Defiantly becomeing a fan favorite, I love his never die statements. His defense is severly underrated and he has pop. I want to see him more consistant at the plate though. Thats hard to do seeing as I watch through Gameday though :confused

I wouldn't sign Uggla right at this moment either just because of this start. I'd wait till the end of the season and see how he finishes off the season. If the stats are favorable then by all means he should be the first priority. If he can do it once, he can surely do it again.

 

My philosophy with a player like Hermida is him having to show me like how Uggla has been showing us all his worth. I'm not gonna bank everything on future potential. Sign him now and hope it turns out beneficial? Hermida glimmers in potential, but in no way does he give off this "OMG he's gonna be one of a kind" vibe.

 

I'll repeat, AS OF RIGHT NOW Uggla is the most deserving. If I were Uggla and I ended the year with huge numbers, I'd be pretty surprised if the FO gave Hermida a long-term contract before myself and I'd be even more surprised when the FO explains to me how they think Hermida might turn out to be something special when he hasn't shown it yet. Just bits and pieces of good signs that leave us all with optimism.

 

But hey. If Hermida starts doing these things you all say he'll do, then by all means Hermida becomes the bigger priority cause of his age. Though, I have to say, I've seen some pretty good 30 and older players. Chipper Jones is a nice example of someone who has aged well. I'm not comparing Uggla to Jones but age-wise it gives some foresight of what Uggla might turn out to be a couple years down.

Lock up Uggla. He is already great, and he is getting better. Late in the year if Hermida avoids injury, I'd get him also. Sometimes next season, if Jacobs is healthy, we lock him up as well.

Lock up Uggla. He is already great, and he is getting better. Late in the year if Hermida avoids injury, I'd get him also. Sometimes next season, if Jacobs is healthy, we lock him up as well.

 

 

...and then we'll have no pitching. :thumbdown

We don't have any pitching NOW. And the only feasible way to acquire better pitching right now is from the minor leagues. Luckily for the Marlins, no one is really dominating so there's no one that they really have to pay big dollars to keep around. The pitching staff should be cheap for another couple of years while the younger guys develop. I'd love to have a dominating pitching staff, but I don't see that sort of thing happening in the next few years.

We don't have any pitching NOW. And the only feasible way to acquire better pitching right now is from the minor leagues. Luckily for the Marlins, no one is really dominating so there's no one that they really have to pay big dollars to keep around. The pitching staff should be cheap for another couple of years while the younger guys develop. I'd love to have a dominating pitching staff, but I don't see that sort of thing happening in the next few years.

 

 

Scott Olsen, Josh Johnson (if healthy), Andrew Miller...I see potential in all 3, and I want money saved to at least sign 2 of them long-term, once they establish themselves.

Yeah, but I don't think any of those three guys will require big money to retain in the next couple of years - Olsen because of inconsistency, Johnson because of injures, and Miller because if youth and inexperience.

It always comes down to math and with what we know - the Marlins are paying some number around $8 million this year to Carlos Delgado ($4 mil) and others - that comes off the books at the end of the season. Hanley makes $450k this season, $5.5 million next season or roughly $5 million.

 

After paying Hanley for 2009 the Marlins actually start the negotiating process about $3 million to the good. Clearly a number of players are getting significant raises through either arbitration or contracts negotiated, but at the same time a number of fringe players and one year signees won't be here next season and their spots will be taken up by players coming up through the system, making the last gasp, my ammunition case is empty, idea that we can't sign Uggla because of pitching $ needed is rather silly. Miller's original signed contract with Detroit (source: Cot's) runs through 2009, then there's more arbitration years so he's here for a while. Johnson will get the minimum ML equivalancy (for a fourth year pitcher) in arbitration for obvious reasons, a big raise to be sure but not earth shattering, and so the only one to really have to deal with is Olsen.

 

So things are nowhere as dire as they may seem or others want you to believe. There is no need to sign Uggla immediately, the off-season would be fine and all that is really needed right now is a nod to his agent that the Fish are willing to come to the table at the end of the season (that carrot thing).

Lock up Uggla. He is already great, and he is getting better. Late in the year if Hermida avoids injury, I'd get him also. Sometimes next season, if Jacobs is healthy, we lock him up as well.

 

 

...and then we'll have no pitching. :thumbdown

 

That is the most absurd thing I've heard this week... and I work in a call center.

 

Volstad + Olsen + Miller does not equal no pitching. That doesn't count the other 10 guys in our system that can pan out or... GASP.... a free agent acquisition to round out the rotation.

And lets not sugarcoat it...Uggla's been as inconsistent as anyone, as a hitter. I remember him K'ing a lot last year, and having a horrible .OBP, and he's HORRIBLE with men on base (unless if he's really HOT, as he is now).

 

His OBP is not horrible, his ability to draw walks has consitently improved, and he is an extra base machine. .800+ (and improving) OPS at 2B is a rare commodity. Uggla has all the makings of a player that is improving his OBP, and is the kind of guy that the Marlins would be foolish to part with.

 

As for being "HORRIBLE" with men on base, that is also not true. His career OPS with runners on is higher than his career OPS.

