MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers what has been the most unlikely storyline in 2012. Nearly 40% of you chose the Orioles being in the thick of a pennant race. 
• Mike Axisa asked MLBTR readers who will win the second NL Wild Card. Over 32% of you believe the Cardinals will hang on to defend their World Series title.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith opined the Tigers will likely exercise their $6MM club option and keep Jhonny Peralta in Detroit for another year.
• Ben listed the top ten free agent infielders ranked by FanGraphs' version of wins above replacement.
• Ben also calculated that Brewers' catcher Jonathan Lucroy will miss the projected cutoff for super two status by just three days.
• MLBTR confirmed the Indians' Travis Hafner obtained ten and five rights when he reached ten years of service time this past Thursday.
• It was a busy week on the Free Agent Stock Watch. Ben explained Blue Jays' right-hander Carlos Villanueva could have value as a starter in this winter's free agent market.
• Mike is much more bullish on the Giants' Marco Scutaro, as the middle infield market offers few viable alternatives.
• Mike, however, was bearish on the prospects of Daisuke Matsuzaka.
• Mike wondered what the market will look like for Ryan Madson because there isn't much precedent for relievers entering free agency coming off Tommy John surgery.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Mike put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR and our roster of weekly features, including when they are posted and what exactly to expect from them.