Dan Uggla,
2B,
Marlins
Background: Uggla is becoming the gold standard of position-player Rule V picks, comparable to Johan Santana for pitchers. The Arizona Diamondbacks felt that Uggla’s path to the majors was blocked by Andy Green, so they removed Uggla from their 40-man roster in the winter of 2005. Uggla told me he would have done the same thing, given Green’s talent. He said that while attending the 2006 All-Star Game news conference.
What’s up: Uggla has clubbed 71 home runs in his first 353 games as the Marlins’ second baseman, a historic power binge for a second baseman to start a career. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle took a liking to Uggla when he was in the Arizona Fall League watching Colorado prospects years ago. He compared Uggla to a young Bret Boone, saying “even then he was someone who had enormous power to all fields.” Uggla and Hurdle always talk whenever their teams meet. For years, Hurdle tried to lure Jeff Kent as a free agent, and essentially that’s what Uggla has become. He’s also better than people think at second. He won’t win any Gold Gloves, but he’s serviceable.
What’s next: Uggla is staring at an enormous payday in arbitration after this season. He could have 100 career home runs. As a second baseman? Hello. There’s no comparables for that, not even Philadelphia’s Chase Utley. Utley shared time with Placido Polanco early his career, hurting his overall numbers.
Renck’s take: Uggla is easy to like. He lets it go at the plate, making no apologies. He’s going to strike out his fair share — or more — but he’s also going to change the complexion of games with one swing. He’s on pace to hit 48 home runs, and he’s a big reason the Marlins began the weekend leading the National League East. In short, when the PA announcer blares Uggla, pitchers say “D’oh!”
