MLBTR Originals

This week's original analysis and reporting from the MLBTR team..

• Tim Dierkes and Ben Nicholson-Smith were the first to report that Joey Votto and the Reds were nearing agreement on a long-term extension.  The first baseman inked a ten-year, $225MM deal with Cincinnati.
• Ben spoke with John Smoltz about National League pitchers coming back from injury this year.
• Tim was the first to learn that free agent designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero changed agencies from SFX to Proformance.  MLBTR's Agency Database offers a complete, updated look at Proformance's client list.
• We wrapped up the Offseason In Review series with examinations of the Rangers, Twins, White Sox, and the Dodgers. 
• The 30 Opening Day starters aren't the 30 best pitchers in the game, but their managers do consider them the best arms currently available.  Ben put together a list of the pitchers who got the nod on Opening Day and how they got there.
• Five MLBTR writers gave their predictions for 2012.  We'll check back in November and see who comes out on top.
• On this week nine years ago, the Red Sox picked up Pedro Martinez's option well before they had to.
• Mike Axisa's Baseball Blogs Weigh In features pieces on Joey Votto, Matt Cain, and Alex Gordon.
• Nearly 30% of MLBTR readers agree that the Angels are baseball's most improved team.
• Mike updated the list of the largest contracts in draft history.  Stephen Strasburg, of course, has the most lucrative major league contract.
• Ben updated the list of record contracts by position.
• MLBTR is increasing efforts to enforce our commenting policy.  You can get reacquainted with the rules here.
• Ben ran our weekly chat this week – if you missed out on it, you can take a look back at the transcript.
• Phil Hughes is still only 25 years old but this is a Make Or Break Year for the Yankees' right-hander, Mike writes.