Yardbarker: Dan Uggla

2008 Home Run Derby Quiz

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:27:51 -0500

Some random facts and numbers from the 2008 Home Run Derby that was held at Yankee Stadium where Josh Hamilton put on a show after all that he has been through.

Odds, Ends (11.17.08)

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:40:35 -0500

In what was the worst kept secret in baseball, the Twins officially announced that the team and manager Ron Gardenhire have agreed on a two-year extension. Though the announcement might be meet with ire in certain circles, Gardenhire has been one of the winningest managers in baseball since assuming the helm of the Twins. His .543 winning percentage ranks 23rd all-time among managers and that is currently third among active managers - trailing just the Angels' Mike Scioscia (22nd .551) and the Braves' Bobby Cox (17th, .557). According to Cot's Contracts, Cox, the long time Braves' manager, is on a one-year contract for $3 million while Scioscia is under contract through 2010 (with an option for 2011) worth $1.75 million a year. Gardenhire's prior contract was worth $2.5 million for two years ($1.25 per), so the current contract is believed to be similar to Scioscia's annual compensation.

Recent Trades May Change Your Holliday Outlook

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:01:46 -0500

The Colorado Rockies, for some strange reason, have traded All-Star LF Matt Holliday to the Oakland A’s for SP Greg Smith, closer Huston Street and OF Carlos Gonzalez. You can see more details of this trade on ESPN.

For reactions of this move, please visit Athletics Nation posts entitled New Holliday Thread and The Matt Holliday Deal and Its Ramifications; and from Purple Row, please read The Oakland Trade: A Better Fit? and Tuesday Rockpile: Still waiting for Matt Holliday to be officially traded to the Oakland Athletics from Tuesday.

Then there was the lesser trade that is equally as puzzling. The Florida Marlins have traded SP Scott Olsen and OF Josh Willingham to the Washington Nationals (which is within their division no less!) for 2B Emilio Bonifacio and two minor league players: P P.J. Dean and SS Jake Smolinski. For the details on this quizzical move, please check out Keith Law’s ESPN article. My question is what does that mean for 2B Dan Uggla? This is what FishStripes has this to say concerning Uggla’s glove work.

For the buzz around the fans of these two teams, you can check out the following blogs and posts. FishStripes has this to say on the trade in their Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham traded to Nats post. Then check out this report from Fish@Bat entitled Olsen and Willingham are Headed to DC. The from the other side with Federal Baseball in their post Washington Nationals Acquire Scott Olsen And Josh Willingham From Florida For Emilio Bonifacio And Two Prospects…

What do you all think about these two deals and the previous one by the Marlins where they dealt away 1B Jacobs to the Royals?

It's not far fetched to say, the Mets have to look into a Uggla trade..

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:52:52 -0500

Now that the Marlins have traded for 2B Emilio Bonafacio, it could very well mean that Dan Uggla's time is up in Marlin land..

Dan Uggla would be perfect for the Mets. He is young, gritty, and a right handed bat that hits for power and he does not make a lot of money. It would surely be a upgrade if the Mets can get him.. Also getting a right handed bat would mean that Dan Murphy can balance the lineup with his left handed bat and fill the hole in LF..

Uggla's last three years:

Last 3 years	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2006	FLA	154	611	105	172	26	7	27	90	48	123	6	6	.282	.339	.480	.818
2007	FLA	159	632	113	155	49	3	31	88	68	167	2	1	.245	.326	.479	.805
2008	FLA	146	531	97	138	37	1	32	92	77	171	5	5	.260	.360	.514	.874
Career		459	1774	315	465	112	11	90	270	193	461	13	12	.262	.341	.490	.831

The Mets and Marlins have been trade partners in the past by acquiring Carlos Delgado and Paul LoDuca, so it's not a impossible thought..

The Mets sure have a need a second base with the oft injured Luis Castillo not able to perform at his full capacity. It also has been documented that manager Jerry Manuel and Luis Castillo do not see eye to eye. From that stand point, I do not see Castillo in a Mets uniform next year. I'd take a pair a shoes for Castillo and his bad contract..

The Marlins have another piece that could fill a need for the Mets. They have Kevin Gregg, who lost his closers job to Ex-Met fire baller Matt Lindstrom. Gregg could be a guy that can set up in the Mets pen and close if he has too..

