"While Braves officials talk to teams and representatives for free agents at baseball's winter meetings about deals to strengthen the bench and bullpen, negotiations on a potential Big Deal have been on hold.

That will change soon, when general manager Frank Wren and Dan Uggla's agent ramp up negotiations on a possible contract extension to retain the power-hitting second baseman well beyond the 2011 season.

The Braves got Uggla in a Nov. 16 trade for infielder Omar Infante and reliever Mike Dunn.

"We had a nice discussion when he was in for the [introductory] press conference," Wren said. "We're going to get to further discussions probably in the near future. I've talked to his representative [recently] but nothing substantive, negotiation-wise."

A two-time All-Star and 2010 Silver Slugger winner, Uggla has averaged nearly 31 home runs and 93 RBIs in five seasons. He could command at least $10 million in arbitration for 2011 and become a free agent after the season.

The Braves hope he signs a multi-year extension before then. Preferably long before.

Uggla turned down Florida's four-year, $48 million offer, asked for five years and $71 million, then was traded.

Raised a Braves fan in Columbia, Tenn., he seems motivated to stay long-term with the Braves and play for his former Marlins manager, Fredi Gonzalez.

"The early discussions we've had -- really just introductory discussions -- have been very pleasant," Wren said. "I think there's a mutual desire for us to keep him long-term and for him to stay long-term. I think that's come through loud and clear, both from Terry [Bross, Uggla's agent] and from Dan.

"And I think we've made it very clear that's what we want to have happen. But we haven't gone beyond that. There will be an appropriate time for that.""