MLBTR Originals

Here's a rundown of MLBTR's original content from this past week….

• This week, MLBTR was the first to learn that the Orioles claimed pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes after he was DFA'd by Toronto.  We were also the first to report the O's release of Justin Duchscherer.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith took a look at Jimmy Rollins' impending free agency and gauged the market for reliever Matt Capps.
• I looked back at the July deals made in the American League (East, Central, West) and the National League (East, Central, West)
• Even though the trade deadline has passed, there's still the potential for more significant trades in the month of August.  Tim Dierkes gave us his August trade candidates by team.
• Nippon-Ham Fighters ace Yu Darvish is represented by Arn Tellem of Wasserman Media Group as well as Don Nomura, MLBTR confirmed.
• Mike Axisa gave us an update on players with 2012 vesting options.  Bobby Abreu recently got his $9MM option vested for next season.
• The 40/60/80 arbitration rule doesn't work to the extent that some suggest it does, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith.
• We released an update on the Elias Rankings and outlined the free agents who switched leagues.
• We had a lot of great content in this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.  If you have a suggestion for BBWI, you can reach Mike Axisa at this email address.
• It came as a surprise to many of us when the Padres didn't trade Heath Bell at the trade deadline.  This week, 44% of our readers said that the Friars should now sign the closer to a two or three year extension this offseason.  For more on Bell, check out Dan Mennella's recent post on him over at CloserNews.com.
• MLBTR was the first to learn that right-hander Willie Eyre opted for free agency this week. 
• Last offseason, six prominent Rays relievers hit free agency and signed elsewhere for a total of $67.65MM.  How are they faring in 2011?  We also checked in on this year's Rule 5 picks.
• Did you miss our weekly chat?  Don't fret, you can check out the transcript right here.
• This year there have been four converted relievers have who started extensively in 2011 and Ben Nicholson-Smith gave us an update on how they're doing so far.
• The recently-launched CloserNews.com is looking for writers.