Sunday nights mean it's time to take our weekly look back at the original content and scoops provided by the MLBTR team. Let's run it all down:
- MLBTR learned that the Rangers and Mike Napoli avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $9.4MM.
- Additionally, MLBTR was the first to confirm the $16MM value on Nelson Cruz's two-year extension with Texas.
- For those whose sports love transcends MLB and spills over into the NBA, MLBTR creator Tim Dierkes revealed his next venture: HoopsRumors.com. HoopsRumors will have some familiar names for MLBTR faithful, as head writer Luke Adams will be joined by MLBTR veteran Zach Links and a host of talented writers to bring you the same quality you've come to expect from MLBTR over the years.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith provided a rundown of the latest content from Tim's other newest venture, RotoAuthority.com. The re-launched RotoAuthority features fantasy-centric content from yours truly, in addition to MLBTR regulars Mike Axisa, Mark Polishuk, Dan Mennella, and a few other fantasy-minded scribes.
- Mark took a look at what it would take for the Cardinals to extend Yadier Molina, and concluded that Yadi would command a four- or five-year deal in excess of $10MM per season on the open market.
- Mike looked at arbitration-eligible players that have yet to sign, and also rounded up the best of the blogosphere (as he does every week) with his Baseball Blogs Weigh In feature.
- While a six-figure salary may be a fortune to most of us, it's on the low-end among MLB free agents. Zach took the liberty of running down the esteemed members of this offseason's six-figure contract club.
- Ben also looked at the remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players (earlier in the week), providing an in-depth look at the top ten.
- Alexi Casilla and Jed Lowrie are the only unsigned arb-eligible players to file for under $2MM, and Ben examined some comparable arbitration cases for the switch-hitting infielders.
- Additionally, Ben listed multi-year agreements that don't extend team control and also highlighted some early-career extensions that haven't been as fruitful as the one signed by Evan Longoria.
- Tim hosted this week's edition of the MLBTR Chat.
- In the wake of Elvis Andrus' three-year extension earlier this week, Tim wondered aloud if it was necessary on the Rangers' end. Arbitration panels don't typically reward solid defense, which is where a great deal of Andrus' value comes from, as opposed to the gaudy counting stats which he lacks.
- Tim also looked at possible fits for A.J. Burnett, and hit the nail on the head when he listed the Pirates as a potential suitor. The Buccos have been engaged in trade talks with the Yankees for several days now.
- Tim compared the arbitration cases of Cruz, Adam Jones, and Alex Gordon, and took a look at teams that have used "draft pick currency" to land established players in the past five years.
- Lastly, please be sure to review MLBTR's commenting policy.
