Posted on Fri, Apr. 28, 2006

Uggla makes major impact

 

Dan Uggla finally has been given a shot in the major leagues, and the second baseman has impressed the Marlins.

 

BY KEVIN BAXTER

 

[email protected]

 

 

Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla is batting .271, and he has made just two errors.

 

CHICAGO - At this time last year, Dan Uggla was riding a bus in Alabama between Birmingham and Huntsville of the Double A Southern League, his major-league dreams fading as fast as the tail lights that flickered in the distance.

 

The Arizona Diamondbacks, who used an 11th-round draft pick on Uggla four years earlier, didn't seem to have plans for him. In fact, they didn't even seem to have interest in him.

 

''I wasn't getting any opportunities,'' the Marlins' second baseman remembered. ``As far as eventually making an impact at the big-league level, I don't think it was ever going to happen with the Diamondbacks.''

 

So it was no surprise when the team left Uggla unprotected in December's Rule V draft. What is surprising is what has happened since.

 

CHAIN OF EVENTS

 

First, the Marlins offered to give him a chance, selecting him in the draft. Then he watched veteran Pokey Reese, his main competition for a roster spot, leave camp for still-unexplained reasons. After four years without an opportunity, Uggla, 26, suddenly was handed a starting spot in the major leagues.

 

Now he clearly is making the most of it, entering tonight's opener of a five-game homestand at Dolphin Stadium having hit safely in five of his past six games, raising his average to .271 with three home runs and nine RBI.

 

And that has been a surprise to everyone but him.

 

''I feel like I belong here. I feel like I'm supposed to be here,'' Uggla said. ``Every player feels like they can play at this level, [but] not every player gets an opportunity. I was fortunate to get an opportunity. Everything's kind of worked out real well so far.''

 

For the Marlins, too. Uggla had a big hand in all three victories on the team's recent eight-game road trip, collecting three hits and a team-high three RBI in its win in Cincinnati, stealing home in its one-run victory in Philadelphia and helping start a winning rally Wednesday in Chicago.

 

''Danny's at-bats have been really good the last week,'' manager Joe Girardi said. ``I think he's taken [the opportunity], and he's run with it. He's a hard-nosed player is what he is. I love the way he plays. To me, he's what you call a gamer.''

 

What Uggla hasn't been called very often is a good fielder. He made 25 errors in 135 games last season and has not had fewer than 22 errors in a full season. But even that's beginning to change.

 

''If he continues to make as much improvement as he made in spring training, if he keeps getting better and better and more comfortable, he's going to be a very good player,'' said Marlins coach Perry Hill, widely considered the best infield coach in baseball. ``He's made himself into an adequate player now, and he can be above average if he continues to work. Now, it's just repetition. And game experience.''

 

GETTING BETTER

 

That's coming, too. Although Uggla made a costly error early in the trip, it was only his second of the season, leaving him on pace for a career low in errors in his first season in the majors.

 

The challenge now is to avoid a letdown.

 

''There's always pressure on a young rookie like that to stay here,'' hitting coach Jim Presley said. ``To me, there's three goals: You've got to get to the big leagues, you've got to stay here, and you've got to stay a long time.''

 

Uggla agrees. And now that he has proven the Diamondbacks wrong by achieving the first of those goals, he is taking aim at the next two.

 

''Even though you're not a fit with that organization, it turns out I was a fit for this organization,'' he said. ``They've given me the opportunity of a lifetime. I think it's a great, great thing.

 

``[but] I've worked hard my whole career. As long as you're patient . . . if you live your life the right way, you work hard, you go about things the right way, eventually something good's going to come of it.''

 

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sport...ll/14448139.htm

Thanks. :thumbup .

Ugglaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

 

"Gamer." :thumbup

Great article! I am not surprised either. After the Rule 5 Draft ended, someone (I can't remember who) posted an article ranking the Rule 5 selections from teams. Dan Uggla was picked to be the one who would make the most impact short term. I guess they were right on the money.

Gotta feel good for the underdog. If anything its good to know that the Marlisn are giving guys like him opportunities. I'm glad he is making the most of it!

keep proving me and them wrong kid.

Without question Uggla is proving is worth to the Marlins. I think it is time to give him credit for his athletic ability and I believe he won't be satisfied without being an above average big leaguer. Many other teams in the league would use his services. The best thing is we have him for 5 years before a "big" contract would be needed to offer. Ask the St. Louis Cardinals - 2nd baseman are a dime a dozen in this league and would you can get quality innings and at-bats out of a guy on the bottom of the totem pole - it's a done deal. Uggla can compete with the likes of Miquel Cairo, Tony Womack, Hector Luna, Aaron Miles and Mark Grudzielanek anyday. Give credit to the Marlin scouts locating him.

Uggla's improved defense is the reason why Perry Hill is the best infield coach in baseball.

uggla's the best :notworthy

GETTING BETTER

 

That's coming, too. Although Uggla made a costly error early in the trip, it was only his second of the season, leaving him on pace for a career low in errors in his first season in the majors.

 

The challenge now is to avoid a letdown.

 

Totally agree. Nice article. :thumbup

he just keeps getting better and better, his D is what i really like and how he has been making those routine plays. having his pop in the lineup at the 2 spot is also a bright spot for us.

"He's a hard-nosed player is what he is. I love the way he plays. To me, he's what you call a gamer.''

 

 

:cool