MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR, as we went 24 hours during the Winter Meetings last week with Tim Dierkes and Steve Adams reporting live from San Diego:

• Agent Scott Boras told Tim the off-the-field issues surrounding Everth Cabrera will not affect the shortstop’s market. “I think we all know that players get involved in situations where they might have made a mistake and done things. You talk to teams about the player’s history, his character, where he’s going in the future. So it’s really a due diligence dynamic with Everth. The people that are coming after him know him well, so they have to have the comfort level. They know this is an isolated issue, and they know his talent too.“
• White Sox GM Rich Hahn explained to reporters, including Steve, his rationale in trading for Jeff Samardzija, despite having control over the right-hander for only 2015. “This is the guy we wanted. I think the calculus of the trade is that we’re acquiring one year of Jeff Samardzija…and the exclusive ability to talk to him for 10 months. “
• Tim was the first to report the Royals’ interest in free agent infielder Asdrubal Cabrera and opines Rafael Furcal could be a fit for Kansas City, as well, on a minor league deal.
• MLB Trade Rumors Podcast recapped all the hard news and rumors emanating from the Winter Meetings with host Jeff Todd and Tim examining how the week’s moves will affect the rest of the offseason.
• Zach Links covered the Rule 5 Draft.
• Charlie Wilmoth updated the status of the top ten remaining free agents on MLBTR’s 2014-15 Top 50 Free Agents list (posted prior to Melky Cabrera’s agreement with the White Sox).
• MLBTR’s Free Agent Profile series continued with Charlie predicting Stephen Drew (#42) will have to settle for a one-year, $7MM pact.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz broke down the arbitration case of right-hander Rick Porcello, who was acquired by the Red Sox during the Winter Meetings, and Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison.
• Tim was the first to learn right-hander Chaz Roe agreed to a minor league contract with the Orioles.
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers whether the moves made by the White Sox so far this offseason have transformed them into playoff contenders. More than 55% of you agree with that assessment.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.