Would you pay $60 million to keep Uggla? The Braves might
New manager Fredi Gonzalez asks Dan Uggla for a loan. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Dan Uggla brings a reliable bat to a team lacking reliable bats. But he’s a lousy fielder — the 2010 Braves weren’t very good at catching the ball, either — and he turns 31 in March. So now I ask: Is this the guy you want to re-up for $60 million over five seasons?
Nick Cafardo, the fine baseball writer for the Boston Globe, just Tweeted that “Atlanta sources tell me Dan Uggla closing in on a five-year, $60-$61 million extension.” If this is true, I say …
That’s almost Chipper Jones money. For a guy who demonstrably isn’t Chipper Jones.
You can argue that Uggla is a better hitter at 30 than Chipper is at 38 — and Uggla isn’t coming off knee surgery — but still: Twelve million a year for a guy who has driven in 100 runs once in his career and who has never hit .300 and who’s surely going to have to find a new position soon? That’s a lot of money.
If you’re a fan, you wouldn’t mind such an outlay. If you’re a fan, you’re tired of the one-and-dones — J.D. Drew, Mark Teixeira — breezing through town en route to a massive contract elsewhere. And you’d hate to have given away the All-Stat utilitarian Omar Infante and the live young arm of Mike Dunn for another rental. (And besides, it isn’t your money. It’s Liberty Media’s.)
Me, I’m not sure Uggla is a cornerstone player. I think he’s good man to have on a team, but I don’t see him as a man capable of carrying said team. On the one hand, it’d be nice to see the Braves willing to invest so much money again. On the other, I’m not certain this is the man in whom so much should be invested.
You are, as ever, free to disagree. And I know you will.
By Mark Bradley
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
241 comments Add your comment
Really..
December 17th, 2010
12:04 am
Mark, tell me how else you would acquire a player with Uggla’s production at this rate. Have you looked at the free agent signings lately? The cost of good players is going up, and we paid less than market value.
ugaaccountant
December 17th, 2010
12:10 am
This is a no-brainer yes in modern day baseball. You have to have guys like him on the team to compete.
Keith
December 17th, 2010
12:14 am
If we can get Uggla signed to a long-term deal, is this an indicator that Liberty is about to loosen Wren’s reigns? Not sure I spelled that correctly…
One can hope I guess.
GO BRAVES!
DawgDad
December 17th, 2010
12:21 am
It’s a stretch on dollars and term. If Uggla played second base like — Martin Prado — then this would have been a good risk. As is, they are paying premium prices for a defective product. Two big ifs have to materialize to make this pay:
1. Uggla has to average over 100 rbi’s a year for five years
2. He has to play somewhere besides second base, competently.
guy
December 17th, 2010
12:46 am
They’re all way overpaid!
Ryan
December 17th, 2010
1:00 am
Uggla’s not a cornerstone player, but $12MM isn’t cornerstone player money. Try $15MM+ for that. Baseball needs a salary cap.
Bryan
December 17th, 2010
1:59 am
The Phillies have maxed out their credit cards and what has that brought them? 4 straight playoff appearances and 2 world series appearances. I ask you, if DLowe, Chipper, and Uggla lead the Braves back to the playoffs, is it not worth it as a fan to see your team back in playoff contention after missing out for 4 out of the past 5 years?
I have to say it is worth it. The way I look at the Uggla trade and possible extension is this: We dropped Diaz (unfortunately, because he can still be productive off the bench) and Melky. Is moving Prado to LF all that bad? I don’t think so. In fact it might keep him a little more healthy because he won’t be diving on a hard infield. We added a big power bat into the middle of our line up which we have lacked for some time now. Our team has only gotten better by Uggla being traded here.
