MLBTR Originals Rumors

MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• Jeff Todd analyzed how the free agent spending this offseason compares to the previous six years. With the Winter Meetings beginning tomorrow, Jeff notes almost half of MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents remain on the open market, which will further increase the overall free agent spending levels.
• MLBTR was the first to learn more than 15 teams have expressed interest in right-handed reliever Andrew Bailey, who was non-tendered Monday.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report the two-year deal Scott Kazmir signed with the A's did not include any options.
• MLBTR was first with the details of the one-year contract right-hander Fernando Rodriguez signed with the A's to avoid arbitration: $600K plus award bonuses.
• Tim examined the free agent signings of Kazmir and Phil Hughes.
• Tim also weighed in on the moves the Tigers have made to reshape their bullpen.
• Jeff opined the Tigers sold short on Doug Fister by obtaining a collection of relatively non-scarce pieces from the Nationals.
• Scott Feldman spoke with Zach Links about his reasons for signing with the Astros and his optimism for the future of the franchise which has posted baseball's worst record three years running.
• Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers told Zach the financial flexibility obtained in the three-way trade with the Rays and Reds will be used to add starting rotation and bench depth and to acquire a corner outfield bat.
• With the flurry of free agent signings this week, Jeff updated the status of the players who are tied to draft pick compensation after declining a qualifying offer. 
• Tim imagined Luke Gregerson would have fetched more for the Padres than Seth Smith.
• MLBTR has released its 2014 Arbitration Tracker displaying all arbitration eligible players, with fields for team, service time, player and team submissions, the midpoint, and the settlement amount. The 2014 Arbitration Tracker can also be filtered by team, signing status, service time, Super Two status, and whether a hearing occurred.
• MLBTR has a separate tender/non-tender tracker with the results from Monday's non-tender deadline. 
• Steve Adams explained how the non-tender system works.
• Charlie Wilmoth profiled John Axford as a non-tender candidate who could obtain a two-year deal on the open market. Axford will now have that opportunity as the Cardinals did indeed non-tender the right-handed reliever. 
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week scattered amongst the Thanksgiving leftovers, Black Friday shopping bags, and Cyber Monday ads:

• Tim Dierkes was the first to learn the Twins were close to a major free agent signing, which turned out to be Ricky Nolasco (#20 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list).
• Tim suggests the Nolasco deal provides little upside for the Twins, but represents the market rate for mid-to-back-of-the-rotation starters.
• Steve Adams contends it is difficult to properly evaluate the four-year, $53MM contract the Cardinals gave to Jhonny Peralta (#21) because of a disconnect between his market value and the media perception of his worth.
• In the wake of the Peralta signing, Jeff Todd offered a series of proposals to create a more effective system of PED disincentives.
• The signing of setup man Joe Smith (#44) was a questionable allocation of resources for the Angels, according to Tim.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz examined the aribtration cases of a pair of right-handers: Justin Masterson and Homer Bailey.
• Tim reported two teams have requested the medicals on free agent left-handed reliever Tim Byrdak.
• Zach Links revisited some of the major transactions which have taken place on November 28th in recent years.
• Mark Polishuk listed the managers and GMs entering the final year of their contract.
• Steve hosted this week's chat.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• The week was highlighted by the Prince Fielder-Ian Kinsler blockbuster. MLBTR's coverage began with Rangers GM Jon Daniels telling Zach Links the deal came together in a matter of hours. Zach also spoke with Tigers President/CEO/GM Dave Dombrowksi, who said the trade makes a Max Scherzer extension "more possible going forward."
• Tim Dierkes opined the Tigers and Rangers will each reap benefits from the swap while Jeff Todd addressed its impact on both the trade and free agent markets.
• Tim sees the Yankees' agreement with Brian McCann (#4 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) as a major upgrade and a sign the team isn't putting their offseason plan on hold while they negotiate with Robinson Cano.
• Tim suggests few saw Jhonny Peralta's (#21) four-year, $53MM contract coming and Stephen Drew (#14) should do better even though he's down a suitor and tied to draft pick compensation.
