MLBTR Originals

A recap of all of the original analysis and reporting from MLBTR’s staff this week..

• Tim was the first to report that Derek Holland’s new deal with the Rangers covering the 2012-16 seasons will include two team options.
• Pitching prospect Rafael DePaula agreed to sign with the Yankees for $500K in November, 2010, but hasn’t had a visa until now, so the deal hasn’t been completed. Agent Charisse Espinosa-Dash told MLBTR this week that DePaula has his visa and that the original deal is expected to go through once the Dominican right-hander passes a physical.
• Matt Wieters hit .262/.328/.450 with 22 homers for the Orioles in 2011 and was named to his first All-Star Game.  Mike Axisa examined what it might take for the O’s to sign him to a new deal.
• This is a make or break year for 28-year-old Kendrys Morales, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith.
• Our Offseason In Review series continued with looks at the Cardinals, Mariners, Rockies, Royals, Brewers, Marlins, Blue Jays, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Mets.
• The Royals seek catching depth following Salvador Perez’s left knee operation, and GM Dayton Moore could look for replacements in a number of places, Ben writes.
• Six franchises that haven’t appeared in a postseason game in the last ten years: the Mariners, Orioles, Blue Jays, Pirates, Royals and Nationals/Expos.  Ben asked our readers which franchise will end their franchise drought and a whopping 49% chose the Nationals.
• Mike’s latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In features pieces on Andy Pettitte’s comeback, Joakim Soria, and the Alberto Callaspo trade market.
• Ben noted that 18 of the pitchers in projected rotations around MLB are at least 35 years of age or will turn 35 at some point in 2012.
• BN-S had the wheel for MLBTR’s chat on Wednesday.
• If you prefer your MLBTR fix limited to only your favorite team, we’ve got you covered.