Chipper will be coming off the books in a year or two. In fact we will have quite a bit of money coming off the books (KK, DLowe, etc.) We may be able to go out and spend on a big FA to complement our core of young guys, Hanson, Heyward, Freeman, etc. Add Uggla to that list who should still be around 20+ home runs as a second baseman, which I remind you is rare in the game, and Uggla is worth every penny of a $60 million contract.
randybottoms
December 17th, 2010
2:08 am
wow…there really are some bonafide boneheads that post comments on here…. chipper’s on base % and club leadership make him worth what we pay him, and really kawakami was the only signing you could really say was a bad signing. mcclouth had great numbers in pittsburgh and wren made a great trade considering what we thought he would do. lowe will be fine next year-he looked great at the end of last season and he was lights out in the NLDS-we just had bad defense in that series. i think wren has done a good job with the resources he’s had which are mid level payroll-the people arguing this are whiners and just get mad whenever we don’t win the world series…and i bet they would still complain even then.
Bryan
December 17th, 2010
2:17 am
A lot of people have been arguing that the DLowe contract was bad, but he still has won 30+ games for us. Sure his ERA is up but 30 games is not bad. And I have said all along, if he gets us back to the playoffs, then the deal was worth it. And his strong finish got us into the playoffs.
Ted M
December 17th, 2010
2:51 am
The Hawks seem to have the pieces yet they stink.
MitchC
December 17th, 2010
2:52 am
Something else just crossed my mind, and while it may be unfair to compare eras.
I’m by no means saying that Dan Uggla is Greg Maddux, and maybe you can’t compare a hitter to a pitcher, but… thirteen years ago when Greg Maddux’s contract expired, at age 31, JS signed him to a five year, 57 million dollar deal. This is THIRTEEN years ago, for essentially the same money as we are paying Uggla. Greg, even though he was in his early thirties, had six pretty good years for us, after we have him the big money following the 97 season.. He may not have been Cy Young 1 something ERA Maddux anymore, but he was a solid 15 plus game winner. Greg Maddux’s two long term contracts, not to metion the 16 mil we spent on him in 2003 to keep him, were probably the best money this team ever spent.
Again, I’m not comparing: Different era, different player, Maddux will be in the Hall in 2014, Uggla probably wont ever get there. My point is, to get good talent, you have to pay. The Yankees might have given Uggla 15 to 20 mil a year, who knows? You also have to look at need. This team needed another power hitter. Chipper is either done, or a shadow of himself.
I hope I’m not rambling. I’m just trying to make points. Oh, and it is 3am here, so I’m a bit loopy, lol. I just want to illustrate the point that, all things considered, between the Braves need for a power hitter, the market of what a similar power hitter might cost, and the fact that we gave out expensive long term contracts, more than a decade ago, that worked well, this deal might well turn out fine, and may not be the downside that Mark seems to be making it out to be.
JP
December 17th, 2010
2:55 am
Weird POV, Mark. You sound like my grandmother complaining about the cost of … well … ANYTHING. She’s always shocked by how much the price has risen in the last 15 years.
$12 million a year for Uggla is not bad at all. It’s not a steal, but it’s a solid price for the Braves to be able to lock up a perennial 30-HR guy. When so many guys are mercenaries demanding 7-year, 9-figure deals from whoever will pay it, it’s refreshing to see a guy like Uggla be willing to commit for less.
BravesfaninNashville
December 17th, 2010
3:28 am
Mitch C…. I agree that Uggla is a really good deal considering everything you said and the several $100 Million dollar contracts that are out there now. Werth, Zito, Veron Wells. Carlos Lee in Houston is in that group too and he made $19 Million last year to hit .246 with 24 Hrs and 86 Rbi in 605 plate appearances. He plays less than average defense in LF. The Braves are going to lock up Uggla for around 1/2 of most of these contracts and IMO he’s a better player than all of them except Werth and thats a push IMO. Werth’s contract is going to be a bad one as he’ll make over twice what we’ll pay Uggla and won’t produce more offensively. He’s a plus defender but he’s getting older and won’t be worth the money at the end of that contract.
Really..
December 17th, 2010
3:34 am
Christopher Chance…Chipper has been worth his new contract and more. His 2007 and 2008 years were monstrous, and thought the last 2 years haven’t been great, he’s still provided some decent production. Not to mention his leadership or marketability.
To all you others flaming this contract..If this Uggla deal gets done..it’s a good signing in this market. Period. You are not getting similar production on the free agent market for anywhere near this price.