Yes lock up Uggla and Jacobs.

 

 

unnecessary

I'd rather lock up Hermida and Maybin

 

We can get some great talent for Uggla, and we have a Top 100 prospect in Chris Coghlan who can play 2B.

 

Jacobs is 28, and I don't see him as part of the long-term future. Gaby Sanchez can play, and he's a hometown boy, as well. Plus, Jake has proven to be injury prone, as well. Injuries only get worse, as a player gets older.

Unnecessary? you have no idea what you are talking about.Stop thinking cheap and think talent.Uggla and Jacobs are key to this team.Hermida is not, Cantu is not, Traenor/Rabelo are not.Willingham is replaceable.

 

Uggla and Jacobs should be locked up in the near future.Maybin should be locked up, but not until after 2009 or 2010.

 

 

 

lol...Hermida is 4 years younger than Jacobs, and has more potential than Jacobs.

We have a replacement for Jacobs in the minor leagues...Hermida, not so much.

 

And Chris Coghlan has lots of potential at 2B; an Uggla trade would bring value back.

 

...once again, unnecessary.

 

I'm all for signing Hermida long term. I think he will be a great hitter for a long time. However, to say that we have a replacement for Jabobs in the minors is a stretch. I hope you are not talking about Gabby Sanchez because he has done nothing in the minors to make me think he will make it in the majors. He's also not a good defensive player, and is right handed. I'll take Jacobs over him anyday.

 

As for Coghlan, I have high hopes for him, but I would be really happy if he could do the same things that Uggla is doing. Uggla does not get enough credit around here. He is having a monster season, and has improved his defense greatly. That said, he still has some flaws and I would take it year to year with him. We still have him under control for another four seasons.

Can you really ask for more from Uggla? He's been excellent both offensively and defensively. I mean sure, he might K a lot, but his average has come up so far. Is Coughlan really that good? If so, wouldn't he be good trade bait as well? An up and coming prospect. I say lock Uggla up after this season, or mid through next season if he continues to produce. Everyone talks about how the Marlins always replace the good players with prospects and they wish they would lock up players. But many are saying they should do it again. I think they need more than just Hanley to build around.

Can you really ask for more from Uggla? He's been excellent both offensively and defensively. I mean sure, he might K a lot, but his average has come up so far. Is Coughlan really that good? If so, wouldn't he be good trade bait as well? An up and coming prospect. I say lock Uggla up after this season, or mid through next season if he continues to produce. Everyone talks about how the Marlins always replace the good players with prospects and they wish they would lock up players. But many are saying they should do it again. I think they need more than just Hanley to build around.

 

 

I don't know about excellent defense. He doesn't make a lot of errors but his range is limited.

Can you really ask for more from Uggla? He's been excellent both offensively and defensively. I mean sure, he might K a lot, but his average has come up so far. Is Coughlan really that good? If so, wouldn't he be good trade bait as well? An up and coming prospect. I say lock Uggla up after this season, or mid through next season if he continues to produce. Everyone talks about how the Marlins always replace the good players with prospects and they wish they would lock up players. But many are saying they should do it again. I think they need more than just Hanley to build around.

 

 

I don't know about excellent defense. He doesn't make a lot of errors but his range is limited.

 

I hear everyone always say this, but then you see all these diving plays he makes. As he continues to play, his instincts are getting better.

I hear everyone always say this, but then you see all these diving plays he makes. As he continues to play, his instincts are getting better.

 

Diving plays kinda reaffirm his limited range... and I hope you've also noticed, that while Uggla can get to some difficult plays he seems to also have trouble with easier plays... how many times this season has a ball been fumbling around in his feet or glove?

 

He's an average defensive 2B... no more, no less...

Yes lock up Uggla and Jacobs.

 

 

unnecessary

I'd rather lock up Hermida and Maybin

 

We can get some great talent for Uggla, and we have a Top 100 prospect in Chris Coghlan who can play 2B.

 

Jacobs is 28, and I don't see him as part of the long-term future. Gaby Sanchez can play, and he's a hometown boy, as well. Plus, Jake has proven to be injury prone, as well. Injuries only get worse, as a player gets older.

Unnecessary? you have no idea what you are talking about.Stop thinking cheap and think talent.Uggla and Jacobs are key to this team.Hermida is not, Cantu is not, Traenor/Rabelo are not.Willingham is replaceable.

 

Uggla and Jacobs should be locked up in the near future.Maybin should be locked up, but not until after 2009 or 2010.

 

 

 

lol...Hermida is 4 years younger than Jacobs, and has more potential than Jacobs.

We have a replacement for Jacobs in the minor leagues...Hermida, not so much.

 

And Chris Coghlan has lots of potential at 2B; an Uggla trade would bring value back.

 

...once again, unnecessary.

 

I'm all for signing Hermida long term. I think he will be a great hitter for a long time. However, to say that we have a replacement for Jabobs in the minors is a stretch. I hope you are not talking about Gabby Sanchez because he has done nothing in the minors to make me think he will make it in the majors. He's also not a good defensive player, and is right handed. I'll take Jacobs over him anyday.