Kevin Gregg's last three years:

Last 3 years	Team	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
2006	LAA	32	3	3	4	0	0	0	78.1	88	41	36	10	21	71	4.14	1.39	.280
2007	FLA	74	0	0	5	32	0	0	84.0	63	34	33	7	40	87	3.54	1.23	.206
2008	FLA	72	0	7	8	29	0	0	68.2	51	30	26	3	37	58	3.41	1.28	.203
Career		271	8	18	21	62	0	0	407.2	376	194	181	37	163	366	4.00	1.32	.242

I am sure that Minaya will be talking to the Marlins about Uggla and Gregg's services, but the question remains who do the Mets give to acquire such a bunch.. I am sure the marlins would want Fernando Martinez, but maybe not. Maybe the Mets could use Eddie Kunz or Bobby Parnell as the main chip here.. The Mets could even look to unload Nick Evans if they have to.. The Mets have some young talent and can get it done if they wanted to.

All I know is it remains clear that both Uggla and Gregg will be on the trading block. I just hope the Omar is thinking the same way ..

Uggla Should Stick Around

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:44:42 -0500

What about Dan Uggla and his $5 million projection? Juan Rodriguez was assured again Monday night a?" as I have been recently a?" that the Marlins have made it clear Uggla stays into next season. Whether he makes it past next July is another matter. (Sun-Sentinel Blog)

Rebuilding?

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:31:07 -0500

In the past ten days, the Marlins have traded away their starting first baseman, left fielder, and best left handed pitcher all because of money. Each guy was eligible for salary arbitration, which will give each guy a substantial increase in 2009. The decision to trade these three guys should not be a surprise given the Marlins history (1998 fire sale!) and payroll constraints ($21 million dollar payroll in 2008). I can understand why fans would be discouraged after watching the Marlins trade away three of their best players, but by no means does this mean that the Marlins are rebuilding.

Instead, the Fish are merely deciding which guys are expendable based on depth, potential, and salary. Think about it. The Marlins can replace OF Josh Willingham with OF Cameron Maybin, who is one of the best prospects in baseball and looks like a dynamic player. They can replace 1b Mike Jacobs with minor league 1b Gaby Sanchez, who was the MVP of the Southern League (AA) or with Dallas McPherson, who hit 42 homers in AAA this season. And finally, the Marlins can replace Scott Olsen with stud RHP Chris Volstad, who looked phenomenal down the stretch for the Marlins.

The three guys the Marlins gave up are flawed players. Jacobs cannot get on base or play defense, Willingham was hurt and can't play defense, and Olsen is no better than a third starter and a potential headcase. Good players? Yes, but irreplaceable? No. Each one of those guys has a capable replacement, who can probably offer the same production (or better?) at half the cost. That's why I commend the Marlins for the two trades they have made so far.

I look for 2b Dan Uggla to be the next one to go. The fact that the Marlins acquired 2b Emiliano Bonifacio from the Nationals yesterday is not a good sign for Uggla's Ugglies. Think about it this way: Uggla is a good player...a great power hitting second baseman, but simply put, he cannot play defense. Like the Willingham, Jacobs, and Olsen before him; Uggla is a very flawed player, who is eligible for arbitration and is due for a raise. Those factors should lead to Uggla's exit. I would love to see the Giants or Dodgers make a run at Uggla...he'd be a good fit there.

As a Met fan I am very scared of the Marlins in 2009. They still have a ton of talent and I really believe as long as they stay healthy and pitch well, they will compete for the division crown. As a baseball fan, I envy GM Larry Beinfest for continually working within his budget constraints to put a quality product on the field. These trades are not a part of some major rebuilding effort. Instead, the Marlins are building for something bigger and better than they achieved in 2008: a division title.

Olson, Willingham to Washington

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:47:22 -0500

The Nationals continue to stay busy this offseason, as they have reached an agreement to trade second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, right-hander P.J. Dean and infielder Jake Smolinski to the Marlins for left-hander Scott Olsen and outfielder/catcher Josh Willingham, according to an industry source.

What a stupid trade for the Marlins, I guess no one is safe.....

ESPN is speculating that Bonifacio could become an option at second base if Florida moves arbitration-eligible All-Star Dan Uggla, who reportedly could be available.