Christopher Chance
December 17th, 2010
5:31 am
randybottoms………your 2:08am post about The Dipper being worth “what we pay him” because of his OBP and leadership is way off the mark. $13 mil for drawing walks and being a good leader? Wow. Amazing. We’re paying a little less than 1/6th of our payroll on someone who draws walks? You really think that The Dipper is worth $13 mil?
If the Braves werent wasting over $26 mil on The Dipper, McLousy and Kawacrappy….then I wouldnt trip so much on Derek Lowe. However, the Braves could still use some more offense…..and the only way to free up some payroll would be by trading Derek Lowe to a team like the Yankees who are in desperate need of starting pitching AND who can afford to absorb Lowe’s $15 mil salary. In turn, Frank Wren could allocate that $15 mil to get another bat.
Formul8or
December 17th, 2010
5:32 am
This is a steal. The guy is more productive than Jayson Werth and this is $6 million a year less. Any 30 HR power hitter is worth $12 million
Christopher Chance
December 17th, 2010
5:41 am
Really……I cant believe that you actually said in your 3:34am post that The Dipper was worth the 3 year, $42 mil contract extension that he signed early 2009. The Dipper was nothing but a punch and judy hitter who drew some walks in the half of season that he played in 2009.
I’m tired of hearing the “he’s a good leader” crap. When I pay my $150 to watch the Braves on Direct TV’s MLB Extra Innings package…..I could care less about who is a good leader in the locker room. I want to see players on the field who can actually PRODUCE.
Having The Dipper bat #3 in the batting will not help the Braves offense get the most production they are capable of producing.
At least Boobie Cox is gone. In two years, The Dipper will be gone……meaning that hopefully those “past their prime, living off of past glory fumes” Braves will be gone, leaving those who actually are capable of coaching the quality players who deserve to play.
Christopher Chance
December 17th, 2010
5:43 am
If the 5 year, $60 mil contract is finalized…..it will be a really good deal for the Braves.
Heyward should bat #3, and Uggla and McCann should flip flop the #4 and #5 spots in the order, depending on whether a righty or lefty is starting. There is NO FREAKING WAY that The Dipper should be batting any higher than #6 in the order.
the real Old Gold
December 17th, 2010
6:23 am
Chipper Jones is a part-time player and the Braves continue paying him! It’s time Chipper took one for the team and walk away!
Christopher Chance
December 17th, 2010
7:13 am
the real Old Gold…….there is NO FREAKING WAY that The Dipper is going to walk away from $13 mil each (plus $1 mil bonus each) in 2011 and 2012.
All this talk of “The Dipper taking one for the team” if he continues to struggle….is all that it is…..talk designed to placate simple minded Braves fans who want to continue worshiping The Dipper.
The Dipper struggled in both 2009 AND 2010. He’ll be 39 by Opening Day. I seriously doubt that he’s going to come anywhere close to being productive again. His body is breaking down.
Yet his $13 mil salary…along with him batting #3 in the batting order AND his bad defense at 3rd….will hurt us on the field the next two years.
papadawg
December 17th, 2010
7:18 am
Complain when the Braves don’t open the checkbook and sign players and complain when they do. Some fans & sports writers just can’t be satisfied
Maggie Saunders
December 17th, 2010
7:24 am
Do ya really think Chipper could’ve made it with the Yanks? How long would that wife cheater had stuck around when the NY papers talked about his shoddy defense? Not long.
Mike
December 17th, 2010
7:28 am
If you are tired of the one and done players, what else could they do. It is either sign him or see him go and we lose on another trade. Maybe we need to develop some bats in the minors to go with the pitching.
papadawg
December 17th, 2010
7:31 am
Lightly pencil Chipper on the lineup card everyday
Joe Simpson
December 17th, 2010
7:32 am
I’d rather have Infante back.
