KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Dan Uggla hopes his second season with the Atlanta Braves starts a lot better than the first.
A year ago, Uggla reported to spring training determined to impress his new team after signing a $62 million contract. But he'd always been a slow starter, and the first three months of the season were downright ugly. On the Fourth of July, he was batting a puny .173.
The next day, Uggla started a hitting streak that lasted 33 games - the longest in Atlanta history. He was only able to raise his average to .233 by the end of the season, but he still led the Braves with 36 homers and 82 RBIs.
With just a decent start, Uggla knows he can do major damage in the middle of the order.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
