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...The Braves have landed All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla from the Marlins in exchange for Omar Infante and left-handed reliever Mike Dunn.
Uggla is coming off a career-best season that included a .287 batting average, 33 homers and 105 RBIs. The 30-year-old infielder could play left field for the Braves or at least provide insurance until Chipper Jones proves that he is able to return from ACL surgery.
Uggla has no played any other positions other than second base since arriving in the Majors in 2006. There is some belief he could play third base if necessary. Or the Braves could opt to keep him at second base and position Martin Prado at third base or in left field.
With Uggla, the Braves have gained the right-handed hitter they were seeking to add to the middle of their lineup. He has hit at least 31 homers each of the past four seasons and a total of 154 during his five seasons in the Majors.
The Marlins began actively shopping Uggla once they were unable to sign him to a multi-year contract reportedly worth $48 million. The two-time All-Star is entering his final arbitration-eligible season.
With Infante's departure, the Braves will begin pursuing another utility player to compensate for the versatility lost in this deal. Infante's value soared this year as he earned his first All-Star selection and ranked third in the National League with a .321 batting average.
http://markbowman.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/11/braves_acquire_dan_uggla.html