Cover Those Bases
  • Blog
  • The Latest
  • Press
  • About
  • Email List
  • Scores
  • Standings

Giants sign second baseman Dan Uggla

7/21/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
The San Francisco Giants have signed free agent second baseman Dan Uggla, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. It a minor league contract, says Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. He will head to the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Fresno. If Uggla does come up to the major leagues before his August 1st opt-out, he will make a prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary. 

Uggla is already being paid north of $5 million by the Atlanta Braves for the remainder of 2014. Atlanta released the struggling second baseman back on July 18th, and one suitor for his services from the beginning were the Giants, whom have had poor play from that position on the season. While Uggla is not a major upgrade, a change of scenery may enhance his performance. 

The Giants still may decide to go after a second baseman before the trade deadline on July 31st. On the season, Giants' second baseman have contributed a low 66 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) on the season. Their primary second baseman has been Brandon Hicks, who is not even on their 25-man roster. On the season, Hicks has a dismal .599 OPS. As a whole, Giants second basemen have a .569 OPS, which ranks third-to-last in the major leagues. 

The 34-year-old Uggla has had a .162/.241/.231 triple-slash line in 145 plate appearances with the Braves this season. With that has come just two homers and 20 RBI. He has a -0.6 fWAR on the year. However, Uggla is just a few years removed from being one of the best second baseman in the National League. Back in just 2011 Uggla was hitting 36 homers, driving in 82, and posting an OPS of .762.

Uggla is under contract through the 2015 season, all of which the Braves owe him. Atlanta owes Uggla $13 million next season. A minor league contract like he just signed is usually only for one year, so if Uggla can show that he still has something left in the tank, he may be able to net himself a MLB-minimum contract next season. As for now, however, he is still looking to prove himself. 

The Giants have been known to have picked up "washed up" veterans and find one last good season in them. Cody Ross and Pat Burrell are two fantastic examples, as the Giants used both of their excellent play to help them win a World Series back in 2010. Your move, Dan Uggla. 

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Angels
    Astros
    Athletics
    Blue Jays
    Braves
    Brewers
    Cardinals
    Cubs
    Diamondbacks
    Dodgers
    Giants
    Indians
    Mariners
    Marlins
    Mets
    Nationals
    Orioles
    Padres
    Phillies
    Pirates
    Rangers
    Rays
    Reds
    Red Sox
    Rockies
    Royals
    Tigers
    Twins
    White Sox
    Yankees

    Follow @CoverThoseBases
    Picture
    Follow @DevanFink

    Archives

    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Keith Allison, Keith Allison