Uggla To Continue to See Less Time at 2B - Release Considered

[NYCBrave]

Didn't see this posted:

MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that "it appears the Braves are planning to continue giving Ramiro Pena and Tyler Pastornicky time at second over the next couple of weeks."

That means more of the bench for Dan Uggla, who has started just five of the last nine games. Tommy La Stella, who is currently at Triple-A Gwinnett, could also eventually get a look. For what it's worth, manager Fredi Gonzalez wouldn't confirm Uggla has been benched, saying "just see how it goes." Bowman adds that the Braves have considered releasing Uggla, but "have moved away from the thought" for now. Uggla has hit just .180/.297/.345 since the beginning of last season.

[rico43]

There now seems to be a certain inevitability to this. What I think it means is they're trying to trade him for ANYTHING. And can't do it.

[Julio3000]

There now seems to be a certain inevitability to this. What I think it means is they're trying to trade him for ANYTHING. And can't do it.

^^

Yeah, probably that. Just cut the guy now. Better for him, better for us.

[nsacpi]

I would not cut Uggla at this point. There is still a chance he can recover his form somewhat. I'd keep him in the mix at second, but give most of the playing time over the next five or six weeks to Pastornicky and Pena.

[bravesnumberone]

There's really not. He's shown no consistency when he does have a couple good games. He's finished. Get rid of him.

[zitothebrave]

I would not cut Uggla at this point. There is still a chance he can recover his form somewhat. I'd keep him in the mix at second, but give most of the playing time over the next five or six weeks to Pastornicky and Pena.

Worst scenario.

[tomahawkchop10]

I'd like to see him let go. Hes a wasted roster spot at this point, although I doubt that happens.

[zitothebrave]

I'd like to see him let go. Hes a wasted roster spot at this point, although I doubt that happens.

I'd offer him to the highest bidder, even if someone would pay him 2M for the next 2 years. Just get him off the team. It's time to see if TLS has anything in the tank, if he doesn't, then bandage until Peraza is ready. If he is then we're fine at 2B for 4-6 years.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Every month he sits on the bench is $2M less that will show up in the loss column. Isnt any worse on the bench that others. Release him now or later.

[mossy]

Release him now. TLS or Pastor or Pena or your mom will do a better job.

[PurpleBrave]

Worst scenario.

Only way you keep him around is for him to be an asset in the clubhouse. We have zero leverage to trade him now, especially with guys like Drew and Morales about to get a little easier to sign.

[stpeteirish]

Only way you keep him around is for him to be an asset in the clubhouse. We have zero leverage to trade him now, especially with guys like Drew and Morales about to get a little easier to sign.

He's probably not "an asset in the clubhouse" anymore. He wasn't real happy when he was left off the postseason roster. Its not just Uggla in the equation, one of the other guys needs to show he's a better option.

And yeah, we have probably tried to trade him and have found no one offers squat in return. Maybe closer to the deadline.

[jsebe10]

I would not cut Uggla at this point. There is still a chance he can recover his form somewhat. I'd keep him in the mix at second, but give most of the playing time over the next five or six weeks to Pastornicky and Pena.

And this mindset is the reason we are still dealing with this problem...that and him being under contract lol

[Runnin]

A very ominous article indeed.

[GovClintonTyree]

I would not cut Uggla at this point. There is still a chance he can recover his form somewhat. I'd keep him in the mix at second, but give most of the playing time over the next five or six weeks to Pastornicky and Pena.

Well, the way Fredi's using the bench, he could be the 25th man and not see the field for a month.

Really, I don't think it matters. Just so long as he's not crapping up our lineup any more.

[tvsportscaster]

I would not cut Uggla at this point. There is still a chance he can recover his form somewhat. I'd keep him in the mix at second, but give most of the playing time over the next five or six weeks to Pastornicky and Pena.

He's been in a downward spiral for 2 and a half years now, what makes you think he's suddenly going to turn things around. He needs to go even if it means you eat the money. He's useless on the bench.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Trade him to Cleveland for a mid tier lefty with no control. Addition by subtraction.

[nsacpi]

He's been in a downward spiral for 2 and a half years now, what makes you think he's suddenly going to turn things around. He needs to go even if it means you eat the money. He's useless on the bench.

He was a .700+ plus OPS hitter as recently as the first half of last year. And to my eye he has looked better at the plate this season. The guy might have one last hot streak left in him.

[Carp]

Then your eye has diminished equally with Dan's skills. He looks exactly as terrible as he's played. And isn't like we haven't seen this same form of Uggla pretty consistently since he's been here.

[Braves1976]

While I agree that Uggla is pretty bad now, I wouldn't just release him yet. I'd keep trying to trade him for whatever little we can get, even if that means paying 90% of his contract. I rather pay 90% than 100% you owe if releasing him. I also would try to do a bad contract for bad contract trade if we can find a fit. And while those options are unlikely to bring fruit I would still keep him as a bench player for now. He might do better off the bench, he cannot do any worse.

The bottom line is that Uggla's days as a starter should be over. He shouldn't even be platooning but be used only as a back-up bench player. Pastornicky is cold as ice but it is time he gets a real shot at second. Pena should continue to play some there too. But I want to see what Pastornicky can do playing regularly, but I am afraid he's played so little it may take some games to shake off the rust (esp. since he didn't play much in Spring Training). However, Pastornicky has actually looked better at the plate given the little he's played than I expected so far (great bunt tonight included).