The Braves and Dan Uggla have agreed to a five-year contract extension, the team has officially announced.
The deal is worth $62MM, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution tweets that the salary in the first year of the deal is $9MM, plus a $1MM signing bonus. The salaries then even out to $13MM annually over the four remaining years. It's the highest average annual salary for a second baseman in baseball history. Uggla is represented by Terry Bross.
Atlanta acquired the 30-year-old Uggla (31 in March) from the Marlins in exchange for Omar Infante and Michael Dunn soon after he turned down a four-year, $48MM extension offer. The new contract covers his final year of arbitration eligibility and four free agent years. Uggla earned $7.8MM in 2010.
Despite being a middle infielder, Uggla is one of the game's most consistent sluggers. He's hit between 31 and 33 homers in each of the last four seasons, making him just one of nine players to go deep 30 times every year since 2007. A career .263/.349/.488 hitter, Uggla enjoyed his finest season in 2010 thanks to a .287/.369/.508 batting line with career highs in homers (33) and RBI (105). UZR rates his defense as consistently below average.
According to MLBTR's Transaction Tracker, this is the largest contract the Braves have given out since signing Andruw Jones to a six-year, $75MM deal way back in 2001. Only four players – Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth, Troy Tulowitzki – have signed for more guaranteed money this offseason. Carlos Gonzalez figures to join that group shortly. The two sides were reportedly close to a deal last month.
alright dan uggla is officially going to be a long time brave!
He’ll be a DH candidate in 3 years. Braves will deal him by then. What a stupid contract.
Makes me wonder what type of contract Cano will get when he hits FA.
Who says he will hit free agency? The Yankees would not just let their star hitter go like that.
Possibly, but I have given up on predicting any moves when it involves the Yankees so I’m just laying down the FA scenario as one of many. So, same question but let’s talk extension.
Jeter says hi.
Are you implying that Jeter gets the starting 2B job in 2014 due to his, sorry, limiting range at SS and ARod and Tex on the corners?
Remember that time two months ago when Derek Jeter – he of the career .314 batting average, team captain, and so-called spirit of the franchise – was allowed to go to free agency?
Yeah. That happened.
Did Jeter get any offers even remotely touching the Yanks ? No that didnt happen.
That didn’t magically make him not a free agent.
Congratulations, you’ve completely missed the point.
Your point is flawed. Robinson Cano is approaching the end of his arb years.
When Jeter was in the same position, the Yanks signed Jeter to a 10 year contract, avoiding free-agency.
Ditto for Mariano who prior to the 2001 season, with one year left on his contract, Rivera signed the first long-term deal of his career, agreeing to a 4 year 40 mil deal.
Neither Jeter nor Mariano ever hit free-agency until their 15th year in the majors…
Cano has 5 years of service
Congratulations, now you have learned not to play with facts in order to make a point.
Sorry, but you’re grossly overcomplicating the original argument, not to mention grasping at straws.
He said, “Who says he will hit free agency? The Yankees would not just let their star hitter go like that.”
The Yankees let both of their signature players go to free agency this offseason instead of discussing an extension. What they are doing right now is much more relevant than what they did 10 years ago, especially given the Yankees’ dominance at the time both those extensions were signed while under a different owner and GM.
That the Yankees significantly outbid any other offers – a point which you can’t confirm in the first place – has precisely zero to do with his free agent status. When the season ended and Jeter and Rivera did not have a contract lined up for the 2011 season, they were automatically free agents. Offering arbitration and other contract negotiations do nothing to change that fact.
No, you’re over-simplifying it.
By lumping Jeter’s situation at age 37 with Robinson Cano’s situation at age 27 is more than just a lil mis-leading.
a more similar comparison is Jeter in 2001 approaching free-agency with the entire league wanting him and Cano approaching free-agency in a similar situation.
In those cases, the players had alot more leverage, when they were approaching free-agency for the first time.
Cashman never would’ve said this in 2001 when negotiating an extension with DJ
“We understand his contributions to the franchise and our offer has taken them into account,” Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com. “We’ve encouraged him to test the market and see if there’s something he would prefer other than this. If he can, fine. That’s the way it works.”
unless Cano’s performance falls off a cliff…or the yankees are involved in a ponzi scheme and lose all their money…I would bet the house that I get to hit Kim Kardashian from the back before Cano hits free-agency
Harsh ponzi-scheme burn! lol
something tells me the wilpons are going to owe alot more than they are letting on.
