MLBTR Originals

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

• Tim Dierkes was the first to learn Mike Zagurski cleared waivers and elected free agency over being outrighted to Triple-A by the Pirates. Tim followed up with another Zagurski exclusive: the Yankees signing the left-hander to a minor league contract, which includes an August 15th opt-out date.
• MLBTR's Chris Cotillo learned right-hander Chris Bootcheck became a free agent by refusing the Yankees' outright assignment upon clearing waivers after being designated for assignment. Bootcheck, however, immediately re-signed with the Yankees agreeing to a minor league deal, which includes an August 15th opt-out date.  
• Chris was first with the Phillies placing utilityman Michael Martinez on waivers and left-hander Dusty Hughes retiring to become a coach at a private school.
• Chris broke the news of the Reds agreeing to terms with their competitive balance pick Michael Lorenzen to a $1.5MM bonus, $29.5K above the slot recommendation for the 38th overall selection (per Baseball America), and the Angels signing their second-rounder Hunter Green to a $942K deal, which is the slot recommendation for the 59th overall choice. 
• Tim was the first to report the Marlins signed their seventh-round draft pick Justin Bohn to a $525K contract, $332K above the slot recommendation for the 202nd overall selection (per Baseball America).
• MLBTR broke the story of the Padres inking their eighth-round draft choice Adrian De Horta to a $425K contract, $269K above the slot recommendation for the 238th overall pick (per Baseball America).
• With less than six weeks remaining before the Trade Deadline, trade candidates are starting to pop up. A pair of right-handed relievers were profiled in MLBTR's Trade Candidate series: Jesse Crain of the White Sox by Charlie Wilmoth and Jose Veras of the Astros by Steve Adams.
• Chris was the first to post right-hander Nelson Figueroa signed with a team in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.