Miami Marlins: Dan Uggla, baseball’s Scottie Pippen

Miami Marlins: Baseball’s Scottie Pippen

Why Uggla Edges Out Castillo

The Miami Marlins had two All-Star second basemen in their history, didn’t they?

So what about Luis Castillo?

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Castillo actually makes a very good case for the Pippen mantle here. Even in 2000, when he led all of MLB in stolen bases and hit .334, most fans would have given the best player nod to Preston Wilson or Cliff Floyd. He was a constant presence, quietly hitting .300 and playing Gold Glove caliber defense year in and year out. Playing across ten seasons in Miami, he easily wins the tenure case. In fact, he’s the franchise leader in games played.

Yet Castillo was respected, and appreciated, in ways Uggla was not.

Uggla played in one less All-Star Game than Castillo, and only ever won a single award at his position. Castillo earned three Gold Gloves, challenged for a batting title, led the majors in stolen bases twice, and has the second longest hitting streak anyone reading this can remember seeing.

He also received a new, big money contract from the Marlins when he hit free agency. Uggla was ultimately shown the door and traded rather than be similarly compensated.

Castillo’s career high for games played in a season, 146, was beaten by Uggla four times. The other time, they tied. Uggla led the team in homers three times in his five seasons. He was always there, always productive in the heart of the order. Always a steady presence in the clubhouse. Indeed, superstar teammate Hanley Ramirez more than once displayed less poise and competitiveness than Uggla and his fellow Marlins.

Sadly, a lot of fans missed that until it was too late. Watching the 2011 and 2012 Marlins squads bow out wasn’t a big surprise in hindsight. Sure, injuries played a big role in 2011. But I’m not sure the 2011 squad’s biggest problem wasn’t so much that Hanley got hurt as Hanley seemingly won.

Uggla just seemed taken for granted throughout his Marlins tenure. His signature home run call from the announcers was even correctly pronouncing his name. To say the least, his value to the team far exceeded his compensation. And attention.

Much like Pippen.