I chose to just not think about that to be honest. so much drama/stupidity/crap has happened to this team the past 4 years, its deserving of its own “jersey-esq” reality series. I’m trying to be forward thinking and concentrate on the development of in-system talent as well as the 2011 draft. Lets Go Mets!……….oh boy
past 4 ???
try past 10…
we had nelson doubleday selling the team and telling the world jeff coupon wanted to run it from his high throne
bobby v and the wilpons getting into beef
steve phillips and the secretary playing with his beef
superscouts al goldis and bill levesy ( who used to be JW’s childhood batting instructor)
orchestrating the kazmir trade b/c al leiter and john franco felt disrespected by kazmir’s choice of clubhouse music ( eminem )
the wilpons just have a bad karma about them ( esp. jeff )
I’m just replying to see how skinny this column will get!
any difference between the way contract negotiations went with Jeter in 2001 vs 2010 ?
i think jeter would have had more offers when he was 27 than when he was 37…hence why the yanks never let him get to be a free-agent…i would imagine a similar approach to cano.
lumping DJ at 37 with Cano at 27 is over-simplifying things.
No one’s lumping them together. Jeter will either be a 2B or more likely, a DH come the end of the 2012 season whether he likes it or not. He was George’s puppy, not Hank’s. In fact, there are conflicting reports regarding the relationship between Jeter and Hank. This may not leave an opening for Cano, as the Yankees already decided to sign Jeter for 3 more years. What it will come down to, is what is available via free agency at that time.
The Yankees very easily could pull a Texas Rangers, sign a shortstop, and shift Jeter to 2B if they don’t resign Cano or could find a younger option available via trade.
Sorry Just_MLB, but your comparison is actually the one that is off. The Yankees had no A-Rod, Sabbathia, Teixeira, or even a Jeter or Mo-like contract before they were signed. It was easy to see why committing such large dollars to a young player was a good investment. Now with Cano, as a Yankees fan, let me ask you clearly and really think about it. Do you really want to do what it takes to sign Cano? You are looking at a minimum Troy T. extension for Cano meaning 7 years and $120+ million as Solidarity I believe was suggesting before you got all defensive. =)
Really think about that question. That would mean, and i’m grossly oversimplifying contract dollars here but rounding up/down:
A-Rod: 30MM
Teix: 25MM
Sabbathia 25MM
Burnett 15MM
Cano: 20MM????
You would be talking about fielding 5 guys for $115MM. I’m not saying the Boston Red Sox didn’t go do the same thing this year, but their young core is simply stronger then the Yankees young core at this point in time. Though I don’t like the dollars spent, the timing was at least right. The timing to sign Cano to a $20MM deal, will not be right at the time of his free agency and signing him to such an extension (in my opinion) would be regarded as a mistake.
That is at this point in time, with the Sox being the projected AL East powerhouse for the next few years.
1st, SF was comparing Jeter in 2010 to Cano 2013. so yes that is comparing apples to oranges.
2nd, unless something happens to cano, jeter will not be replacing him at 2B, esp since they have team options on Cano until 2013.
3rd – the yanks are at over 200 mil in terms of payroll. By 2014, they are only committed to 76 mil. by 2015, its 69 mil. by 2016 its 44 mil. I think they have the room to add Cano’s 20 mil in his prime years.
lol
bosox young core?
cano vs pedroia? slight edge to cano due to his power and amazing range(who knows how ped will be after the foot thing)
im assuming you mean els is the young core OF…so else vs gardner…same player
pitching wise its clay vs hughes…hard to tell right now due to hughes first full time season as a starter but he showed straight up dominance early on.. other than that both teams are actually pretty old
I was totally going to write that, but then you did it! Thanks! Cano will eventually become a free agent, but it will probably be when he is in his mid-late 30s.
Mo says hi.
via time travel – Mo in 2001 gives his regards.
Yes. I like Jeter! Is he the greatest hitter in the last 20 years? F Yes!!!
But I would NEVER throw away one of the youngest most productive 2B in the game and replace him with a 38 yr old SS who won’t be hitting .300, 25 hrs., and 100 RBI’s!!!
Insane people do that and I’m not one of them!!!
There is no universe where Jeter is a better hitter than Albert Pujols.
Well, he probably won’t leave the Yankees per-se, but he could go the Derek Jeter/Mo route which officially is “free agency”
The Yankees almost always refuse to discuss contract extensions during the season and chose to wait until free agency…
of course thats not the case with Cano’s current contract though.
You mean, they never discuss contract extensions in season, and wait until after the season to discuss them. They do not necessarily reach free agency. Posada and Mo (deal before the current one) did not reach FA status.
you are completely wrong… they did reach free agency
He says “deal before the current one”, you realize this offseason was the first that Mo and Jeter ever reached free agency, right?
Mariano Rivera
February 17, 1990: Signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent.
October 29, 2007: Granted Free Agency.
November 19, 2007: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
November 1, 2010: Granted Free Agency.
Jorge Posada
June 4, 1990: Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 24th round of the 1990 amateur draft. Player signed May 24, 1991.
