As recently as a few days ago, it appeared as though Marlins’ second baseman Dan Uggla was in position to spend the majority of his career in Florida.
Now, it looks as though he may not even spend it in the country.
According to a tweet by Buster Olney, executives inside baseball believe that the Blue Jays have become the frontrunners to land the Marlins’ slugging infielder. Uggla has been with the Marlins for the past five seasons, but the team is reportedly open to trading him after failing to sign him to an extension earlier this week.
Uggla has been one of baseball’s most consistent power-hitting infielders over his career, and has hit over 30 home runs in each of the past four seasons. He’s also proven to be extremely durable, and has never played in fewer than 146 games in any season.
While his power is impressive, the two-time All Star also has some significant holes in his game as well. Uggla has averaged one strikeout per every 3.85 at-bats during his career, and has a fairly pedestrian .349 career on-base percentage. He’s also viewed as a subpar defensive second baseman with limited range.
Toronto would likely shift Uggla to third base if they acquire him, as they have 2009 All-Star Aaron Hill at the keystone base. Jose Bautista would then likely move to the outfield on a full-time basis and Adam Lind could take over as the team’s starting first baseman.
With Uggla, Bautista, Hill, Lind, Vernon Wells and Travis Snider, the Blue Jays would be in good shape to once again lead the majors in team home runs.
If Uggla is dealt, the Marlins could move 2009 Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan back to his natural position at second base, which would also open up more playing time for Logan Morrison in left field.
Olney also tweeted that the Rockies have interest in Uggla, but doubted that they had the financial resources to acquire him. Uggla is entering his final year of arbitration and is slated for a significant raise from his 2010 salary of $7.8 million.
