Braves Acquire Dan Uggla from Marlins

The Atlanta Braves completed a trade today that brings them a reliable starting second baseman.  In the deal, which was completed on the first day of the GM meetings, Dan Uggla was sent from the Florida Marlins in return for utility-man Omar Infante and relief pitcher Mike Dunn.

Infante had was an all star for the first time last season, but injuries left the Braves with a hole at second as Brooks Conrad could produced nearly as many errors as appearances.  By picking up Uggla they get a much needed power hitter and shore up the second base position.

This also allows for Martin Prado to play a variety of roles for the club.  He can help bring along the Braves newest first baseman, spell the leftfield position and provide insurance against a Chipper Jones injury (if he returns at all).

Both Infante and Uggla are due to be free agents at the end of the year, so neither team gave up much for what could turn out to be a year long "rental."  The Braves did walk away with a little less money owing to Uggla's contract, which pays him roughly $7 million more than Infante.