath Bell
Jason Heyward is so good, he makes David Wright piss in Ryan Howard’s pants
You should probably take a shower.
You’ll feel a whole lot better, after what you’ve been through.
I have an inferiority complex, but it's not a very good one.
Just saw Gordon Beckham was available
Not sure how much they value him but he could be an interesting fit and a cog for years to come at 2B/3B, heck, he played SS through college.
by murph35 on Nov 14, 2010 9:39 PM EST via mobile reply actions
hmm
Cardinals should trade Rasmus for Beckham
by drumzalicious on Nov 14, 2010 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
I'm a fan of Beckham.
He is a local boy and if coached up right, he could replace chipper at third
I don't see it here
An all-bat, no glove second baseman who already turned down 4/48 & is headed into his 3rd year of arbitration where he’ll probably make $13 million(a guess on my part). And I’m sure the Marlins will ask for a good amount in return.
What's that about?
I don’t think its happening either. For the money and prospects it would cost us, it doesn’t really make us any better. I love me some Uggla, but he doesn’t have a spot here.
My guess is Rosenthal is just warming up for his usual off-season BS that he always puts out there.
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
by Scott Coleman on Nov 15, 2010 3:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
can’t we just trade for an outfielder? I’m sick of stupid trade ideas like, “we can move prado to pitcher and hudson to 1st, freddie to catcher and mac to left field and then trade diory hernandez straight up for uggla”
MASN Announcer: "Ususally they have what they call here 'the privilege,' and that's what bobby cox calls it when he let's the veteran guys swing away on 3-0. This is not such a hitter."
Jason Heyward: Single up the middle, ballgame.
by telemakhos on Nov 15, 2010 9:11 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Exactly how I feel especially when we’re talking about a guy who we’d only have for one year. No way would I trade for Uggla unless 1) we can get him without giving up any of our top prospects and 2) he signs a 4 year extension that’s favorable to the Braves. Since neither of those are likely, just forget it and get a real outfielder. Hell after a year of Melky and McLouth, I could easily live with Adam Dunn’s poor defense in LF in exchange for his 35+ homers.
I have no problem passing on Uggla...
…or just getting an OF. Adam Dunn, however, is not an OF. If we signed him, I would rather have Freddie Freeman play left, even if we don’t have him play OF at spring training at all and just say on opening day—you’ve never play left before, but have at it. He couldn’t be worse. Adam Dunn doesn’t just have poor defense in left, it is abyssmal. More or less almost twice as bad as FUGA. You just don’t think it is possible, until you watch him try to play OF.
I agree with most of your post…but I am not sure we want to deal Infante. He is not an every day player, but a monster bench player. That proved to be a huge success this year. If we deal him I am afraid we might cut that part short…. tricky situation though
Amen
Infante being available off the bench or being moved around the infield was huge for the Braves this season. I keep reading about Mather as the “new utility guy”. That makes me a little nervous.
Write your own recap!.....mvhsbball
But it's not like we can't find another...
Jose Lopez was let loose by the Mariners I believe, and he could fit that backup 1B/2B/3B/LF spot. Basically, if someone is willing to give us a starting OF for Infante, I think we should do it because we can find utility men a lot easier than starting OF.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Nov 15, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Prado in LF?
Its kind of a longshot but I’m just thinking of a way to make it work. My guess is we dont get Ugla, at least not this year.
I could live with Prado or Infante in LF if we got a RH power bat for 2B. I don’t care about Uggla one way or the other, good bat, but only 1 year. Like Mr Sanchez said above, we can get a good Utility guy easier than a starting outfielder.
Write your own recap!.....mvhsbball
I don't see why the Marlins would want Infante, however.
If they are trading Uggla they aren’t playing for 2011. And Infante is a rental.
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