MLBTR Originals Rumors

MLBTR Originals

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

• Tim Dierkes updated MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Robinson Cano is still the top ranked free agent, but eight of the nine other positions changed hands.  
• Charlie Wilmoth tabbed the Pirates' Starling Marte as an extension candidate even though he has less than one year of service time.
• Steve Adams listed five minor league pitchers who are nearing the opt-out date in their contract. The Padres took notice selecting Tim Stauffer a mere four days after Steve's post.
• Mark Polishuk examined the trade candidacy of Astros ace Bud Norris.
• Steve broke down the 2014 free agent pitchers with the best command by starters and relievers.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers which 2014 free agent will receive a qualifying offer. A majority surveyed believe the Yankees will tender both Robinson Cano (88%) and Curtis Granderson (53%). Approximately two-thirds of you also believe Jacoby Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo will receive a qualifying offer.
• Edward Mujica was not included in Tim's survey, but Steve is very bullish about the Cardinals closer in the lastest Free Agent Stock Watch. 
• MLBTR was the first to report the Mets' signing of right-hander Matt Fox from the independent league York Revolution.
• MLBTR broke the news Cardinals right-hander Trevor Rosenthal changed agencies leaving Full Circle Sports Management for the Boras Corporation. 
• MLBTR was the first to learn of the Twins' signing of outfielder Jordan Parraz and his assignment to Double-A.
• Tim hosted this week's chat and emptied the MLBTR Mailbag.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• 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 this past week:

• Steve Adams presented another Transaction Retrospection with a look back at the Reds' acquisition of Mat Latos.
• Tim Dierkes listed the 2014 free agents who currently find themselves on the DL.
• Steve issued a Free Agent Stock Watch for ten starting pitchers who have battled injuries this year.
• Tim suggested Roberto Hernandez could take advantage of a weak free agent market for starting pitchers and secure a multiyear deal with a solid 2013 season.
• Tim identified potential trade targets who are under team control beyond this season.
• Jeff Todd examined in greater detail the trade candidacy of one those players, Alex Rios.
• Steve writes the Cubs could net a Top 10 prospect and another respectable piece in any deal for David DeJesus.
• Tim sees the Marlins' Kevin Slowey as a trade candidate who could solidify the back end of the rotation for teams like the Giants or Pirates.
• For teams in need of bullpen help, Tim looked at some relievers who could be available.
• Steve envisions a five-year, $60-65MM contract extension for Jordan Zimmermann as being a reasonable target, but something in the range of $75-80MM is not out of the question. 
• Tim hosted this week's live chat and delved into the MLBTR Mailbag.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet provided a new Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of regular features and exactly what to expect from them.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.

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MLBTR Originals

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

• Zach Links posted his interview with President/General Manager Michael Pfaff of the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks, who have had a knack for luring notable former major league players (including Dontrelle Willis, Vladimir Guerrero, and Ramon Castro earlier this year) looking to continue their careers and return to MLB.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Miguel Sano, the Twins' top prospect, switched agencies leaving SFX for the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
• A Free Agent Stock Watch was issued by Tim Dierkes on the position players and starting pitchers who failed to make MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings, but whose fortunes are rising.
• Tim examined the five worst contract extensions signed two offseasons ago.
• Steve Adams revisited the notable transactions from May 2012.
• Tim listed the hardest throwing 2014 free agents while Steve noted those with the highest ground-ball rate. 
• Tim asked MLBTR readers to name baseball's best GM. The top pick was Billy Beane of the A's with over 4,000 votes (14%) while the Rockies' Bill Geivett brought up with the rear with just 45 votes (0.16%).
• Steve asked MLBTR readers whether the Padres will extend Chase Headley. More than 52% of you believe Headley will either be dealt before this July's trade deadline or during the offseason.
• Speaking of extensions, Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers which rising young star will sign one this month. You were evenly split (23%) between the Orioles and Matt Wieters coming to terms on a long-term contract and none of the listed players agreeing to an extension.  
• Tim hosted the weekly live chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet penned this week's installment of Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach 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 this past week:

