MLBTR Originals Rumors

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 Cubs' acquisition of Matt Garza.
• The Why I Chose My Agency series continued with B.J. Rains speaking with Adam Wainwright about his agent Steve Hammond.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith finished the offseason review of the AL East by profiling the Blue Jays and Red Sox, while Tim Dierkes began the NL East offseason review with the Braves and Marlins.
• Ben asked MLBTR readers how the Yankees should fill the void created by injuries to Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira. Only 32% of you believe GM Brian Cashman should stand pat and rely upon internal options.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers how much the Angels should have paid Mike Trout. Just under 43% of you would have renewed the AL Rookie of the Year and MVP runner-up for $1MM or more. 
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers whose 2014 option will vest and more than 29% of you predict Jamey Carroll will be a Twin again next year.
• Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer 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 this past week:

• MLBTR continued its six-week series examining the arbitration process from the player's persepective with B.J. Rains' profile of Jeff Mathis' experience with the Angels.
• Steve Adams inaugurated a new MLBTR series called Transaction Retrospection with his look at last year's Andrew Bailey-Josh Reddick trade.
• The Why I Chose My Agency series continued with Tim Dierkes discussing Matt Sosnick and Sosnick Cobbe Sports with Jay Bruce, B.J. Rains speaking with David Wright about the Levinson brothers and ACES, and Dave Pond doing likewise with Jeremy Affeldt about Mike Moye and Moye Sports Associates, Inc. 
• Ben Nicholson-Smith reviewed the offseason of the Rays, Orioles, Yankees.
• Tim asked 17 top front office executives what one piece of advice they would give a high school student hoping for a career in baseball operations.  
• MLBTR was the first to learn Bobby Cassevah elected free agency after being outrighted by the Angels and was the first to report the right-hander signed a minor league deal with the Rockies and will report to Major League Spring Training.
• Tim updated the list of 2015 MLB free agents and provided his analysis of the class.
• Zach Links examined the players with 2014 vesting options and how they can be exercised.
• Ben asked MLBTR readers which of the seven teams with fewer than 70 wins in 2012 will improve the most in 2013. Nearly 39% of you believe the Indians will be this year's bounceback team. None received more votes than the Marlins, Astros, and Rockies combined.
• Five players signed nine-figure contracts this offseason and Mark Polishuk asked MLBTR readers which one will best live up to the investment. You were split between Evan Longoria (36%) and Felix Hernandez (34%).
• Zach asked MLBTR readers whether the Yankees will be able to lower their payroll to avoid the luxury tax in 2014. More than 63% of you believe they will exceed the $189MM threshold.
• Tim outlined the various options available to the Yankees in their quest to replace Curtis Granderson.
• Ben listed the teams with open 40-man roster spots.
• Zach revisted the notable transactions from March 2012.
• Ben 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:

• MLBTR began a six-week series examining the arbitration process from the player's persepective with B.J. Rains' profile of Kyle Lohse's arb experience with the Twins.
• MLBTR started a second series: Why I Chose My Agency. The Cardinals' Matt Holliday spoke with B.J. Rains about why he engaged the services of Scott Boras and the Boras Corporation.
• Mark Polishuk examined the market for Kyle Lohse.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith listed the oldest $100MM players.
• Steve Adams sees 2013 as a make or break year for Josh Johnson.
• Mark wrote Tim Lincecum has been a huge part of the Giants' recent past and his 2013 season will likely determine if he is part of the team's future.
• Ben charted the service time considerations for the top prospects in baseball.
• Zach Links analyzed how often vesting options are exercised using the past three years as a sample.
• Ben asked MLBTR readers which 90-win team from 2012 will disappoint in 2013. More than 56% of you believe either the Orioles or Yankees will take that step backwards.
• Marlins outfielder Juan Pierre told MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains it was a no-brainer for him to return to Miami and winning will help the front office heal all wounds in South Florida.
• 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, as pitchers and catchers reported to the various training camps throughout Arizona and Florida:

• Tim Dierkes previewed next offseason's class of free agents with the first installment of MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings series.
• Tim listed the players on 40-man rosters who have less than five years service time and are out of minor league options.
• Ben 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 weekly 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:

• Tim Dierkes wrote the new draft pick compensation system is superior, but a qualifying offer is a major drag on the leverage of good-but-not-great free agents.
• MLBTR was the first to report right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal will throw for interested teams in Tempe on Tuesday.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith examined the top ten free agent contracts for starting pitchers this offseason.
• Ben noted an increase in the number of contract extensions given this winter which did not extend the amount of team control over the player.
• Steve Adams asked MLBTR readers which was the best transaction by the A's this offseason. More than 41% of you believe GM Billy Beane's best move was acquiring Chris Young from the Diamondbacks.
• Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers which team had the most disappointing offseason. There was a near even split between the Rangers (31%), Marlins (29%), and Yankees (25.5%).
• Ben listed the remaining arbitration cases.
• Zach Links revisted the notable transactions from February 2012.
• Ben 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:

• Ben Nicholson-Smith participated in the conference call announcing Martin Prado's four-year, $40MM contract extension with the Diamondbacks and reported Prado was surprised by his inclusion in the Justin Upton trade, but is happy to be in Arizona.
• Ben explained the basics of the arbitration process.
• Mark Polishuk asked MLBTR readers what will be the terms of Michael Bourn's next contract. Just over 44% of you believe Bourn will have to settle for a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $12-15MM.
• Ben asked MLBTR readers whether the Padres should extend Chase Headley and more than 70% of you would do so.
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers which remaining player on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list will sign next. More than 41% of you believe it will be Joe Saunders (#25).
• Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers whether the Rangers have done enough this offseason and an overwhelming 85% of you believe they haven't.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Cardinals prospect Oscar Taveras switched agents leaving Melvin Roman for Rob Plummer. 
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Zach compiled this week's 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:

