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 Dodgers front office overhaul and their slew of offseason manuevers with Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Jeff also welcomed MLBTR’s Zach Links who spent the past week touring the Grapefruit League. A new edition of MLB Trade Rumors Podcast drops every Thursday and can be accessed on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
• Tim Dierkes revised MLBTR’s 2016 Free Agent Power Rankings with Yoenis Cespedes knocking Matt Wieters out of the tenth spot.
• Zach visited the Spring Training camps of the Blue Jays, Twins, and Phillies.
• In Dunedin, Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak told Zach a change of scenery may be what it takes for his career to take off. “I feel like I’m at a point where I’ve learned what works for me and I’ve learned a lot. In Seattle, I had some good times and I learned a lot, but it’ll be a fresh start in Toronto and, hopefully, I’ll get things going here.“
• In Ft. Myers, Zach spoke to Twins reliever Blaine Boyer about why he insists on traveling with his family, asked Mike Pelfrey about his time with the Mets and his decision to sign with the Twins three years ago, and queried Twins GM Terry Ryan about the negotiations surrounding the recent Phil Hughes extension and the spring play of shortstop Eduardo Escobar.
• In Clearwater, Zach sat down with Phillies starting pitchers Aaron Harang and Jerome Williams and third baseman Cody Asche explained his reasoning for choosing Arland Sports as his agency.
• Agent Jim Munsey told MLBTR free agent left-hander Sean Burnett, recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, will throw for interested clubs in May or June and anticipates his client will be game-ready sometime in July.
• Tim and Jeff continued MLBTR’s Offseason In Review series with their assessment of the Cubs, White Sox, Mets, and Phillies.
• Steve Adams identified eight teams who have a need for recently released right-hander Jhoulys Chacin.
• Mark Polishuk sees Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe as a possible trade candidate.
• Jeff surveyed MLBTR readers on the best (acquiring Howie Kendrick/trading Dee Gordon) and worst (trading Matt Kemp) Dodger transactions this past winter.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the Rays released outfielder James Harris.
• Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.