• Tim believes the Phillies paid an acceptable premium to retain catcher Carlos Ruiz (#29) while the Padres obtained a low-risk, high-reward hurler in Josh Johnson (#30).
• Steve Adams argues the Giants' gamble on Tim Hudson (#31) is worthwhile considering the right-hander's market value compared to the other inconsistent options available. 
• Steve isn't as bullish about the Royals' signing of Jason Vargas (#35) because there's little room for upside and four years is an overpay in length of contract.  
• Steve profiled MLBTR's top-ranked free agent, Robinson Cano.
• Free agent second baseman Omar Infante (#19) is a good fit for the Yankees, according to Tim.
• Tim was the first to report the incentives in Josh Johnson's contract ($1.25MM for making 26 starts), the Pirates were the runners-up for his services, and the other finalists were all NL teams.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Roy Oswalt plans on pitching in 2014, intends to sign this offseason so as to fully participate in Spring Training, and is open to a late-inning relief role. 
• Tim broke the news of the Dodgers signing infielder Brendan Harris to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
• Tim heard multiple teams are interested in right-handed reliever Matt Albers with a two-year deal a possibility and learned catcher Henry Blanco wants to play one more season.
• Rex Gary, the agent for Shaun Marcum, told MLBTR the right-hander's recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome is progressing well and will participate in his normal offseason throwing program.
• Mike Moye, the agent for Gavin Floyd, updated MLBTR on the right-hander's rehab from elbow surgery. 
• Ibrahim Rojas of CMHS Radio Caibarién told MLBTR a trio of Cuban players (19-year-old pitcher Javier Gonzalez, 22-year-old pitcher Jorge Hernandez, and 25-year-old outfielder Dayron Varona) have left their island homeland.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz detailed the arbitration case of Orioles closer Jim Johnson.
• Steve hosted this week's live chat.
• Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Steve Adams covered the GM Meetings in Orlando for MLBTR and posted interviews with Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi, White Sox GM Rick Hahn, and Padres GM Josh Byrnes.
• The Offseason Outlook series concluded with Mark Polishuk's forecast for the World Champion Red Sox while Steve looked ahead for the team Boston vanquished in the ALCS, the Tigers. 
• Tim Dierkes expects Juan Uribe to sign a two-year, $12MM deal in free agency while Steve imagines a team will give Jhonny Peralta a three-year contract worth $36MM.
• Tim was first to report the signings of catcher J.C. Boscan and 1B/OF Jamie Romak, both with the Dodgers. He also reported pitcher Michael Crotta signed with the Nippon Ham Fighters.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for the newly crowned AL Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer of the Tigers; Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton; Rays ace David Price, and relievers Steve Cishek, Ernesto Frieri, Greg Holland, and Kenley Jansen.  
• Zach Links gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In. 

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• With tonight's 11:59 PM (CT) deadline to enter the third annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest fast approaching, you may want to review every installment in our Free Agent Profile series. There were six new entries this week (ranking on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list in parenthesis).
• Tim Dierkes envisions $150MM over seven years for Jacoby Ellsbury (#2).
• Ellsbury's teammate, Stephen Drew (#14) will garner a four-year, $48MM deal, according to Tim.
• Steve Adams foresees Nelson Cruz (#17) landing a three-year pact worth $39MM.
• Steve anticipates Bartolo Colon (#22) and Dan Haren (#34) both signing for one year and $10MM.
• Tim predicts a two-year, $16MM contract for James Loney (#37).
• Agent Jim Munsey told Tim the Red Sox have called to express their interest in re-signing his client, Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the Blue Jays would not be tendering Josh Johnson a qualifying offer.
• Steve listed the 13 free agents who did receive qualifying offers.
• Charlie Wilmoth previewed the Offseason Outlook for the NL Champion Cardinals. 
• Tim completed the 2014 Arbitration Eligibles series with his analysis of the Indians, Pirates, Tigers, Cardinals, and Red Sox.
• MLBTR has made its projected 2014 arbitration salaries available for download in an Excel spreadsheet. The list can also be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz explains the arbitration cases of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and Orioles slugger Chris Davis.
