MLBTR Originals

A look at this week’s original reporting and analysis from the MLBTR team..

• Ben Nicholson-Smith looked at the top arbitration eligible catchers for 2013.
• Mike Axisa put together a list of players claimed off of waivers since the start of the offseason and are now contributing at the big league level.
• Ben compiled a list of the top young pitchers without extensions.
• The specifics of Madison Bumgarner’s five-year, $35MM extension were somewhat surprising, Ben writes.
• James Loney’s late-season tear in 2011 likely saved his job with the Dodgers, but this will be a Make Or Break Year for the first baseman, Mike writes.
• I asked MLBTR readers if they like the Erick Aybar extension from the Angels’ perspective and the results were just about split.
• BN-S examined how much Super Two status is worth.
• Ben had the wheel for our chat on Wednesday.
• With enough interested parties, larger offers wouldn’t be out of the question for Francisco Liriano.  A repeat of his 2011 numbers, however, would likely relegate Liriano to a one-year deal, writes Steve Adams.
• The Astros welcomed a new owner, hired a new GM and agreed to switch leagues this past offseason.
• There are three players who will soon have their ten and five rights kick in.
• Mike rounded up the best from around the baseball blogosphere for this week’s edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here’s a list of all the ways you can enjoy MLBTR.