MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days, as 2014 became 2015:

• Steve Adams provided a division-by-division analysis of the trade market for Ben Zobrist.
• Zach Links and Jeff Todd dissected the five least productive offensive clubs in 2014 and how they have tried to improve themselves this offseason while Zach and I did likewise with the five worst pitching staffs.
• Charlie Wilmoth profiled Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report Indians catcher Yan Gomes joined Jet Sports Management.
• Charlie examined the parameters of a possible contract extension for Jason Heyward.
• Brad Johnson updated the status of the top ten remaining free agents on MLBTR’s 2014-15 Top 50 Free Agents list (posted prior to Asdrubal Cabrera’s agreement with the Rays).
• Mark Polishuk asked MLBTR readers where will James Shields sign. Almost one-fifth of you believe he will join the Giants.
• Brad asked MLBTR readers whether Dan Haren will pitch in 2015. Over 29% of you see Haren retiring rather than pitch for the Marlins. If Miami is able to accomodate the right-hander’s desire to pitch on the West Coast, you feel San Diego is the likeliest destination.
• Jeff pitted several back-of-the-rotation starters in a Free Agent Faceoff. Nearly 37% of you prefer Ryan Vogelsong over Aaron Harang, Kyle Kendrick, Chris Young, Kevin Correia, and Roberto Hernandez.
• Steve hosted this week’s live chat.
• Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.