MLBTR Originals Rumors

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

• Charlie Wilmoth opines it may be harder for sluggers like Nelson Cruz and Kendrys Morales (ranked #17 and #28, respectively, on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) to take advantage of the riches of today's free agent market because their solid-but-not-elite bats are offset by their limited defensive value and being tied to draft pick compensation.
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers which team will sign Stephen Drew (#14 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list). More than 75% of you believe his next team will either be the Red Sox or Mets.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report the financial terms ($775K) of the one-year deal right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez signed with the A's to avoid arbitration.
• Zach Links revisited some of the notable transactions which have occurred on January 8th in recent years.
• Steve Adams hosted the weekly live chat.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as 2013 became 2014:

• Jeff Todd previewed the top Hot Stove storylines of the new year.
• In a follow up to one of the storylines he highlighted, Jeff asked MLBTR readers when will the Rays trade David Price. Over 68% of you believe Price will be wearing a different uniform by the Trade Deadline.
• Tim Dierkes demonstrated the recent rarity of a non-Boras free agent finding a three-year deal in January or later, and took a look at the market situation for the top remaining names.
• Stephen Drew (#14 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) could be in line for one of those three-year free agent contracts, and Tim used projections to examine the six teams who could use him the most.
• Charlie Wilmoth detailed how the free agent closer market is changing as clubs are becoming more reluctant to over-commit in terms of money or years.
• The Brewers still haven't signed a free agent to a Major League deal, but Tim Dierkes' look at Doug Melvin's past five offseasons showed the GM is comfortable signing players later in the offseason.
• Jeff examined the use and impact of options in MLB contracts.
• Tim listed the extension candidates for each franchise.
• Tim learned the Tigers, Indians, and Orioles are among those who have inquired about reliever Luis Ayala this winter and three teams have discussed a Major League deal with reliever Carlos Marmol. 
• Zach Links broke the news multiple clubs are interested in Yuniesky Betancourt, including one possible opportunty to start, and the infielder hopes to sign within the next two weeks. 
• Tim was the first to report reliever Joel Hanrahan, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is throwing off a mound ahead of schedule and is expected to throw for teams during Spring Training.
• Zach was the first to learn right-hander Jerome Williams is in the talking stages with a number of American League clubs and could be receiving offers over the next two weeks.
• Zach was first with a half dozen teams expressing interest in right-hander Brett Tomko.
• Six to eight clubs have shown varying levels of interest in reliever Kyle Farnsworth, but nothing is imminent, according to Zach.  
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers which team will sign Nelson Cruz (#17 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) and a plurality of you see him landing with the Mariners. 
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers to name the best transaction of 2013. You split your support between extensions given to Paul Goldschmidt, Dustin Pedroia, and Chris Sale; the Yankees' signing of Brian McCann; the Nationals acquiring Doug Fister; and the Braves obtaining Justin Upton and Chris Johnson in a seven-player trade with the Diamondbacks. 
• Dennis Gilbert reminisced with Zach about his time as an agent and his current role as a special assistant to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. 
• Charlie posted excerpts from his interview with former MLB pitcher C.J. Nitkowski, who is now an analyst for MLB.com, CBS Sports, and MLB Network Radio.
• Jeff revisited the 2012 New Year's Day trade between the White Sox and Blue Jays, which sent reliever Jason Frasor back to Toronto in exchange for minor league pitching prospects Myles Jaye and Daniel Webb.
• Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week as we wind down 2013:

• Zach Links details how agents and front office personnel alike find time to squeeze in some business between opening presents and eating 12 grapes while popping champagne corks to a chorus of Auld Lang Syne. 
• With only 15 of MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents unsigned, Steve Adams asked our readers to re-rank those still on the market. Just under 74% of those surveyed chose Masahiro Tanaka as the most desirable free agent. Nelson Cruz and Matt Garza were next with approximately 6%.
• Charlie Wilmoth asked MLBTR readers who will sign Tanaka. Nearly 39% of you say the 25-year-old right-hander will be wearing pinstripes.
• Mark Polishuk opines teams not willing to bid on Tanaka for any reason other than they feel he cannot pitch effectively in MLB are being short-sighted.
• Steve asked MLBTR readers to name the best nine-figure free agent contract this offseason. You split your support between Jacoby Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo.
• Aaron Steen asked MLBTR readers to voice their opinion on the Rangers' offseason to date. More than 72% of you approve of the moves made by GM Jon Daniels. 
• Zach was the first to report five teams are bidding for the services of outfielder Sam Fuld. All five teams have proposed minor leagues deals with an invitation to Spring Training.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to learn reliever Jim Hoey is looking to hook on with a MLB team after spending the bulk of 2013 with the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• MLBTR has a roster of regular features. Here's the schedule and a brief synopsis of each.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as we check our list to see who's been naughty or nice in the waning hours before St. Nick's arrival:

