MLBTR Originals

Here's a look back at some of the analysis and reporting MLBTR's writing team delivered this week..

• This week, MLBTR learned that the Red Sox released outfielder Jason Place and the Cubs cut right-hander Aaron Shafer loose.  Neither player was among their team's top 30 prospects according to Baseball America's Prospect Handbook, though both were former high draft picks.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith spoke to Wade Davis' agent, B.B. Abbott, about the risk they took when agreeing to a four-year extension.  Abbott also disclosed the terms of the deal to MLBTR.
• MLBTR was the first to report that the Pirates signed recently-released right-hander Tim Wood.  Wood had just been cut loose by the Nationals.
• Take a look at the 2011 predictions from the MLBTR writing staff.
• Mike Axisa took a look at the General Managers whose contracts do not extend beyond 2011.
• Just before Opening Day, Howard Megdal ran down the Alphabet of 2011 storylines.
• I led a discussion on the Marlins' third base options.
• After the Blue Jays declined to exercise his options, we asked out readers if Aaron Hill would finish the year in Toronto.
• Our Offseason In Review series rolled on with looks at the Diamondbacks, Angels, and Yankees.
• MLBTR is looking for a head moderator to be active in regulating the forums.  Past bulletin board administrative experience is preferred.
• Did you miss our weekly chat with Tim Dierkes?  Don't worry, you can still view the transcript right here.
• Pitcher Edwin Jackson is a breakout candidate in 2011, says Tim.
• Do you run a baseball blog or website?  If so, the MLB Trade Rumors widget is the perfect way to pipe in the latest hot stove headlines.
• The Ubaldo Jimenez extension is going well for the Rockies, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith.
• Check out the best of the web in this week's installment of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Fun Fact: Half of baseball's Opening Day starters were first-round selections.  Ben Nicholson-Smith also breaks down how each team obtained their No. 1 starters.