MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as 2012 became 2013:

• Tim Dierkes attended the Cubs' press conference announcing their signing of Edwin Jackson and reported GM Jed Hoyer's rationale behind the move and the benefits Jackson sees in having a long-term contract for the first time in his career.
• Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for David Price and Buster Posey.
• Mark Polishuk listed the key non-moves of 2012.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith, the 94th most influential Canadian in baseball, detailed how the seven teams that allowed the most runs in 2012 have tried to improve themselves. 
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers which of the seven remaining unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list will be the last to come to terms. More than 30% of you picked Jose Valverde (#44) with Rafael Soriano (#17) close behind at 29%. 
• Ben asked MLBTR readers how the Diamondbacks should address their outfield depth. Nearly 41% of you would break the logjam by trading Jason Kubel while over 39% of you would deal Justin Upton.
• Zach revisited the 2012 New Year's Day trade between the White Sox and Blue Jays that sent Jason Frasor back to Toronto in exchange for two minor leaguers.
• I looked back at the Messersmith-McNally decision on its 37th anniversary, a ruling that effectively voided baseball's reserve clause and established true free agency for players.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Mike Axisa put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Hopefully, one of your New Year's resolutions is to abide by MLBTR's commenting policy.