Here are a few items from what's been arguably the most newsworthy division of the winter thus far…
- There's no shortage of reaction to Dan Uggla's contract extension with Atlanta. Joe Pawlikowski of Fangraphs likes the deal for the Braves, arguing that Uggla's power might be helped by hitting at Turner Field and saying that Uggla's "bat will still play well" if he has to move to left field or third base a few years down the line.
- Speaking of an Uggla position switch, MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that Uggla wants to remain playing second base and would've probably not signed the extension had the Braves insisted he move elsewhere on the diamond. Bowman also compares Uggla's contract to Jayson Werth's deal in Washington, and notes that some Braves players and coaches weren't pleased that the Braves didn't do more to keep other big-name acquisitions (i.e. J.D. Drew, Gary Sheffield, Mark Teixeira) in Atlanta.
- If the Mets add a left-handed reliever, it will probably have to be someone willing to take a minor league contract, writes Metsblog.com's Matthew Cerrone.
- The Nationals aren't expected to pursue the "file-and-trial" arbitration strategy this winter, reports The Washington Post's Adam Kilgore. You can keep track of the Nats' three arb-eligible players (John Lannan, Mike Morse and Doug Slaten) and all of the arbitration dealings with MLBTR's Arb Tracker feature.
- With Adam LaRoche locked up for at least two years in Washington, MASNSports.com's Ben Goessling looks at how the Nats' long-term plans at first base are affected by the signing, with a particular focus on prospect Chris Marrero.
Atlanta offered Tex a $140 million dollar contract; Sheffield was a clubhouse cancer and JD Drew and Boras wanted to go else where. None if it was really the fault of Atlanta’s FO.
No, Texas offered Teixeira the $140 million contract, turned it down, and was traded. Multiple reports from 2007 can verify that.
I thought I read Atlanta offered a similar contract to Tex too. Could be mistaken.
Don’t think so. think they knew they couldn’t afford him.
JD Drew sucks. Glad we didn’t keep him. Same with Sheff, although he could hit the hell out of it and he seemed to be ok in the clubhouse w/ Bobby.
How much is Uggla´s extension?
5 years at 62 million
JD Drew can suck something fat! Hes a dildo! He was too good for Philly, whos laughing now BTW, he was too good for Atl, he thought he was better than he is, and he aint even that good. He is OK, but to say he wont play somewhere, before youve proven a thing, well, that goes to show that sports have drifted down the wrong path. Agents need a back alley beatdown once in a while IMO!
“whos laughing now”
Drew is. He’s made a lot of money and has a world series ring.
U Mad?
Uggla’s defensive splits in Florida vs everywhere else are completely lopsided. Sun Life Stadium (or whatever they’re calling it this week) has a lousy reputation as far as infields go. He’s actually an above average fielder outside of Miami, according to UZR.
What’s your source? Not challenging you, just curious where you’re getting that data.
Not sure where they are getting it as I have looked, but haven’t too deep. It’s come up multiple times in threads and don’t know if it’s all from one person. I’ve also heard his defense has been good at Turner Field, but not sure if that means anything given the time period.
You can find the splits on fangraphs. I would post the link but the mediator eats my post.
Without Marrero’s power developing, I really cant say I’ll be upset if we get rid of him. It’s been fun and frustrating following him over the years.
Taylor Tankersley would be a good, inexpensive sign to be the Mets LOOGY next season. Young, cheap and under control for 4 more seasons.
how is it comparable to werths deal – hes a year older – got 2 more years and 4 million more per year. and werth doesnt have the power of uggla, but he is a much better defender. not comparable though.