Jdiddy
December 17th, 2010
7:35 am
Considering players like Werth ($18M/yr for 7 years at almost age 32), Lilly ($11M/yr for 3 years at age 35), and even Magglio Ordonez ($10M/yr coming off season ending injury and is 37) are getting huge money this offseason, this contract would be a steal. I’d implore you to find a more durable second baseman with as much power as Uggla. How about you check out his career numbers at Turner Field? How about you consider looking at the people batting in front of him in FLA when he “never drove in 100 runs” or the ballpark he played 81 games a season in? Jayson Werth never batted .300 and has only hit 30 hrs once in his career and look at what he got. How about next time you do some research before you give your pointless and baseless opinions about yet another sport you know nothing about. I wish the AJC would leave baseball to DOB since you don’t even seem qualified to write for a high school newspaper.
ATLfan15
December 17th, 2010
7:58 am
@papadawg, 7:18am: excellent post, agree 100%!!
gadawgs
December 17th, 2010
8:00 am
Yes, yes I would!! The guy rakes at Turner Field. Power hitting second baseman for 12 per is money well spent.
longtimefan
December 17th, 2010
8:09 am
I am amazed at most of the comments. I assume most are casual fans,12 yrs old,don’t understand the economics of the game or are just trying to get a rise out of people. If Chipper thinks his knee is OK, i’ll take him at third base batting with the game on the line any day. The Uggla deal is a no brainer. 30/90 for a middle infielder? Proven over 5 years. Plays every day. No history of injury. More HRs first 5 years than any major league middle infielder in history. FW has done an outstanding job keeping the Farm pitching talent intact while putting a contender on the field. Lowe has won 15 games the first 2 years of his contract. Name the other pitchers with more wins. KK is a relative bust but name a GM who bats 100%. Twenty straight years of fielding a team capable of winning it all and major league SPORTS record of 14 straight division/playoff appearances and STILL some of you complain. What does it take to make you happy?
Joey
December 17th, 2010
8:10 am
Has Uggla missed any games with an ingrown toenail, tweeked hammy, pulled bicep, pulled oblique, strained wrist, strained thumb, and on and on?
If not, he may be a bargain for the Braves, who have witnessed uknowwho sit for weeks at the time with injuries so petty, that John Smoltz finally went to the press to call him out on it.
Poorbrave
December 17th, 2010
8:26 am
I think its a great deal. But where is the power OF’er that Wren has promised for three years.
Merry Christmas Braves Fans.
Poorbrave
December 17th, 2010
8:27 am
Does he have a no-trade in contract?
An Adult
December 17th, 2010
8:28 am
Extolling rawdawg for being first is pathetic Mark. That boils down to either someone unemployed hanging on the computer to sniff your writer’s jock until your blog appears OR some pathetic kid that also needs to get a life OR someone’s employee screwing the dog on company time. Regardless, not something for ANYONE to be proud about and something you shouldn’t promote….. just write you blog, reply and be happy some people care what you think.
Bill Meyer
December 17th, 2010
8:51 am
I say go with it…Dan may not be the greatest fielder but I think he gets a bum rap
.Jason Werth 7 yrs please.at $126M no one is worth that..and some of these other free agents,one who batted .190 recvd I believe $4M
BM
BamaBrave
December 17th, 2010
9:07 am
I Say get it done. Please dont listen to some of these never happy so called fans!
jarvis
December 17th, 2010
9:13 am
Moose, Rocco, help the judge find his wallet.
gator32301
December 17th, 2010
9:22 am
i don’t think any contract decisions should be based on empty statistics like batting average and RBIs
Matty D
December 17th, 2010
9:26 am
I have to disagree here mark. Uggla is one of the premier power hitters in the majors. The 30’s are typicaly the peek years for power hitters (Andruw Jones excluded). I think he’s worth the money.
TB
December 17th, 2010
9:26 am
It’s probably worth it, but they could always counter with something like $12.5 million for 4 years with a club option 5th year for $15 million. That’s a win-win situation for bothe the team & the player.
Rob
December 17th, 2010
9:30 am
This guy will be a positive player for this team….his bat will offset his range at second base. And he is a steady clubhouse guy. For the money in this crazy market…yes he is worth it. The BIGGER concern is Freddy Freemen’s potiential and CHIPPER at third……
skip
December 17th, 2010
10:22 am
Five years and $60 million. If the Braves make that deal they are going to end up with an untradable player in about three years.