October 29, 2007: Granted Free Agency.
November 13, 2007: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
My bad, didn’t realize Rivera was a FA in 2007. That’s what I get for blindly accepting what others are saying.
Mariano Rivera
February 17, 1990: Signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent.
October 29, 2007: Granted Free Agency.
November 19, 2007: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
November 1, 2010: Granted Free Agency.
Jorge Posada
June 4, 1990: Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 24th round of the 1990 amateur draft. Player signed May 24, 1991.
October 29, 2007: Granted Free Agency.
November 13, 2007: Signed as a Free Agent with the New York Yankees.
If Jeter and Rivera can hit free agency, anyone could.
btw, on a side note, I hope next year Chin-Ming-Wang does well so a year from now and gets an extension so the title read: Nationals Extend Wang
the team has options on Cano until the 2013 off-season, by then Cano will be 31…alot depends on what the market looks like at that time. but i would imagine if cano continues putting up numbers like this, he could probably start extension talks at the end of next season. A 7 year extension for 140 mil would essentially equate to a 5 year 107 mil deal since they already have 14 mil +2.5 mil buyout and 15 mil + 2.5 buyout for 2012/2013.
Pedroia’s 40 something million dollar contract still looking better and better for the Sox.
If you’d look at the accumulated service time each player had when they signed their respective deals, you’d see the two contracts aren’t really comparable
When you factor in the whole all-around game, I’d rather have Ped. Uggla’s glove really sticks out for me.
still missing the point. Pedroia’s contract doesnt compare to this one because he couldnt leave for another team for 3 years when he signed the deal. Red Sox were buying out team controlled years and therefore did not have to pay market value. It’s like comparing Crawford’s new deal and the one Longoria signed after being in the bigs for a month. Apples and oranges. Longoria>Crawford and Pedroia>Uggla. The lesser players make more because of service time.
I didn’t comment on the contract differences whatsoever. I think Uggla’s contract sounds right. I was just saying between the two, I’d rather have Pedroia.
If that’s the case, I’d rather have Cano above Pedroia and Uggla.
But that’s not the point Russel was making. To even consider comparing the parameters of the contract between Pedroia and Uggla is impractical. The only reason Pedroia’s contract is so “low” or “team-friendly” is because the contract bought out years that he was already under team control. If it was a contract he signed for just his FA years, he would have received considerably more money, probably more than Uggla’s deal.
Well everyone would love to have a Cano. The question is always value though.
Pedroia at 2-20MM with a 3rd year team option for $11MM with a 500k buyout (negating his arbitration years).
The first three years of Cano are still going to cost a minimum of $50MM, probably more considering its the Yankees.
So if you are asking me 3-31 for Pedroia or my projected 3-50 for Cano? I’ll take Pedroia every day, every time. 3-31 could be closer to half of Cano’s value, and Pedroia is not half the player by any means.
Not to mention Pedroia is the Jeter of the Red Sox. If fans argued Jeter should be compensated for that, then so should Pedi.
I didn’t comment on the contract differences whatsoever. I think Uggla’s contract sounds right. I was just saying between the two, I’d rather have Pedroia.
Not necessarily completely true. The only years that are effected in the deal are those bought out before free agent eligibility. So you simply compare AAV for those later years with what others are getting. The years they have him signed after his arbitration years are still below market value (in reference to Pedroia).
And I’m sorry but if you are talking about apples and oranges, Longoria and Crawford are not only different kinds of players, but different positions. Their production is actually quite similar and I’d argue that if Crawford was a Gold Glove 3B instead of a Gold Glove LF, his annual value might be even higher. Production is determined by the position you play. Its like saying Manny Ramirez>Derek Jeter. Not necessarily true. Not necessarily false. Comparing between positions is like comparing between eras. Just plain nonsensical.
As far as Uggla goes, I agree entirely. His glove sticks out like a sore thumb. But again, compare his defense to that of other second basemen. If we compare him to Adam Dunn last season, of course this contract looks silly. But I’d compare him more to Jeff Kent. I can sacrifice a little D and a little average for the sake of putting up power that no one else can at 2B.
Pedroia is highly overrated and in a few years will be making the same as Uggla
Why do you say he’s overrated? MVP, one other very good year, a solid third year and then well yeah last year wasn’t spectacular, but he was hurt and all.
I was going to say, he showed me more last year then any player in MLB. Watching him fielding ground balls at Fenway on his knees between innings has to be one of the most gutwrenching feelings I’ve endured. Pedroia just loves baseball and loves his team and refuses to let anything (including a broken foot) be an excuse for why he doesn’t get better. Pedroia is the opposite of overrated. I won’t argue statistically there were better MVP candidates, but that shows how much this kids heart bleeds on the field. That rubs off on everyone around him.
