MLBTR Originals

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

• Tim Dierkes revised MLBTR’s 2015 Free Agent Power Rankings and Hanley Ramirez has regained the top spot over Max Scherzer. There are also five new players in this month’s edition (Nelson Cruz, Victor Martinez, Mike Morse, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Russell Martin).
• Charlie Wilmoth outlined several possible reforms to the Super Two designation (untethering free agency and arbitration eligibility from service time, allowing an arbitrator to determine a prospect’s MLB readiness, eliminating the Super Two and redistributing those salaries, and prorating first-year arbitration salaries), but opines a few cases every season like the Pirates’ Gregory Polanco do not justify sweeping changes to the existing system.
• Jeff Todd examined the Jon Singleton extension and noted the ground-breaking contract should have relatively minimal impact on players who have the means and desire to bear the inherent risk of transitioning from top prospect to an established Major Leaguer.
• Tim was the first to report the details of the 2015 vesting option for White Sox lefty reliever Scott Downs: 55 appearances and not ending the season on the disabled list.
• Speaking of vesting options, Steve Adams is tracking the progress players with a 2015 vesting option are making toward exercising those options.
• MLBTR was the first to learn right-hander Dustin Moseley, who has hasn’t pitched since 2012 because of a shoulder injury, will throw a full bullpen session for interested teams on Tuesday.
• Zach Links revisited the notable transactions which have occurred on June 19th.
• Steve hosted this week’s live chat.