MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days:

• Tim Dierkes spoke with agents Darek Braunecker and Greg Genske and ex-Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi about the pros and cons of opt-out clauses (all three have negotiated contracts containing opt-outs) and how "another bite at the apple" has become part of every agent's arsenal for premium clients.
• Tim was the first to report reliever Andrew Bailey was close to signing with the Yankees.
• Tim learned some of the remaining free agents tied to draft pick compensation would rather wait until after the June amateur draft to sign rather than agree to a below market deal now.
• Steve Adams sees risk for both sides in the Homer Bailey extension: the Reds paying market value one year early and Bailey leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table, if he continues the improvement he's shown over the past two seasons.
• Tim opined the Braves subverted the arbitration system with the Craig Kimbrel extension and found a way to keep an elite reliever for more than one or two additional years, but the star closer can rest easy in the knowledge his family has financial security for generations to come. 
• Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers about the parameters of a Mike Trout extension with the Angels. The consensus (as measured by the median of responses) was the Angels should be willing to give Trout a 10-year, $300MM deal, but a nine-year, $250MM contract is more likely to be reached. 
• Zach Links was the first to learn Manny Ramirez switched agents: leaving Praver/Shapiro for Alex Esteban of Miami Sports Management.
• Steve hosted this week's chat.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.