Former Marlin to Braves

The Atlanta Braves officially announced that they have given Dan Uggla a five-year, $62 million contract extension that could keep the second baseman in Atlanta through the end of the 2015 season.  Uggla, a former Florida Marlin, was excited about the opportunity to play close to his friends and family members who still live in his hometown in Tennessee.

Uggla was in position to exit as one of the more attractive pieces available via the free-agent market next winter. But he immediately made it known that he'd enjoy the opportunity to remain in Atlanta for more than one season. The Braves targeted Uggla to serve as the powerful right-handed bat that they needed in the middle of their lineup. He has hit at least 30 homeruns in each of his past four seasons, and the 154 homeruns he has compiled over the past five seasons are 20 more than the total amount of any other Major League second baseman.