MLBTR Originals

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

• Tim Dierkes revised MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury remain the top two in this edition, but Nelson Cruz dropped out in the wake of his 50-game Biogenesis suspension.
• Steve Adams documented Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera will lose at least $1MM in salary this year and next because of his 50-game Biogenesis suspension while also putting the opportunity for a long-term contract at risk.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the Giants decided to hold off pursuing a minor league contract with Ted Lilly, for the time being, after reviewing the left-hander's medical history.
• MLBTR was the first to report Giants right-hander Yusmeiro Petit cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Fresno.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers who will forego free agency this offseason by signing a contract extension. Once again, our readers are very prescient with 56% predicting Chase Utley and the Phillies would come to terms on a new pact. A mere 11 hours after the survey was published, news broke of the two sides reaching an agreement on a two-year, $27MM deal with three vesting options, which could increase the value of the extension to as much as $75MM.
• Steve listed the notable August extensions from the previous three seasons.
• Zach Links tracked the progress players with a 2014 vesting option are making toward exercising those options.
• MLBTR is keeping track of the players who, based on published reports, have cleared waivers. This list can always be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
• Tim named the relievers who could become August trade candidates.
• Zach revisited the White Sox's waiver claim acquisition of Alex Rios four years ago yesterday.
• The MLBTR Reverse Standings page is now available offering readers a simple way of following the action, as teams vie for the for the best draft picks in 2014 by losing the most games in 2013. You can find the link under MLBTR Features in the right sidebar.
• Zach asked MLBTR readers how the Diamondbacks will finish out their season. Nearly 75% of you see a winning season for Arizona, but not a trip to the playoffs.
• Tim hosted this week's chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.