• Tim named his non-tender candidates.
• Jeff Todd charted the future salary obligations (2015-2024) for all 30 MLB teams in a two-part series (I, II).
• MLBTR was the first to report the Twins are not interested, at this time, in right-hander Randy Messenger, who is weighing a three-year extension with the Hanshin Tigers.
• Ibrahim Rojas of CMHS Radio Caibarién told MLBTR right-hander Raicel Iglesias, who defected from Cuba recently, is currently in Mexico.
• Agent Felix Olivo told Tim the extension he negotiated for his client, Rangers left-hander Martin Perez, came together in less than two weeks.
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Zach Links compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR last week as the Boston Red Sox celebrated their third World Championship in the last ten years.

• Tim Dierkes unveiled the eighth annual MLBTR Top 50 Free Agents List and he included his predictions as to where each player will land.
• Where do you think these top 50 free agents will sign? Match your insight against the MLBTR staff and fellow MLBTR readers by entering the third annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest. The deadline to register (a Facebook account is required) and save your final picks is Sunday, November 10 at Midnight (CT).
• MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Tracker is now available with the start of the free agency spending spree only hours away. It can be found in the Tools drop down menu at the top of the page or in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
• There were seven installments of MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series this past week.
• Steve Adams expects Matt Garza will receive a four-year, $64MM contract, Fernando Rodney will collect $18MM over two years, Marlon Byrd's payday will be two years and $16MM, Jason Vargas will net a three-year pact worth $28.5MM, and Phil Hughes and Justin Morneau will try to re-establish their value with one-year deals ($8MM for Hughes and $7MM for Morneau).
• Tim estimates Suk-min Yoon will sign for two-years and $10MM, as he makes the jump from the KBO to MLB.
• I previewed the upcoming offseason for the Brewers and Athletics.
• Jeff Todd and Mark Polishuk summarized the winter ahead for the Braves and Orioles, respectively.
• Tim continued the Arbitration Eligibles series with a look at the Rangers, Athletics, Braves, and Dodgers.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz broke down the arbitration case of Braves closer Craig Kimbrel.
• Tim has compiled a calendar of hot stove events, as the offseason is now in full swing.
• MLBTR was the first to report White Sox left-hander Hector Santiago had hired a new agent: Jim Murray of Excel Sports Management.
• Tim hosted this week's chat.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• MLBTR previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Indians, Pirates, and Reds (all by Charlie Wilmoth), Diamondbacks, Angels, and Dodgers (all by Zach Links), Nationals (by Jeff Todd), Rays (by Mark Polishuk), and Royals (by Aaron Steen). 
• MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series featured Carlos Beltran, Corey Hart, Shin-Soo Choo, Brian Wilson, Kendrys Morales, and Ervin Santana.
• Steve Adams envisions two years, $30MM for Beltran, a one-year, $8MM deal with incentives for Hart (or he will settle for $6MM to re-sign with the Brewers), and five years, $75MM for Santana.
• Tim Dierkes anticipates Choo receiving a six-year, $100MM contract, Wilson signing a one-year pact worth $8.5MM, and Morales agreeing to $28MM over two years.
• Contributor Jeff Zimmerman created a model for MLBTR projecting salaries for the 21 top free agent starting pitchers (excluding Masahiro Tanaka).
• Tim examined the Arbitration Eligibles for the Nationals, Reds, Twins, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rays, Orioles, Angels, and Royals.
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers how Tim Lincecum's contract extension will work out for the Giants. Almost 61% of you view the two-year, $35MM deal (with a full no-trade clause) as a waste of resources.
• Agent Josh Borkin of ACES told MLBTR Red Sox prospect Daniel McGrath has agreed to be represented by his firm.
• Steve hosted this week's live chat.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• MLBTR presented Offseason Outlooks for the Twins (by Steve Adams), Phillies (by Jeff Todd), White Sox (posted by Tim Dierkes prior to the Jose Dariel Abreu signing), Rangers (by Charlie Wilmoth), Yankees (by Mark Polishuk), Padres and Giants (both by Zach Links).
