MLBTR Originals

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

• MLB Trade Rumors Podcast featured host Jeff Todd discussing the Diamondbacks with Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic and which options will be exercised and which will be declined with Steve Adams. A new edition of MLB Trade Rumors Podcast will be released every Thursday afternoon and can be accessed on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
• In the wake of the Dodgers hiring Andrew Friedman away from the Rays, Tampa Bay owner Stuart Sternberg told Zach Links he does not plan on changing his no-contract policy for the upper levels of the franchise’s front office. “That’s our policy, for better or for worse. There are positives with it and negatives with it,” Sternberg said. “I put my reputation in their hands and they in mine as well and we have a real level of trust. When it comes to the contract that’s what it’s really all about and it was never really a consideration with Andrew.”
• MLBTR’s 2014-2015 Free Agent Tracker is now available with the start of free agency just a World Series away. It can be found in the Tools drop down menu at the top of the page or in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
• Speaking of free agents, there were six installments of MLBTR’s Free Agent Profile series this week.
• Tim Dierkes imagines a four-year deal for Ervin Santana worth $56MM.
• Jeff projects two years and $22MM for Michael Morse.
• Same terms for Michael Cuddyer, according to Zach.
• Zach predicts a three-year pact earning $27MM for Asdrubal Cabrera.
• Steve expects Melky Cabrera will sign a five-year, $66.25MM contract while Nick Markakis will collect $48MM over four years.
• MLBTR previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Brewers (by Charlie Wilmoth), Reds (also by Charlie), Blue Jays (by Mark Polishuk), Padres (by Zach), Mets and Braves (both by Jeff).
• Steve pitted right-handed starters Ervin Santana and Brandon McCarthy in the latest Free Agent Faceoff. More than 57% of you would prefer to sign McCarthy.
• Jeff analyzed the trade candidacy of the Braves’ Evan Gattis.
• Steve hosted this week’s chat.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.