 

As for Coghlan, I have high hopes for him, but I would be really happy if he could do the same things that Uggla is doing. Uggla does not get enough credit around here. He is having a monster season, and has improved his defense greatly. That said, he still has some flaws and I would take it year to year with him. We still have him under control for another four seasons.

Erick doesn't have a clue.

Erick doesn't have a clue.

Can you really ask for more from Uggla? He's been excellent both offensively and defensively. I mean sure, he might K a lot, but his average has come up so far. Is Coughlan really that good? If so, wouldn't he be good trade bait as well? An up and coming prospect. I say lock Uggla up after this season, or mid through next season if he continues to produce. Everyone talks about how the Marlins always replace the good players with prospects and they wish they would lock up players. But many are saying they should do it again. I think they need more than just Hanley to build around.

 

 

I don't know about excellent defense. He doesn't make a lot of errors but his range is limited.

 

I hear everyone always say this, but then you see all these diving plays he makes. As he continues to play, his instincts are getting better.

 

 

Jim Edmonds Syndrome

 

Yeah he makes a lot of diving plays because those are balls that other fielders are getting to easier. I know his insticts are good and he doesn't make a lot of errors, but he is not an excellent fielder. He is pretty good.

Can you really ask for more from Uggla? He's been excellent both offensively and defensively. I mean sure, he might K a lot, but his average has come up so far. Is Coughlan really that good? If so, wouldn't he be good trade bait as well? An up and coming prospect. I say lock Uggla up after this season, or mid through next season if he continues to produce. Everyone talks about how the Marlins always replace the good players with prospects and they wish they would lock up players. But many are saying they should do it again. I think they need more than just Hanley to build around.

 

 

I don't know about excellent defense. He doesn't make a lot of errors but his range is limited.

 

I hear everyone always say this, but then you see all these diving plays he makes. As he continues to play, his instincts are getting better.

 

 

Jim Edmonds Syndrome

 

Yeah he makes a lot of diving plays because those are balls that other fielders are getting to easier. I know his insticts are good and he doesn't make a lot of errors, but he is not an excellent fielder. He is pretty good.

 

He's better than he's given credit for though.

I hear everyone always say this, but then you see all these diving plays he makes. As he continues to play, his instincts are getting better.

 

Diving plays kinda reaffirm his limited range... and I hope you've also noticed, that while Uggla can get to some difficult plays he seems to also have trouble with easier plays... how many times this season has a ball been fumbling around in his feet or glove?

 

He's an average defensive 2B... no more, no less...

 

With the way he hits, playing average defense is ok with me. The kid is an extra basehit machine.

Can you really ask for more from Uggla? He's been excellent both offensively and defensively. I mean sure, he might K a lot, but his average has come up so far. Is Coughlan really that good? If so, wouldn't he be good trade bait as well? An up and coming prospect. I say lock Uggla up after this season, or mid through next season if he continues to produce. Everyone talks about how the Marlins always replace the good players with prospects and they wish they would lock up players. But many are saying they should do it again. I think they need more than just Hanley to build around.

 

The problem is that while we did lock up Hanley, we still aren't going to have a $100 mil payroll, with or without new stadium. Signing Hanley long term was a no brainer, but they did set the bar high for signing long term deals. That bar would be young uber talents with high ceilings. The next most logical choice would be Hermida. The kid is legit and he's young. The only question will be his health. Which is why I think they will wait at least until the end of this season to see how he holds up. The rest of the players on the roster we can go year to year with. Jacobs, Uggla, and Willingham will all be in their 30's when they are done with Arbitration. We get them in their prime years at minimum cost.

 

After signing Hermida, the long term deals need to be saved for the next core of uber talents. Such as the Maybins, Tuckers, Volstad, and whomever they may be. However, not until they (like Hanley has) prove they deserve it. The Marlins can not afford to make mistakes on long term deals. If it's not Hermida, I wouldn't expect another long term deal for another couple of seasons.

Most similar 2b hitter at age 27 is Jeff Kent, and he's a little ahead of Utley's development. Letting Uggla go would be an error.

and he's a little ahead of Utley's development.

 

Utley was having his third strating .900+ OPS season when he was 28.

 

By no means bashing Uggla saying but I don't know where that's coming from.

 

And I never actually looked at Kent's stats before, interesting that he didn't have a greatly above average year until he was 30, his 7th year in the league, and then went on a tear in his 30's. Average OPS+ in his 20's: 106. Average in his 30's: 132. If Uggla can do that, that'd certainly be great haha

and he's a little ahead of Utley's development.

 

Utley was having his third strating .900+ OPS season when he was 28.

Due to a variance in birthdays, Ultey's 27 is Uggla's 28. I expect Uggla to manage a .900+ OPS this season and thus have three .800+ OPS season sat the same point Utley had managed two. Not to mention the tremendous home-field bias Utley operates on.

Utley's 27 is not Uggla's 28. Being born in December doesn't make Utley a year old. Hell there's less than a three month difference between the two's birthday. You don't add a year to Utley because his birthday is over three months after the season ends.