Ironically, Pedroia is the only Red Sox player that ISN’T overrated.
Jon Lester and Kevin Youkilis would like to have a word with you.
Daisuke Matsuzaka also would like a word with you.
But for a completely unrelated matter
I don’t like or root for the Red Sox one bit (considering I’m a Yankees fan, that’s understandable), but I severely disagree with you here.
Lester is just a straight up beast. Youk is a very good player as well. Neither of those two are overrated in the slightest.
He was saying they weren’t overrated.
Ehrm. My comment was in reply to Sixto, not El Bobo.
As would Daniel Bard
actually his guaranteed salary never clears 10MM. but nice try!
I was just thinking the same thing. With the money being given out for strong middle infield talent right now, wow does $40MM look like a steal.
Pretty good deal if you ask me. A Top 5 player at a very weak position who will give you great power numbers is definitely worth approximately 12M per year (approx.).
Good for the Braves. Their offense is going to be really strong for a while now with Uggla added to a core that includes Heyward and friends.
That said, Uggla just strikes me as a very un-Braves-like player. To me, the typical Braves player of the last decade-plus is a solid all-around talent with a team-first mentality. I think Uggla can be a team guy, but his defense really sticks out, esp. at a critical defensive position.
I am guessing that they will shift Uggla to first base in the long run; he’ll be 36 when the contract is up.
Either that, or they’re counting on MLBPA to force the DH on the National League before Bud Selig retreats to his crypt beneath Miller Park.
If Freeman live up to the hype he won’t be seeing 1B anytime soon. I get the feeling they will be moving him to LF permanently before the season is up.
Braves don’t really have any 2B/3B prospects, Prado can’t play two positions at once, not even Heyward can do that. Uggla’s defense may not be as bad as people think- I think he’ll be a little worse then Prado was last year, but not by that much.
Freeman and A-Gon are both superior defenders so that will cover him some.
I do think 5 years was too much. 4 yrs/53mil may have been better.
I think his defense is as bad as people think. His right-handed power will make us Braves fans forget about it most of the time though (I hope).
I think his defense is as bad as people think. His right-handed power will make us Braves fans forget about it most of the time though (I hope).
Reasonable enough I guess, but a peeve of mine is that idea in baseball that:
If a given player is less than ideal at their normal position that you can just stick them at 1B.
Supposedly because 1B involves less actual mobility? Maybe, that’s true, but I’d argue against that by showing you clips of quality 1B players who steal doubles and make regular diving stops. Even discounting all that, most of the times, it requires taking a player who might be a defensive liability at another position, and then putting them in a critical place on the diamond that makes him involved in nearly every play second only to the C, P, and SS. Is that what we should do with a player with a questionable glove? This never made sense to me.
Not to mention it’s quite different having to field throws and read throws from players trying to beat the runner out, and scoop bad throws from the dirt and everything. 1B isn’t as easy of a position to defend as everyone makes it seem.
While you are involved with almost every play, you are less likely to need to field the ball. There are fewer exchanges, fewer turns. Your primary job is to catch throws, who you would hope would be accurate enough to get it within arm’s reach of you.
So it’s less about first base being easy and more about hiding your better hitters who are inferior defenders. And those better hitters are often tall, which is an important asset for a first baseman anyway, so it often works out to be a good fit.
Putting a slight defensive liability at first base serves two purposes: you can put one of your best hitters there to maximize your offensive output, and (in theory) limit the amount of damage they would cause on the field otherwise. While there is a definite skillset in playing first base, it is less essential to overall team value than it is at other positions. If you’re not a total butcher, the cost to your team is minimal. If you play a superior first base – such as Albert Pujols or Adrian Gonzales – then that just gives you added value.
I totally agree with you in the range and mobility aspects of 1B. There isn’t the same types of constant positioning challenges to the right and left, as well as actually fielding to the right or left, or nuances concerning what to do in each instance after you receive the ball. And, as you mentioned, the exchanges that happen, say, at 2B being part of a doubleplay combo. In general I agree that 2B and SS are very athletically demanding positions that few have the talent for.
That said, I think it’s a total underestimation of 1B’s defensive requirements to say it’s just about catching the ball. The better 1Bs regularly turn doubles into outs, saves errant throws from being noticed, turns the pitcher-covering-1B play into routine, holds the runner well, and comes in on the ball on bunts. Not to mention what’s already been mentioned, that this position is involved in pretty much every play in some form. This is not even mentioning that Uggla basically wears his glove on the wrong ideal hand for a 1B. His glove will be on the foul-line side, forcing most of his fielding plays to be across his body. It’s not an insurmountable obstacle, but since he doesn’t start out as a above-average glove, it doesn’t help him get better.