• Charlie Wilmoth updated the status of the top ten remaining free agents on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list (posted prior to Grant Balfour's deal-no deal with the Orioles).
• Tim Dierkes examined the pool of unsigned free agents and noted the limited number of available players who could be considered regulars.
• The agent for Kevin Youkilis confirmed to MLBTR his client's decision to play for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2014. Joe Bick of Pro Star Management, Inc. also explained the opportunity to spend a year in Japan was a "life experience that was too good to pass up" for Youkilis and his family. 
• Zach Links spoke with Giants Vice President and Assistant General Manager Bobby Evans about the team's offseason.
• Damon Lapa, the agent for Jeff Karstens, told Zach he expects at least a dozen teams to attend the right-hander's workout in mid-to-late January.
• Tim was the first to report Jordany Valdespin switched agencies leaving ACES to join Metis Sports Management. 
• MLBTR broke the news of catcher Kyle Skipworth being designated for assignment by the Marlins.
• Agent Burton Rocks told MLBTR he has spoken with four or five teams about an unique proposition involving right-hander Juan Rincon: a minor league contract, ideally with an invitation to Spring Training, with an eye towards mentoring young pitchers and continuing in that role as a scout upon his retirement.
• Steve Adams 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 the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR, as we went 24 hours during the Winter Meetings this past week:

• Zach Links and Luke Adams anchored our around-the-clock coverage providing a daily recap (Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3) of the hard news and rumors with Tim Dierkes and Jeff Todd reporting live from Orlando. Steve Adams meanwhile covered the Rule 5 Draft.
• In a preview of the Winter Meetings, Jeff predicted the wheeling and dealing could lead to some interesting and opportunistic maneuvers. 
• Jeff attended the joint press conference with the GMs involved the three-team Mark Trumbo trade and posted their reactions to the deal.
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers which team benefitted the most from the four trades engineered during the Winter Meetings. More than 32% of you who responded to the survey believe the Angels helped themselves the most with the aforementioned Trumbo deal. 
• Tim was first with the details of Roberto Hernandez's contract with the Phillies: a one-year, $4.5MM guarantee with an additional $1.5MM in incentives based on innings pitched. Tim also heard the Cubs had been competitive on Hernandez.
• MLBTR was the first to report 12 teams have expressed interest in right-hander Jason Hammel and all are exploring one-year deals.
• Tim broke the news 10 teams are in pursuit of infielder Justin Turner and that Astros outfielder L.J. Hoes is now being represented by MVP Sports Group.
• Tim heard the Cubs offered Edward Mujica a one-year contract to be their closer before he signed with the Red Sox and 8-10 teams have inquired about right-hander Jerome Williams. 
• Marlins GM Michael Hill told Tim the decision to non-tender reliever Ryan Webb was simply a reallocation of the club's financial resources and the team's top priority is acquiring a third baseman.
• Tigers President/CEO/GM Dave Dombrowski told reporters, including MLBTR's Steve Adams, the perception the franchise needs to slash payroll is not true and the signing of Joba Chamberlain is the last move he's looking to make.
• Jeff opines the impetus for the Tigers' roster reshaping can be traced to the suspension of Jhonny Peralta.  
• The Mets will receive value in excess of the $20MM they will pay Bartolo Colon over the next two years and were able to negotiate such a reasonable price because of his age and history, according to Tim.
• Tim wonders if the Pirates still have payroll space for A.J. Burnett after signing Edinson Volquez.
• Jeff examined the market for Kendrys Morales (#28 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list).
• Jeff suggests the Nationals' trade for Doug Fister looks even better now than it did at first glance.
• Mike Napoli told Zach there were a lot teams interested in his services, but it ultimately came down to his wanting to return to Boston.
• Charlie Wilmoth listed the best remaining first base options available on the trade market and in free agency.
• Former first round draft choice Brian Anderson, whose switch to pitching was derailed by injuries, told MLBTR, "I'd love to get back on the field again."
• MLBTR was the first to learn infielder Adam Kennedy, who didn't play in 2013, is planning a comeback and will work out for teams during the second week of January.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.