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08/30/2006: "Uggs Update"

It's pretty hard for me to wipe the smile off my face these days when I watch the Marlins play. Considering their offseason (23 of 25 players shipped out of town) and the way they started the season (11 up, 31 down), it was pretty hard to find that snappy retort for anyone who thought they'd lose 110. Hell, I would have been pleased if they kept the losses under 100.

Well, look at us now, bitch! After the terrible start, they've been one of the best teams in baseball and have told the record books to kiss their ass. Pretty much any record that involved performance by rookies will belong the the Fish by the end of the season, and there's still a realistic shot at the wild card - and you know what happened the other times they got the WC (can you say "World Champions in 1997 and 2003").

By far, though, the best story of the year has been second baseman Dan Uggla. I remember back in spring training when we were trying to figure out just who these guys in Florida unis were. Uggla stood out, if for no other reason than a memorable name that make pronounciation a veritable minefield. Considering one of the few proven major leaguers in camp was second baseman Pokey Reese, Uggla shouldn't have even made the roster. But, as a "Rule 5" pick from the DBacks, Florida had to give him back if he didn't stick. And when Reese went insane and left camp with personal issues, Uggs got his chance.

Talk about making the most of an opportunity. Not only did he make the All-Star team on his merits, he's become only the fourth player in MLB history to have at least 20 home runs and 75 RBI in his rookie year. The others? Hall of Fame members Frank Robinson and Orlando Cepeda and some guy named Pujols - who'll join those other two five years after he retires. So far, though, Uggla's keeping it all in perspective.

''Pujols was 21 when he did it, so I'm five years older,'' he said. ``But, to be next to those guys in that category means a lot to me.''

Yep ... good times in South Florida - who'da thunk it?