That said, I understand and think your offensive argument is compelling. I think much of this kind of philosophy must have found it’s roots in an era without a DH. That excellent bat needed to come from somewhere, so considering the relative defensive demands of each position, 1B was a relatively safe place to value offensive production a little more than other spots. I can buy some of that. I just scoff at the insinuation that this kind of strategy is evidence that 1B is an easy defensive position. Though it appears that you don’t think thats the case so I have no problem with that.
Those plays do happen, and as I said, the added value of a great defensive first baseman is great, but statistically speaking, they are less common. The most important the first baseman does is field throws; as you said, they are involved in the vast majority of plays. After that, helping hold baserunners and fielding foul balls. Picking scorchers down the line is great, or charging a bunt, but those plays are uncommon relative to his other duties, and are difficult to execute.
This sounds like I am stating the obvious but you want your first baseman to complete outs that are supposed to be made. If they get the ones that are over and above, that’s just gravy.
But great defensive first basemen who can’t hit well don’t last in this league. Just ask Travis Ishikawa.
Well, I’m not talking about great 1B who can hit well. I agree with you that 1B is an offensive-oriented position. That more or less goes without question. My gripe was the idea that you can take a defensive liability and stick him at that position because you want to keep his bat in the lineup. Personally I’d rather stick that guy in LF rather than 1B. You seem to downplay the need for playing the line, holding runners, coming in on the ball, wheel plays, and pitcher covers first. I can accept that I guess, but I’d ask you to consider how many times such plays happen per game. If it happens every few games, that’s one thing. If it happens, every few innings, that’s another.
While you are involved with almost every play, you are less likely to need to field the ball. There are fewer exchanges, fewer turns. Your primary job is to catch throws, who you would hope would be accurate enough to get it within arm’s reach of you.
So it’s less about first base being easy and more about hiding your better hitters who are inferior defenders. And those better hitters are often tall, which is an important asset for a first baseman anyway, so it often works out to be a good fit.
Putting a slight defensive liability at first base serves two purposes: you can put one of your best hitters there to maximize your offensive output, and (in theory) limit the amount of damage they would cause on the field otherwise. While there is a definite skillset in playing first base, it is less essential to overall team value than it is at other positions. If you’re not a total butcher, the cost to your team is minimal. If you play a superior first base – such as Albert Pujols or Adrian Gonzales – then that just gives you added value.
Long term foundation of the offense: Prado, Heyward, McCann, Uggla, Freeman.
I’d venture to guess that McCann will be extended past his current deal through 2013, and Prado could stick around for a while also. Very solid if not exceptional 2 through 6 for the next 3-5 years (depending on Freeman and Heyward’s development). With a large amount of top prospects that should be ready by 2012 and the current young pitching core, the Braves should be a power for years to come.
I don’t like the length but it had to be done to keep him here past this year. Braves need offense.
This effects rickie weeks more than anyone
I was thinking the same thing when the extension rumors started with Uggla.
I’d guess the braves gave up too much in terms on length/$ on this deal. Like others have said, his defense isn’t even close to being good. And he may have to shift positions, and with youngster freddie freeman arriving at firstbase in 2011, that could create a problem.
I love this kinda of offensive production out of a second baseman, but I’d rather them have spent that kind of money on a LF slugger where the poor defense wouldn’t be as noticable. I think he’s really going to help the braves in the next few years with his consistent offensive production, but towards the end of the deal it could look pretty ugly.
His defense isnt as bad as everyone makes it out to be, his all star game performance effected that and the marlins field, his defensive home/away splits are drastic,same as hanley, he actually isn’t that much of a liability in the field away from florida
What’s wrong with the field in Florida? I’m assuming it’s the problem they have when a stadium is used for more than just baseball (turning it into a football field, soccer, etc.). Just wondering what makes you say it though…
Oh i have no idea man, it was just in the splits and stats i had seen before, they were drastic splits for infielders playing on their field,
I think it is the weird skips and hops from a field that is often wet.
UZR tries to record a player’s likely true talent and estimate his future performance based on the nuances of the batted ball and the player’s response to those nuances. It is not trying to capture exactly what happens on the field according to some arbitrary categories
– Fangraphs
I think UZR is a bit over-rated as a way to measure a fielder. According to UZR, in 2009, Dan Murphy was the 4th best defensive 1B in MLB and a better fielder than Mark Texiera…
as for Uggla, his 3 errors at Yankee Stadium had nothing to do with Florida’s wet grass.
the marlins in 2003 had 78 errors
the marlins in 2004 had 86 errors
the marlins in 2005 had 103 errors
the marlins in 2006 had 126 errors
the marlins in 2007 had 137 errors
same wet grass…different results.