Naf Sevarb
December 17th, 2010
11:12 am
Good deal for both. Lets sign it and talk about something else like who is playing center field for us
Naf Sevarb
December 17th, 2010
11:13 am
Uggla will have a better year than Werth. bet the house.
Christopher Chance
December 17th, 2010
11:30 am
longtimefan………….The Dipper replaced Chipper on the Braves in early 2009 (shortly after he signed the 3 year, $42 mil extension).
I’m a “longtimefan” who loved seeing Chipper Jones hitting in the #3 spot in the order and hitting in clutch situations.
However, I do not want to see The Dipper hitting in the #3 slot of the batting order…nor do I want to see him hitting in clutch situations.
Chipper Jones hit for a high average, drew walks, hit for power and knocked in runs. The Dipper hits for “average” at best and draws walks.
The Dipper is a rich man’s version of Greg Norton.
Brave New World
December 17th, 2010
11:59 am
longtimefan: Your intelligent comments make far too much sense for the average cretin on these blogs. I am particularly impressed with your understanding that Derek Lowe has been a very positive addition to The Braves the last 2 years. 15 and 16 win seasons, going deep into most games, and carrying The Braves in September and into the play offs in 2010 should get more respect from Braves fans who claim to know the game of baseball. BTW, Derek Lowe at $15 million per season makes a bunch more sense than Cliff Lee at $24 million per season.
Chopper
December 17th, 2010
12:30 pm
Mark Bradley,
I’ve seen some stupid postings from you before, but this might take the cake.
Here are some comparables for Dan Uggla and a recent big time free agent signing, call him Player A.
Uggla
30 years old
ML Career Numbers in 5 seasons
OPS = .837
HR = 154
RBI = 465
Player A
31 years old
ML Career Numbers in 8 seasons
OPS = .848
HR = 120
RBI = 406
Uggla is likely to sign for 5 years at $60 million per the report. Player A signed for 7 years at $126 million. You may have guessed that Player A is Jayson Werth.
So I’d say if the Braves can sign Uggla for the reported deal, they are getting a better offensive player than the Nationals are getting for half the price. Uggla may be lacking defensively compared to Werth, but he’s not worth half as much based on defense.
Mark Bradley failed to do the research that Frank Wren and the Braves obviously did.
Chopper
December 17th, 2010
12:35 pm
Oh and Bradely says something about Uggla only reaching 100 RBI’s once in his career. Well neither Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford have had a 100 RBI season ever, and only over 90 RBI once each. Uggla has gone over 90 RBI four times in his career, and hit over 30 HR four times. Werth has hit over 30 HR once and Crawford has never done it. But yet both scored deals well over $125 million and Bradley is complaining that Uggla might get $60 million?
Give me a break. why does the AJC employ such morons when there are literally thousands of people who could write better sports columns?
Art
December 17th, 2010
12:55 pm
You better believe that I think the Braves need to keep Uggla for 5 or 6 or 7 years as he has the chance of being the other face of the Braves besides McCann after Chipper retires. He is also a good right handed hitter that the Braves have not had for YEARS and he is local from Tennessee and that could help draw a few fans too. Sign him and keep him. At least the Braves will not have to face him either.
Christopher Chance
December 17th, 2010
12:57 pm
Brave New World……..In the past two years, Derek Lowe has ZERO complete games in 67 games started, averaging 5 2/3 innings per start..with an ERA of 4.33
Cliff Lee has 13 complete games in 62 starts the past two years….averaging almost 7 1/3 innings per start…with an ERA of 3.20.
Cliff Lee SAVES a team’s bullpen.
I’d take Lee at $24 mil over Lowe at $15 mil.
Nickgranite
December 17th, 2010
1:19 pm
Considering Carl Crawford has never hit 20 homers much less 30 or reached 100 RBIs and is getting paid over 20 million a year, this doesn’t seem like a bad deal to me.