It's true, Dan Uggla rejected a 4 year, $48 million dollar deal, and I can't say that I blame him. This management group has had ample time to make this happen, and like most other times did nothing until it may be too late. He may be just an above average defender, but he makes up for it by being arguably the best power hitting second baseman in this generation, and perhaps all time. No second baseman before him has ever posted 4 consecutive home run seasons (33 in 2010). In addition, this past season was his best for driving home base runners, knocking in 105 RBI's, placing him in the top in the top 5 in baseball in both categories. It's nice to see the Marlins reach out to one of their own once again, but it may be too little too late. This could play out a couple of different ways.
1. He is eligible for one more year of arbitration, which he'll assuredly be awarded at least a $7.8 million dollar tender. Which would squash any hopes of a long term deal. An arbitration hearing is usually a team saying, "we don't think you're as good as your agent says, so we'll to this to a mediator, and have them decide your worth". In most cases the player wins, and the team could be left with a less than enthusiastic player. In this case they could trade him during spring training and cut their losses before he walks.
2. They could simply sign him to a one year contract, keep him for the season, and receive draft pick compensation when he departs as a free agent.
3. This is the feel good scenario. The Marlins are pursuing Uggla pretty intensely, and do want him to come back. Uggla's representatives are believed to be seeking a contract in the neighborhood of the Phillies' Jayson Werth, who is a comparable player, at 4 years $66 million.
I feel that Uggla deserves his contract, and the Werth deal is a fair barometer. You don't get this kind of offense from a second baseman on a consistent basis. It would go a long way in the eyes of the fans to heighten their efforts to keep Uggla. They've slowly been keeping the young talent around the last few years. Giving long term contracts to, Josh Johnson, and Hanley Ramirez. If they can retain Uggla, along with the others, continue to develop Gabby Sanchez, Chris Couhglin, Logan Morrison, and Mike Stanton, the future could be very bright for this team. The elder statesman of this group is Uggla, at 30 years old, and still in his prime. In addition to his on filed performance, he is a tremendous dugout leader. He is not afraid to call people out, and let them know when he feels they're not giving this team all they can. As evidenced by a dugout spat with superstar shortstop Hanley Ramirez, in which Uggla called him out for tanking a ground ball during a game. A move that earned him his place as this team's leader.
I will never blame Dan Uggla if he decides to leave. His agent has been asking for this for a few years, and have been shot down every time. So you can see how they'd be a little jaded.
"HIS NAME IS DAN UGGLA!" (I love that call)
1. He is eligible for one more year of arbitration, which he'll assuredly be awarded at least a $7.8 million dollar tender. Which would squash any hopes of a long term deal. An arbitration hearing is usually a team saying, "we don't think you're as good as your agent says, so we'll to this to a mediator, and have them decide your worth". In most cases the player wins, and the team could be left with a less than enthusiastic player. In this case they could trade him during spring training and cut their losses before he walks.
2. They could simply sign him to a one year contract, keep him for the season, and receive draft pick compensation when he departs as a free agent.
3. This is the feel good scenario. The Marlins are pursuing Uggla pretty intensely, and do want him to come back. Uggla's representatives are believed to be seeking a contract in the neighborhood of the Phillies' Jayson Werth, who is a comparable player, at 4 years $66 million.
I feel that Uggla deserves his contract, and the Werth deal is a fair barometer. You don't get this kind of offense from a second baseman on a consistent basis. It would go a long way in the eyes of the fans to heighten their efforts to keep Uggla. They've slowly been keeping the young talent around the last few years. Giving long term contracts to, Josh Johnson, and Hanley Ramirez. If they can retain Uggla, along with the others, continue to develop Gabby Sanchez, Chris Couhglin, Logan Morrison, and Mike Stanton, the future could be very bright for this team. The elder statesman of this group is Uggla, at 30 years old, and still in his prime. In addition to his on filed performance, he is a tremendous dugout leader. He is not afraid to call people out, and let them know when he feels they're not giving this team all they can. As evidenced by a dugout spat with superstar shortstop Hanley Ramirez, in which Uggla called him out for tanking a ground ball during a game. A move that earned him his place as this team's leader.
I will never blame Dan Uggla if he decides to leave. His agent has been asking for this for a few years, and have been shot down every time. So you can see how they'd be a little jaded.
"HIS NAME IS DAN UGGLA!" (I love that call)
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