Idk over time maybe the field got worse and worse over prolonged use, and like i was saying the allstar game really ruined his rep and gave him bad pr, the All star game is what made the media go from average to below average defender to terrible defender
hmmm…i wonder what the error/UZR rate is for everyone else that
plays there…either way…kudos to the braves for locking in a good
player.
hmmm…i wonder what the error/UZR rate is for everyone else that
plays there…either way…kudos to the braves for locking in a good
player.
He actually has a positive 1.4 UZR away from the wet nasty confines of whatever they call the place the Marlins play.
He really isn’t all that bad of a fielder. He isn’t great but there is no need to put him in the Adam Dunn kills you on defense category.
That’s a category very few people are in… Dunn, Manny, Vlad maybe. But Uggla’s defense really isn’t good, though. I hope that UZR stat away from Marlin World holds up. That is a good stat… thanks for that.
I dont think anyone is arguing that his defense is good, or even average, i think the argument is that his defense isnt as bad as most people blow it up to be. A lot of it has to do with floridas field (as bbxxj pointed out for me thanks) and the 3 error all star game. Gonzales also said he has a lot of errors because he rushes throws on balls he gets to that most 2b wouldnt get to
I want to believe that, I really do, but I have watched him play a lot of games and his range has never seemed good to me. I do hope his stats are effected by that field and he will be better at Turner Field. I WANT to believe…
dont forget people better pitchers take pressure off fielders…and the braves staff is 100x better than the fish’ staff
I want to believe that, I really do, but I have watched him play a lot of games and his range has never seemed good to me. I do hope his stats are effected by that field and he will be better at Turner Field. I WANT to believe…
I dont think anyone is arguing that his defense is good, or even average, i think the argument is that his defense isnt as bad as most people blow it up to be. A lot of it has to do with floridas field (as bbxxj pointed out for me thanks) and the 3 error all star game. Gonzales also said he has a lot of errors because he rushes throws on balls he gets to that most 2b wouldnt get to
I’m with you. I like the deal for 2011 and 2012, but it could be an albatross after that. I guess Uggla could BE that LF slugger is the defense declines over the next couple of years. Couldn’t be any worse than Garret Anderson or Melky, right?
You don’t think poor defense in LF would be noticeable? Are you a Braves fan? Did you watch Garret Anderson loaf around in LF in 2009? Or Melky Cabrera last year?
Uggla is an average to slightly below average defensive 2B. He makes all the routine plays and is one of the best at turning a double play (according to Fredi Gonzalez, who I have trust in).
In three or four years, that may change. As Uggla gets older, his range will certainly decrease. But for now, the Braves are fine with him at 2B.
Freeman is also known to be extremely talented defensively, way better than glaus, and probably better than sanchez was
The Braves signed Andruw to a 6/$75 m way back in 2011? Did we atleast sign throw back Andruw?
And Uggla homered 30 ‘teams’ in the last few years…
Second coming of Jeff Kent? Except from what I’ve read, he’s not as selfish as Kent was.
Not really… Kent was an above average defensive second baseman. Kent was also a better offensive player than Uggla. It’s hard to compare anyone to Uggla because he really shouldn’t be a 2nd baseman. The Braves always refuse to sign players to long-term deals. I’m confused to as why they are wanting to do that with Uggla. I mean, the Braves always like solid players with multiple upsides any how. Why they like Uggla so much is kind of strange. They must be planning on letting him embarrass himself at 2nd again this year than move him to LF. He doesn’t help pitchers on defense and thats always been the Braves mantra for infielders.
Especially considering the extreme ground ball tendencies of Lowe and Hudson.. It could get kinda uggly.
Okay, I chuckled. But I’m not liking that comment.
Especially considering the extreme ground ball tendencies of Lowe and Hudson.. It could get kinda uggly.
Defense of Uggla’s defense:
Over the past four full seasons according to UZR he has averaged a slightly above average ability to turn double plays, roughly 0 to -5 in range and roughly 0 to -5 in errors committed. Four seasons of data is a pretty good amount for UZR to tell you something.
So he is going to be a bit below average in actually fielding the ball and a bit above average making plays with it when he has it. He isn’t in that double digit negative UZR range like truely awful defenders are. He is simply a solidly constantly bit below average defender at a position where you don’t normally find 30HR and a .360 OBP.
Yes, but he will no doubt be in that double digit territory by the back end of the contract, and is pretty close as it is: his career UZR/150 is 4.5, it’s only by the grace of two seasons where he has posted positive a UZR, and both are well away from his career average. He’s much more likely to get worse than get better.
Interesting point. Well taken. That said, maybe my impression is just skewed a little then, without taking it all into account. His error totals just usually stick out for me.