The Marlins have already shipped first baseman Mike Jacobs to Kansas City this offseason, and still have plenty of decisions to make about other players who were part of Florida's surprising 84-77 run this season.

Josh Willingham & Scott Olsen traded to the Nats

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:55:44 -0500

Willingham and Olsen were traded to the Nats for the light hitting Emilio Bonifacio and a couple low level prospects.

Wednesday Blog Podge: Hot Stove Rumors and WNBA Hotties

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:10:30 -0500

Send us any links to stories or pics that you think might be a good addition to our daily Blog Podge post to thesportspoint@gmail.com.

Sophia Vergara via Double Viking.

Interesting hot stove rumor: Scott Olsen and Dan Uggla for Russell Martin? (City of Champs)

Justin Boren, who transferred from Michigan to Ohio State, needs to let it go. (World of Issac)

Cristiano Ronaldo is not a fan of practical jokes. (Sports Crackle Pop)

The 10 hottest ladies in the WNBA. (Uncoached)

Former UFC Octagon Girl does a little modeling. (on 205th)

Erin Andrews is a pitchwoman for a photo company. (Awful Announcing)

Marlins looking to move players

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:09:19 -0500

The Marlins aren't having another fire sale, in fact their increasing payroll. The problem is that they have so many players arbitration eligible that if they try to keep them all they will be way over budget.

On the field the relationship has deteriorated into a full blown rivalry with the Marlins crushing the Mets playoff hopes two years in a row on the last day of the season. I'm not sure if that bitter relationship travels up to the front offices. The Mets under Omar have had a very good working relationship with the Marlins in which the Delgado, Lo Duca, and Vargas trades were completed. Just last year at the winter meetings the teams were discussing a trade involving Alfredo Amazega.....

Last week former Met Mike Jacobs was almost sent to the Royals had it not been for a Kansas City minor league pitcher having a health/injury issue.

While I don't see him being considered our closer I could see Omar bringing in Kevin Gregg as a bull pen arm. The 30 y/o right handed pitcher has a lifetime record of 18-21 with an ERA of 4.00, as the Marlins closer for parts of the last two years he is 62-77. Despite losing his closers role after blowing nine saves and another former Met Matt Lindstrom taking over, Gregg ERA was still a respectable 3.41......

LHP Scott Olsen is 24 y/o with four major league seasons under his belt. Olsen is a lifetime 31-37 with a 4.63 ERA. Olsen has the potential to be a top of the rotation pitcher but on many occasions allows his emotions to effect his performance. His maturity is an issue as he's had numerous altercations with teammates and the opposition, along with a run-in with the law....

Those are the big three the Marlins are rumored to be shopping but that could expand to Jeremy Hermida and/or Josh Willingham. There's even speculation that a bowl-them-over offer could land 2B Dan Uggla.

''Jacobs and Gregg are the most available,'' one rival general manager said. ''They haven't put Uggla out there'' -- though several teams inquired. The Marlins have decided they value Uggla's power and run production and it ''will take an insanely high offer'' to move him, one official said. source Miami Herald

Jacobs to Royals?

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:40:12 -0500

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Marlins and Royals were a player away from trading Mike Jacobs for a package of prospects. However, it is believed the Marlins and Royals are working out a new deal, and it could be announced sometime within the next two weeks. The Marlins reportedly plan to increase their payroll to 30-35 million dollars; however, some industry sources believe it might be a ploy to make some of their players up for arbitration more desirable. Dan Uggla is being pursued by several teams but the Marlins asking price is reportedly too high. If the Marlins can trade Hermida, Jacobs, Olsen, and Gregg, they should still be in good shape for a legitimate run at the postseason.A

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Fire Up That Hot Stove Baby!