• Justin Upton and Braves GM Frank Wren shared their thoughts with a group of reporters, including MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith, about the seven-player trade which sent Upton from Arizona to Atlanta.
• Ben also participated in the conference call announcing the Red Sox's signing of Mike Napoli and reports Napoli was shocked to learn of his avascular necrosis diagnosis, but feels the condition will not stop him from having a productive 2013 season, as he becomes a full-time first baseman. 
• MLBTR confirmed Yankees reliever Boone Logan is now represented by CAA.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the White Sox claimed right-hander Zach Stewart off waivers from the Pirates.
• Ben discussed the fundamentals of the arbitration process with Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos.
• Ben listed the ten largest remaining arbitration cases based on figures from MLBTR's Arbitration Tracker.
• Ben examined how each of the nine players who received qualifying offers have fared on the free agent market.
• Zach Links made his debut this week putting together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Ben hosted this week's chat.
• 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:

• Tim Trafficanda, the agent for Adam Kennedy, told MLBTR discussions are underway with 3 to 4 teams about a 2013 contract for the free agent infielder.  
• Ben Nicholson-Smith attended the Blue Jays' press conference introducing R.A. Dickey and reported the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner was sold on Toronto after listening to GM Alex Anthopoulos explain his vision for 2013 and beyond.
• Ben also highlighted the non-Dickey news and notes from the press conference about Darren Oliver, Josh Thole, possible contract extensions, and the Blue Jays' bench and bullpen. 
• Zach Links participated in the conference call announcing the Nationals' signing of Adam LaRoche and reported GM Mike Rizzo was in an "enviable position in negotiations," but was anxious to finalize the deal.
• LaRoche spoke with the media the next day and Zach reported LaRoche's desire for a no-trade clause and how he felt being tied to draft pick compensation adversely affected his market. 
• Ben spoke with several GMs about how they must adjust their offseason plans throughout the course of the winter.
• Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for Chase Headley, Hunter Pence, and Max Scherzer.
• Ben noted an increase in the number of multi-year contracts given to free agents this winter, as compared to the previous two offseasons.
• Ben reviewed the market for the remaining free agent right-handed relievers.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report the Reds signed infielder Nate Samson to a minor league deal.
• Ben asked MLBTR readers whether the Phillies will add another outfielder to their current mix. Over 57% of you believe they will either by trade or free agency. 
• Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
• Mike Axisa gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of weekly 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 this past week, as 2012 became 2013:

• Tim Dierkes attended the Cubs' press conference announcing their signing of Edwin Jackson and reported GM Jed Hoyer's rationale behind the move and the benefits Jackson sees in having a long-term contract for the first time in his career.
• Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for David Price and Buster Posey.
• Mark Polishuk listed the key non-moves of 2012.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith, the 94th most influential Canadian in baseball, detailed how the seven teams that allowed the most runs in 2012 have tried to improve themselves. 
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers which of the seven remaining unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list will be the last to come to terms. More than 30% of you picked Jose Valverde (#44) with Rafael Soriano (#17) close behind at 29%. 
• Ben asked MLBTR readers how the Diamondbacks should address their outfield depth. Nearly 41% of you would break the logjam by trading Jason Kubel while over 39% of you would deal Justin Upton.
• Zach revisited the 2012 New Year's Day trade between the White Sox and Blue Jays that sent Jason Frasor back to Toronto in exchange for two minor leaguers.
• I looked back at the Messersmith-McNally decision on its 37th anniversary, a ruling that effectively voided baseball's reserve clause and established true free agency for players.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Mike Axisa put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Hopefully, one of your New Year's resolutions is to abide by MLBTR's commenting policy.

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MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week as we wind down 2012:

• Stephen Drew told reporters, including MLBTR's Zach Links, he turned down opportunities for a multi-year contract to sign a one-year deal with the Red Sox because Boston was the best fit due in part to the chance to play alongside Dustin Pedroia. 
• Alex Esteban, the agent for free agent infielder Yuniesky Betancourt, told MLBTR he is currently having coversations with four teams and expects his client to sign a Major League contract shortly after the holidays. 
• Mike Axisa updated the status of the seven unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list.
• Zach asked MLBTR readers which of those seven will sign next. Nearly 41% of you believe Adam LaRoche will be the first to put pen to paper.
• But will that paper be a three-year contract? More than 55% of MLBTR readers say no.
• Mike listed the remaining free agent power hitters, contact hitters, and ground ball pitchers.
• Zach did likewise with the remaining free agent bullpen strikeout artists and inning-eating starters.
• Mike asked MLBTR readers whether the Red Sox and Mike Napoli will finalize their three-year, $39MM agreement. Over 57% of you say the deal will fall through.
• Zach examined 2012's five worst offensive teams and how they have tried to improve themselves this offseason.  
• Zach profiled the moves the 80-89 Win Club members who failed to make the playoffs have made this winter.
• Mark Polishuk revisited some of the major transactions that have taken place on December 28th in recent years.
• December 29th has seen its share of major transactions, as well. Zach looked back at the free agent signings of Jason Bay by the Mets and Barry Zito by the Giants.
• Zach reminisced about the Mets' acquisition of Mo Vaughn 11 years ago this week from the Angels for Kevin Appier.
• Mike hosted this week's chat.
• Mike compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

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