• Charlie Wilmoth advocated for a rule change to the waiver claims system because some teams make claims only to supplement their minor league depth, rather than trying to improve their Major League roster. 
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet inaugurated a new weekly feature called Prospect Rumor Roundup with the first edition highlighting Jackie Bradley, Jr. of the Red Sox and Jesse Biddle of the Phillies.
• Tim Dierkes explored the possibility of Carlos Villanueva being a trade candidate this summer.
• Steve Adams expects Mike Adams to draw plenty of interest should the Phillies continue their early season struggles.
• Mark Polishuk opines the Mariners could net a decent prospect or two if they decide to deal Kendrys Morales before the trade deadline.
• MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron reported the Rays' stadium situation is not a distraction for their players or manager.
• Steve provided a progress report on the players non-tendered this past offseason who are currently playing in the Majors.
• Zach Links updated the players with a 2014 vesting option and how they can be exercised.
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers whether the Rangers should trade Jurickson Profar to the Cardinals for Oscar Taveras. Just over 52% of you advise GM Jon Daniels to do the deal.
• Tim hosted the MLBTR live chat this week and sifted through the MLBTR Mailbag.
• 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:

• Tim Dierkes revised MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings and, while Robinson Cano remains atop the list, seven of the nine other positions changed hands.  
• Tim posited there are several factors weighing in favor of the Padres trading Chase Headley this summer and named some potential suitors for the third baseman.
• Steve Adams explained the service time implications for prospects like Wil Myers, Aaron Hicks, and Jackie Bradley, Jr.
• Speaking of Myers, MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron examined the Rays' decision to let their top prospect start the season at Triple-A.
• Tim issued a Free Agent Stock Watch on Paul Maholm and he is bullish about the possibility of the Braves lefty becoming the best free agent starter available.
• Tim then asked MLBTR readers to chime in on the "best free agent starter" debate. Nearly 10% of you agreed with Tim's stance on Maholm, but the title goes to Josh Johnson, number four on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings, with almost 20% of the vote. 
• Steve asked MLBTR readers to weigh in on who is the "best free agent hitter" available. Not surprisingly, 44% of you tabbed Robinson Cano, the top ranked player on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings.
• Charlie Wilmoth asked MLBTR readers which top-ten pick from the 2011 amateur draft will have the most success in the majors. Nearly one-third of you believe the Orioles' Dylan Bundy will be best in class.
• Steve researched waiver claims over the past calendar year using MLBTR's Transaction Tracker and discovered the Blue Jays were involved in 26% of those claims and multiple players have been claimed multiple times.
• Tim listed each team's highest-paid player in 2013.
• Steve continued the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Rangers' acquisition of Mike Adams from the Padres.
• Tim addressed the issue many players face when choosing representation: big agency or small.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons changed agencies leaving The Sparta Group for SFX.
• Tim hosted this week's chat.
• Zach Links compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.

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MLBTR Originals

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

• Rays' Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman explained the rationale behind his team's file-to-go arbitration strategy to MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron.
• Chuck also spoke with several Rays who had high praise for both Evan Longoria and the front office for the six-year, $100MM extension the All-Star third baseman received last November.
• Tim Dierkes noted contract extensions are down this last offseason, as opposed to a year ago. Past extensions, however, have prevented several prominent players from becoming would-be free agents this winter.
• Tim listed the top 15 players, according to wins above replacement, who are not locked up by multi-year deals and are instead going year-to-year. Tim then explored the parameters of a possible contract extension for the number three player on that list, Jason Heyward.
• Steve Adams presented another Transaction Retrospection with a look back at the Phillies' acquisition of Hunter Pence from the Astros.
• The Offseason in Review series concluded with Tim's profile of the Rockies and Steve's recap of the Diamondbacks and Giants.
• Tim provided the latest installment of the Why I Chose My Agency series with Daniel Hudson discussing his agent, Andrew Lowenthal of Proformance.
• Tim ranked agencies by total 2012 wins above replacement, 2012 WAR per player, and the number of four-win players.
• Steve revisited the top minor league signings from the 2011-12 offseason.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers when will the Marlins trade Giancarlo Stanton. More than 70% of you believe Stanton will be in a different uniform before Spring Training opens in 2014.
• Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers whether the Yankees will let Robinson Cano reach free agency. Over 77% of you believe they will extend the top ranked player in MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings.
• Charlie Wilmoth examined the value of making early-season trades versus mid-season deals.
• Tim hosted this week's live chat.
• Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of regular features and exactly what to expect from them.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR during the first week of the 2013 season:

