Florida’s dispatch of Scott Olson and Josh Willingham to D.C. might’ve accomplished more than merely giving the Nationals a bona fide head case no. 2 or 3 starter / outfield logjam. There’s a slight hint from the Sun-Sentinel’s Juan C. Rodriguez the Marlins’ acquisition of 2B Emilio Bonifacio could well put Dan Uggla on the trading block.
A Luis Castillo-caliber defender, Bonifacio may not even open the season on the major league roster, much less depose Uggla (above) from his regular spot.
“Specifically, we’re really going to take a look at him at third base,” General Manager Larry Beinfest said. “We talked internally about Bonifacio, [Cameron] Maybin and Hanley [Ramirez] in the same lineup, and we’re getting to where we want to be in terms of speed. … Whether it’s the first week in April or soon there after is up to Emilio, but we traded some good players to get him and we think he’ll be an everyday guy.”
Beinfest all but said Uggla moving to third to accommodate Bonifacio isn’t happening. He pointed out Uggla is a two-time All-Star at the position having demonstrated the ability to play above-average defense. Plus, the Marlins already have several candidates at third base.
Unless Uggla is capable of playing above average defense in basketball or ping pong, I have no idea what Beinfest is talking about. I know that this doesn’t apply to that many people, but being a Marlins fan must be fucking terrible. The idea that the team could or would trade one of its best players (and one whose skill set seems much better suited to third than second) because they already have Wes Helms and Jorge Cantu at third base is insulting and idiotic enough to make me feel — briefly, very briefly — lucky to be a Mets fan. And…now it’s gone.
in prior years, the Marlins waited until they won a World Series before they dismantled the club. Now, they’ve progressed to doing so after 5th and 3rd place finishes.
Indeed, being a Marlins fan must be tough. Who wants to die of loneliness?
I am very pleased that Scott Olsen will remain in the NL East for both Phillies batters and fans to abuse. As far as Uggla, I would be quite happy to see him
traded to an AL team that the Phils do not have to face for the next 2 seasons.