• There were five installments of the MLBTR series Free Agent Profiles this week.
• Tim predicted the aforementioned Abreu would receive six-years and $54MM. Just two days after the post was published, Tim was proven correct on the years, but $14MM short of what the White Sox agreed to pay the Cuban slugger in the most lucrative deal in franchise history and the largest for an international free agent.
• Tim doesn't see Abreu riches for either Josh Johnson (one-year, $8MM) or Joe Nathan (two years, $26MM with a 2016 club option).
• If a team is looking for a less expensive closer option, Steve suggests Grant Balfour at $18MM over two years with a possible club or vesting option or Joaquin Benoit at $16MM over two years.
• Steve also sees A.J. Burnett re-signing with the Pirates on a one-year deal worth $12MM, if the 36-year-old right-hander does decide to postpone retirement.
• The Arbitration Eligibles series continued with Tim's anaylsis of the Padres, White Sox, Brewers, and Giants.
• Troy Percival's agent, Paul Cohen of TWC Sports, told MLBTR his client, who retired four years ago and ranks eighth on the all-time saves list, wants to become a MLB coach with the thought of eventually becoming a manager.
• Jeff featured a pair of catchers in a Free Agent Faceoff: Carlos Ruiz and A.J. Pierzynski. More than 53% of you would prefer to sign Pierzynski.
• Steve hosted the weekly live chat.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• The Offseason Outlook series continued with Jeff Todd's preview of the Mets, Aaron Steen's summary of the Mariners, and Mark Polishuk's run-through of the Blue Jays. 
• Steve Adams issued a Free Agent Profile of Edward Mujica (three years, $21MM) and Tim Hudson (one year, $9MM).
• Steve presented a Free Agent Faceoff between a pair of veteran right-handers: Hiroki Kuroda and A.J. Burnett. Nearly three-quarters of you would rather sign Kuroda.
• Aaron featured starters Scott Feldman and Paul Maholm in a second Free Agent Faceoff. Approximately 52% of you prefer the right-hander.
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers which player will be the first to accept a qualifying offer. You believe Nelson Cruz is the most likely to do so, if one is tendered by the Rangers.
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• Tim Dierkes posted the final edition of MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury remain the top two while Masahiro Tanaka (who will need to be posted by his NPL team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles) and Mike Napoli break into the top ten.
• The offseason began for 22 of the 30 MLB teams this past week and so did two offseason staples on MLBTR: Offseason Outlook and Arbitration Eligibles.
• Jeff Todd detailed the offseason outlook for the Marlins, Zach Links examined the Astros and Rockies, and Tim summarized the Cubs.
• Tim also kicked off the Arbitration Eligibles series with a look at the Marlins, Mets, Cubs, Astros, Mariners, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Rockies. 
• There were four new installments in MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series.
• Tim foresees a team giving Mike Napoli $42MM over three years, Carlos Ruiz a two-year, $14MM contract, and a four-year, $36MM deal to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. 
• Steve Adams predicts right-handed reliever Jesse Crain will sign for one-year and $3.5MM with incentives based on innings pitched and, perhaps, games finished.
• Matt Sosnick, the agent for Josh Johnson, told MLBTR the right-hander underwent elbow surgery Tuesday to remove bone spurs and will begin a throwing program in five weeks and will be ready for Spring Training. Johnson enters free agency for the first time this winter.
• Ryan Galla of CAA Baseball told MLBTR a few roster moves made during September has increased his Super Two cutoff calculation by one day. Players will now need two years and 122 days (2.122) of service time to earn an extra year of salary arbitration.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Tim Hudson expects to be fully recovered from ankle surgery by mid-November and the right-hander will seek a Major League contract during free agency. 
• Steve hosted this week's chat.
• Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Aaron Steen culminated the week with a Free Agent Faceoff between Masahiro Tanaka (#5 on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings) and Matt Garza (#7). Nearly two-thirds of you favor the Japanese right-hander. 

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