A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week as we wind down 2012:
- Stephen Drew told reporters, including MLBTR's Zach Links, he turned down opportunities for a multi-year contract to sign a one-year deal with the Red Sox because Boston was the best fit due in part to the chance to play alongside Dustin Pedroia.
- Alex Esteban, the agent for free agent infielder Yuniesky Betancourt, told MLBTR he is currently having coversations with four teams and expects his client to sign a Major League contract shortly after the holidays.
- Mike Axisa updated the status of the seven unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list.
- Zach asked MLBTR readers which of those seven will sign next. Nearly 41% of you believe Adam LaRoche will be the first to put pen to paper.
- But will that paper be a three-year contract? More than 55% of MLBTR readers say no.
- Mike listed the remaining free agent power hitters, contact hitters, and ground ball pitchers.
- Zach did likewise with the remaining free agent bullpen strikeout artists and inning-eating starters.
- Mike asked MLBTR readers whether the Red Sox and Mike Napoli will finalize their three-year, $39MM agreement. Over 57% of you say the deal will fall through.
- Zach examined 2012's five worst offensive teams and how they have tried to improve themselves this offseason.
- Zach profiled the moves the 80-89 Win Club members who failed to make the playoffs have made this winter.
- Mark Polishuk revisited some of the major transactions that have taken place on December 28th in recent years.
- December 29th has seen its share of major transactions, as well. Zach looked back at the free agent signings of Jason Bay by the Mets and Barry Zito by the Giants.
- Zach reminisced about the Mets' acquisition of Mo Vaughn 11 years ago this week from the Angels for Kevin Appier.
- Mike hosted this week's chat.
- Mike compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.