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:54:13 -0500

Out of any writer in the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson seems to get the most juicy information on a weekly basis. Looking past the fact that Antoine Walker spent $6500 bucks on champagne and Patron at club BED in Miami, Barry brings us some good info this morning regarding potential trades going down for the Marlins. First off it looks like the Marlins are looking to increase payroll into the $30-35 million range, which would be a drastic increase in Marlins terms from the $22 million dollar payroll in 2008. One of the people I've been hoping that the Marlins would put on the block was almost dealt last week in a deal with the Royals... The Marlins, who had a $22 million payroll in 2008, wanted to deal Jacobs to Kansas City, but the deal died last week because of a medical issue involving the minor-league pitcher that Florida would have received. The Marlins also spoke to Toronto and San Francisco about Jacobs. If the Marlins move Jake, which I hope they do, they could slide Gaby Sanchez into that role, who we got a sneak peak of at the end of the 2008 season. Jorge Cantu is also a viable candidate to slide over from third base, allowing Dallas McPherson a legitimate shot to make the team out of camp. It looks like most GM's value Jacobs and Olsen the most, as the Marlins have been discussing deals for Olsen as well making room for Andrew Miller to grab a rotation spot. Olsen is a great sell high candidate after his bounce back season. Check the rest of the article over at the Herald.

Quick Hits

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:09:28 -0500

Quick Hits:

The Rockies are interested in bringing on Willie Randolph as a bench coach, according to the NY Daily News. Randolph would work alongside Clint Hurdle, who might be let go next season if the team does not get moving. Bringing in Randolph and letting himA familiarizeA himself with the team would make for an easy transition if Hurdle was relieved of his duties. The Brewers and Nationals are also talking with him.
The Mariners are expected to let outfielder Raul Ibanez walk, despite coming off a great year. Ibanez is a Type-A free agent, so expect the Mariners to offer him arbitration. The Mariners are in rebuilding mode so it doesn't make much sense to sign a thirty-six year old. The Cubs and Pirates, among others, are interested.
Expect the Brewers to aggressively pursue CC Sabathia. Without him, they have two young pitchers and two fading veterans, so they need a big time pitcher to compete. It is possible they would shop Prince Fielder or JJ Hardy in hopes of landing a young Red Sox pitcher, perhaps Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden. On the market, they could go after Jon Garland, Ryan Dempster, or maybe even Derek Lowe.A
Sources I have spoke with have heard that several teams are pursuing Jeremy Hermida, and the Pirates and Giants are right at the top. Several teams are pursuing the outfielder, who is eligible for arbitration this year. He and Dan Uggla are most likely to be traded this offseason.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Rays Fans are NASTY…

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:09:07 -0500

We know they're gooda??We know they're dangerousa??But did anyone know that the Rays are nasty?a??The guys at The Sports Culture sure doa?? Wonder no more: That's right a?" the Sunshine State's sixth finest provider of quality sports entertainment (behind only Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Dan Uggla, and Farooq) Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs is [...]

So Whose Next?

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:33:36 -0500

Watching the Rockies and the Rays make the World Series in consecutive seasons has been thrilling for me. As a fan, these teams seem to enjoy winning more because with every victory they are defying the odds by achieving something that no one, outside of the team, thought was humanly possible. In this era of big spending and outrageous contracts, the Rockies and Rays became competitive out of nowhere thanks to player development and shrewd trades. That's the only way for small/mid market teams to compete against the Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets. A small market team's payroll is between normally between $40-$60 million dollars while a mid market team has a payroll closer to $80 million while the big guys have payrolls well above triple digits with seemingly no end in sight. The success of small market teams is not only refreshing for the fans, but it is refreshing for baseball economics, which are by nature absolutely ridiculous.

The key is too spend money on player development rather than the absurd contracts given to free agents. The only problem is that this process can take a long time because breaking into the majors is hard work and a constant struggle.

Looking ahead to 2009, I can only wonder what small/mid market team will sprint out of nowhere to capture not only my heart, but an entire fan base. No one saw the rise of the Rockies or Rays coming, which made their success even more enjoyable for their respective long suffering fan bases. The odds are stacked against these teams to compete year after year with the big spending teams, but if the Twins and Athletics have taught us anything, it can be done.

So who will be the next small/mid market team to succeed? Your guess is as good as mine. But if I were too guess, I would have to say the Marlins. The NL East is very weak and the Fish have tremendous leadership that knows exactly what its doing. To squeeze 84 wins out of a $20 million dollar payroll is simply fantastic. Hanley Ramirez is obviously a huge plus here. Plus, the Marlins have great offseason trade chips in Dan Uggla, Mike Jacobs, and even Josh Willingham, all of whom can potentially bring back either younger players or pitching in return.

I'd like to see which small/mid market team (payroll less than $80 mil) you all feel has the best chance to win in 2009. Please leave your response in the comment section and explain why!