You’re not alone. Aside reg season error totals, Uggla’s atrocious fielding in the 2008 All-Star game damaged his rep quite a bit. I’ve always considered him a below-average defender (watched a lot of Marlins games), but not horrible. But, jeez. Talk about bad PR. All-Star Game. Yankee Stadium. Bad time to make three errors.
Interesting point. Well taken. That said, maybe my impression is just skewed a little then, without taking it all into account. His error totals just usually stick out for me.
Also look at his home and away splits on his defense, he plays much better defense on the road than in Miami.
Yup, +1.4 career UZR away from Miami.
In this market getting 30+HR and ~.360 OBP at a premium defensive position played at least close to average for under 13MM annually is a steal especially on a team who was craving a right handed power bat to stick betwee a bunch of lefties (Heyward then McCann and Freeman) over the next several years and has no real legit top MI prospect near the majors. It’s really a perfect match.
Yup, +1.4 career UZR away from Miami.
In this market getting 30+HR and ~.360 OBP at a premium defensive position played at least close to average for under 13MM annually is a steal especially on a team who was craving a right handed power bat to stick betwee a bunch of lefties (Heyward then McCann and Freeman) over the next several years and has no real legit top MI prospect near the majors. It’s really a perfect match.
yeah. that means if we hit the play offs, he won’t commit three errors like Brooks Butterfingers Conrad
Don’t be so sure.
Maybe they are working on his defense as we speak. Fredi seems to think he’s solid defensively, I doubt this would have happened without Fredi’s influence so you have to respect the guy who has managed Uggs for a couple years that he knows what he’s talking about. We will see if a few months though, I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE 2011 BRAVES TAKE THE FIELD!!!!
Good info, bb. I’m an Uggla fan. While I recognize he’s a below-average defender, I feel like his defensive woes have been a little exaggerated in the public/press. His bat makes up for it. I think this is a real good sign for the Braves.
Question for you, tho: Do you think they’ll eventually move him to 3B? He has a strong arm and might do well there after Chipper retires. I don’t follow the Braves closely, so I thought I’d ask a Braves fan. What’s the plan once Chipper retires?
I think this will definitely be Chipper’s last year, assuming he doesn’t win another batting title….
I think they’re going to shift Prado to 3B in 2012 and leave Uggla at 2B. If Uggla is a total butcher with the glove but delivers with the bat in 2011, it’s possible for him to be in LF and the Braves go after a 3rd baseman, but I don’t see that happening.
Another thing, Infante will be a FA after the 2011 season and he apparently loved his time with the Braves and is good friends with Prado. It’s at least somewhat realistic that the Braves resign him to play 3B for 2012, although I don’t expect his 2010 production again.
But the most likely scenario is that Prado moves to 3B and the Braves go after a left fielder via trade or free agency. However, I’d be absolutely stoked if Salcedo tears it up in the minors and is ready by 2013. That kid’s makeup is off the charts, but he’s too raw right now. Seen him play a couple of games and his approach at the plate and build reminded me a lot of Hanley Ramirez. He likely won’t cut it at SS, so I think they’ll eventually groom him for 3B. I hope he pans out because he’s got a ton of potential and a very good head on his shoulders.
Mike – Andruw Jones signed that contract in 2001 not 2011.
Don’t get used to the nice idea of us signing a guy to the biggest annual salary ever in his respective position. I’m sure the Yankees and Phillies will take care of that record at some point.
No kidding. Cano is likely to get 20M+ AAV on his next deal.
I wonder since Uggla’s new contract apparently pays him less than $10M in 2011 if the Braves may go pay for the 4th outfielder now rather than give the job to one of the internal candidates.
Who’s out there?
Garrett Anderson
Nice.
Maybe nobody worth signing FA-wise, but maybe a trade? Any team got a crowded outfield with a CF they would like to unload?
get melky back from the Royals?
No take backs!
No take backs!
Durango from the Padres is best bet. Plays all outfield positions and 2nd base. He’s fast, can steal, and is a switch-hitter. He’s done great while in the Majors (limited time), but for some reason doesn’t project in their Major League Roster.
Lastings Milledge. Just saying.
But personally I’d rather the Braves use Matt Young or Mather in a backup OF role and spend the money on a MIF to where we aren’t screwed when we get halfway through the season and realize Diory Hernandez and Joe Mather don’t actually equal Matt Diaz and Omar Infante.
Nice call. ya Lastings Milledge really only has upside because he is young and be had for cheap. Never know, might get somethin out of him, he has talent.
Heard that in Washington, New York and Pittsburgh
I wonder since Uggla’s new contract apparently pays him less than $10M in 2011 if the Braves may go pay for the 4th outfielder now rather than give the job to one of the internal candidates.
I hope to god this doesn’t mean Prado is going to exit via FA.