• MLBTR was the first to learn of additional provisions in the Elvis Andrus contract extension regarding full no-trade protection and how his 2023 vesting option could be converted into a player option.
• In the wake of Andrus receiving not one, but two opt-clauses in the aforementioned extension, Tim Dierkes listed other notable deals in which a player obtained an opt out.
• The Andrus extension also prompted Steve Adams to hark back to other April extensions from the past two years.
• MLBTR was the first to report David Aardsma cleared release waviers and became a free agent with roughly ten interested in his services.
• Tim listed the ten largest contracts given to starting pitchers in terms of new money and years.
• Steve reviewed the offseason of the Cardinals, Reds, and Dodgers while Zach Links recapped the Padres.
• The Why I Chose My Agency series continued with MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains discussing Rex Gary and Jimmy Turner of Turner-Gary Sports, Inc. with Shaun Marcum. 
• Steve presented another installment of the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Doug Fister trade.
• MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron examined how the timing of the blockbuster James Shields-Wil Myers trade affected the Rays. 
• Tim hosted the weekly live chat.
• Zach 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 this past week, as Spring Training came to a close:

• Tim Dierkes updated MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings and Robinson Cano remains atop the list with Adam Wainwright ranked second (the post was published prior to Wainwright agreeing to a five-year contract extension with the Cardinals). 
• MLBTR was the first to learn Chad Qualls made the Marlins' Opening Day roster and Tim Byrdak accepted the $100K retention bonus from the Mets to remain in their organization.  
• Tim presented three installments of the Why I Chose My Agency series: Jamey Carroll on Jonathan Maurer and Mike Montana of Millenium Sports Management, Jake Odorizzi on Jason Wood of Arland Sports, and Mark DeRosa on Lonnie Cooper and Keith Grunewald of CSE.
• The Offseason in Review series continued with Ben Nicholson-Smith's assessment of the Mariners, Tim's review of the Nationals and Cubs, and Zach Links' recap of the Pirates and Brewers. 
• Tim examined which teams, if they struggle early, could become sellers and what trade chips they have to offer.
• Charlie Wilmoth highlighted the hidden gems uncovered in Rule 5 drafts since 1999.
• Tim 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 over the last week:

• MLBTR's Tim Dierkes was the first to report Roy Oswalt is working out and waiting for the right offer from a contender, and does not have a geographic preference.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the Dodgers released infielder Dallas McPherson.
• MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains examined the pros and cons of signing a pre-arbitration contract extension with a trio of Nationals: Denard Span, Kurt Suzuki and Gio Gonzalez.
• There were three installments of the Why I Chose My Agency series this week:  Ryan Ludwick on Dan Horwits and the Beverly Hills Sports Council (by Zach Links), Ted Lilly on Larry O'Brien and Full Circle Sports Management (by B.J. Rains), and Ike Davis on Lou Jon Nero of Octagon (by Tim Dierkes).  With the Davis piece, the Mets' first baseman revealed he has not been approached by the team about a long-term extension.
• Steve Adams continued the Transaction Retrospection series with a look back at the Ubaldo Jimenez trade.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith reminisced with Randy Johnson's agent Barry Meister about the Big Unit's free agency after the 1998 season.
• Mark Polishuk explored the paramenters of a contract extension for the Indians' Michael Brantley.
• Charlie Wilmoth discussed the likelihood of a contract extension between Josh Reddick and the A's.
• Ben reviewed the offseason of the White Sox, Royals, Rangers, Astros, A's, and Angels while Tim did so with the Phillies.  
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers to select the most one-sided trade of the past decade. The top choice (21%) was the 2007 deal where the Rangers acquired Elvis Andrus, Matt Harrison, Neftali Feliz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Beau Jones from the Braves for Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay.
• Ben hosted this week's chat.
• Zach compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.

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MLBTR Originals

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

• Steve Adams continued the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Brewers acquisition of Zack Greinke from the Royals.
• MLBTR continued its series examining the arbitration process from the player's persepective with B.J. Rains' profile of Dan Uggla's experience with the Marlins.
• The Why I Chose My Agency series continued with Tim Dierkes discussing Paul Kinzer and Kinzer Management Group with Aramis Ramirez and B.J. Rains asking Cody Ross about his relationship with SFX and his primary agents Mike Milchin and Mark Pieper.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith reviewed the offseason of the Twins, Indians, and Tigers while Tim did likewise with the Mets.
• MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains spoke with Dan Haren about his offseason, which featured his first foray into free agency and almost being traded to the Cubs.
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers to name the Diamondbacks' best transaction this offseason. More than 41% of you believe the best move by GM Kevin Towers was signing Brandon McCarthy to a two-year, $15MM contract.
• Ben hosted this week's live chat.
• Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.
• Teams and players often agree to contract extensions during Spring Training, so be sure to use MLBTR's Extension Tracker to keep abreast of the latest deals. 

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