Well, we have three years to figure that out and considering he can play 1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF its not like Uggla has blocked him defensively.
When Chipper retires Prado or Uggla could move to third base.
Well, we have three years to figure that out and considering he can play 1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF its not like Uggla has blocked him defensively.
I think Frank Wren is waiting for the Chipper ordeal to pan about before locking up Prado, but I do believe he will sign him long-term this year. I have to imagine this is Chipper’s last season, then Prado can be his replacement at third. The Braves really don’t have much else in terms of a long-term solution at third in the system.
Oh I think this probably will be Chipper’s last year, unless he wants to pull a Brett Favre.
Chipper will be back in 2012.
Highest average salary for a second baseman in baseball history???? is this true? What about Chase Utley, isn’t he making 15 mill per yr
7/85 for Utley slightly less than Uggla on average. I guess with inflation you could say Utley’s is still higher. Utley has already earned his though.. 25WAR in first 4 years – WOW.
Im so-so on this deal. Seems like a long time for an older player. I like having his power numbers in the lineup with JHey and crew but his putrid defense makes me cringe. I dont think his D will be as bad as people think (I mean the Bravos put up with Conrad a good portion of the season). I think his bat will offset his defense. I like to see the FO go out and spend some money and show the desire to build a championship caliber team instead of just letting people walk via FA.
Well lets not forget Conrads defense was not too bad until the playoffs, lol
Well in reality it was, all his throws to first were off the mark, but his glove wasnt too bad. Conrad should be remembered for his heroics not his glove, hes a PH and not suppose to play every day or even on the field
Over / Under : 32 bombs in 2011?
over, i have a feeling hes really excited to play for the Braves
oh over def, because the dude will be playing for a winning team, and not one that hasn’t gone anywhere in the last 8 years.
Yes cause the Braves have done so much in the last 8 years….
800 wins, a .617 winning percentage, 4 Division titles, and a wild card winner…
Drafting Brian McCann, Tommy Hanson, and Jason Heyward…
Need more?
Lol I’m so glad you said that. Good job,
how about winning a playoff series ?
Over, in the past 3 years he’s averaged a homer in every 16.5 ab’s at Marlins stadium and a homer in every 14.3 ab’s at Turner Field – plus a very nice b.a. So if this holds true he should be able to easily surpass 32 homers playing regularly w/the Braves.
I would say over. He seems to do pretty well in turner field in his time there. I like the question though. However, Uggla seems consistant with his homeruns. So I was thinking possibly a more interesting question would be:
Dan Uggla batting average in 2011: Over/Under .275
under .275 ba
This is a Braves post right? Correct me if I’m wrong.
Over, seems to me he’s going to get pitched to with Jhey, McCann, Chip and the like around him. Plus he loves playing in Atlanta
There continues to be one thing I don’t understand about huge contracts- why do teams structure the deal having the guy making less money in the beginning and more money at the end? When the player starts declining, wouldn’t it make more sense to have him make less money at the end so it is easier to quantify having him or make it easier for them to move him? Being that MLB contracts are guaranteed, he’s going to make all the money anyway. Just curious.
Good thought, doesn’t make sense unless they have to back load a deal b/c of current financial restraints.
I’ve always wondered this too, but in this specific case Uggla’s next year would have been his last arbitration year. So his next years salary will be lower than the rest of the contract.
Because of inflation, $13MM in 2010 will be worth more than $13MM in 2015…when you’re talking about this much money, the difference could be upwards of $2MM. Not a ton of money in baseball, but it’s still more than many Joe Averages will make in a career.
-C
I think it is because teams have a tighter budget right now, but aren’t as worried about their budget in the future. I think most teams hope they’ll have a bigger budget in the future so the added cost of a backloaded contract isn’t as big of % of their budget in the future
Great pickup!
3B would probably be held by Prado after Chipper retires (after this year or next year), until Edward Salcedo is ready.
ahaha lets see how ol danny handles the big contract
i love the braves but this has got to be the stupidest contract in the history of baseball. what are the signing this clown for? i know 150 plus strike outs a year
If Uggla’s willing to put in the time with the coaches, he can definitely get better in the field — assuming he has the desire. There’s a guy in the same division – Utley – who had the same knock as a young player, but he worked his @ss off and now typically is in the top 3 among second basemen in UZR every year.
“young” is the key word here – the only thing we can hope for is that his sub-par defense was partially due to floridas playing surface.
Yeah. A football stadium REALLY IS A GOOD FIELD TO PLAY BASEBALL IN.
He will do good at the Ted.
If Uggla’s willing to put in the time with the coaches, he can definitely get better in the field — assuming he has the desire. There’s a guy in the same division – Utley – who had the same knock as a young player, but he worked his @ss off and now typically is in the top 3 among second basemen in UZR every year.