A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as 2013 became 2014:

• Jeff Todd previewed the top Hot Stove storylines of the new year.
• In a follow up to one of the storylines he highlighted, Jeff asked MLBTR readers when will the Rays trade David Price. Over 68% of you believe Price will be wearing a different uniform by the Trade Deadline.
• Tim Dierkes demonstrated the recent rarity of a non-Boras free agent finding a three-year deal in January or later, and took a look at the market situation for the top remaining names.
• Stephen Drew (#14 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) could be in line for one of those three-year free agent contracts, and Tim used projections to examine the six teams who could use him the most.
• Charlie Wilmoth detailed how the free agent closer market is changing as clubs are becoming more reluctant to over-commit in terms of money or years.
• The Brewers still haven't signed a free agent to a Major League deal, but Tim Dierkes' look at Doug Melvin's past five offseasons showed the GM is comfortable signing players later in the offseason.
• Jeff examined the use and impact of options in MLB contracts.
• Tim listed the extension candidates for each franchise.
• Tim learned the Tigers, Indians, and Orioles are among those who have inquired about reliever Luis Ayala this winter and three teams have discussed a Major League deal with reliever Carlos Marmol. 
• Zach Links broke the news multiple clubs are interested in Yuniesky Betancourt, including one possible opportunty to start, and the infielder hopes to sign within the next two weeks. 
• Tim was the first to report reliever Joel Hanrahan, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is throwing off a mound ahead of schedule and is expected to throw for teams during Spring Training.
• Zach was the first to learn right-hander Jerome Williams is in the talking stages with a number of American League clubs and could be receiving offers over the next two weeks.
• Zach was first with a half dozen teams expressing interest in right-hander Brett Tomko.
• Six to eight clubs have shown varying levels of interest in reliever Kyle Farnsworth, but nothing is imminent, according to Zach.  
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers which team will sign Nelson Cruz (#17 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) and a plurality of you see him landing with the Mariners. 
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers to name the best transaction of 2013. You split your support between extensions given to Paul Goldschmidt, Dustin Pedroia, and Chris Sale; the Yankees' signing of Brian McCann; the Nationals acquiring Doug Fister; and the Braves obtaining Justin Upton and Chris Johnson in a seven-player trade with the Diamondbacks. 
• Dennis Gilbert reminisced with Zach about his time as an agent and his current role as a special assistant to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. 
• Charlie posted excerpts from his interview with former MLB pitcher C.J. Nitkowski, who is now an analyst for MLB.com, CBS Sports, and MLB Network Radio.
• Jeff revisited the 2012 New Year's Day trade between the White Sox and Blue Jays, which sent reliever Jason Frasor back to Toronto in exchange for minor league pitching prospects Myles Jaye and Daniel Webb.
• Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week as we wind down 2013:

• Zach Links details how agents and front office personnel alike find time to squeeze in some business between opening presents and eating 12 grapes while popping champagne corks to a chorus of Auld Lang Syne. 
• With only 15 of MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents unsigned, Steve Adams asked our readers to re-rank those still on the market. Just under 74% of those surveyed chose Masahiro Tanaka as the most desirable free agent. Nelson Cruz and Matt Garza were next with approximately 6%.
• Charlie Wilmoth asked MLBTR readers who will sign Tanaka. Nearly 39% of you say the 25-year-old right-hander will be wearing pinstripes.
• Mark Polishuk opines teams not willing to bid on Tanaka for any reason other than they feel he cannot pitch effectively in MLB are being short-sighted.
• Steve asked MLBTR readers to name the best nine-figure free agent contract this offseason. You split your support between Jacoby Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo.
• Aaron Steen asked MLBTR readers to voice their opinion on the Rangers' offseason to date. More than 72% of you approve of the moves made by GM Jon Daniels. 
• Zach was the first to report five teams are bidding for the services of outfielder Sam Fuld. All five teams have proposed minor leagues deals with an invitation to Spring Training.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to learn reliever Jim Hoey is looking to hook on with a MLB team after spending the bulk of 2013 with the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• MLBTR has a roster of regular features. Here's the schedule and a brief synopsis of each.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as we check our list to see who's been naughty or nice in the waning hours before St. Nick's arrival:

• Charlie Wilmoth updated the status of the top ten remaining free agents on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list (posted prior to Grant Balfour's deal-no deal with the Orioles).
• Tim Dierkes examined the pool of unsigned free agents and noted the limited number of available players who could be considered regulars.
• The agent for Kevin Youkilis confirmed to MLBTR his client's decision to play for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2014. Joe Bick of Pro Star Management, Inc. also explained the opportunity to spend a year in Japan was a "life experience that was too good to pass up" for Youkilis and his family. 
• Zach Links spoke with Giants Vice President and Assistant General Manager Bobby Evans about the team's offseason.
• Damon Lapa, the agent for Jeff Karstens, told Zach he expects at least a dozen teams to attend the right-hander's workout in mid-to-late January.
• Tim was the first to report Jordany Valdespin switched agencies leaving ACES to join Metis Sports Management. 
• MLBTR broke the news of catcher Kyle Skipworth being designated for assignment by the Marlins.
• Agent Burton Rocks told MLBTR he has spoken with four or five teams about an unique proposition involving right-hander Juan Rincon: a minor league contract, ideally with an invitation to Spring Training, with an eye towards mentoring young pitchers and continuing in that role as a scout upon his retirement.
• Steve Adams hosted this week's live chat.
• Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR, as we went 24 hours during the Winter Meetings this past week:

• Zach Links and Luke Adams anchored our around-the-clock coverage providing a daily recap (Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3) of the hard news and rumors with Tim Dierkes and Jeff Todd reporting live from Orlando. Steve Adams meanwhile covered the Rule 5 Draft.
• In a preview of the Winter Meetings, Jeff predicted the wheeling and dealing could lead to some interesting and opportunistic maneuvers. 
• Jeff attended the joint press conference with the GMs involved the three-team Mark Trumbo trade and posted their reactions to the deal.
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers which team benefitted the most from the four trades engineered during the Winter Meetings. More than 32% of you who responded to the survey believe the Angels helped themselves the most with the aforementioned Trumbo deal. 
• Tim was first with the details of Roberto Hernandez's contract with the Phillies: a one-year, $4.5MM guarantee with an additional $1.5MM in incentives based on innings pitched. Tim also heard the Cubs had been competitive on Hernandez.
• MLBTR was the first to report 12 teams have expressed interest in right-hander Jason Hammel and all are exploring one-year deals.
• Tim broke the news 10 teams are in pursuit of infielder Justin Turner and that Astros outfielder L.J. Hoes is now being represented by MVP Sports Group.
• Tim heard the Cubs offered Edward Mujica a one-year contract to be their closer before he signed with the Red Sox and 8-10 teams have inquired about right-hander Jerome Williams. 
• Marlins GM Michael Hill told Tim the decision to non-tender reliever Ryan Webb was simply a reallocation of the club's financial resources and the team's top priority is acquiring a third baseman.
• Tigers President/CEO/GM Dave Dombrowski told reporters, including MLBTR's Steve Adams, the perception the franchise needs to slash payroll is not true and the signing of Joba Chamberlain is the last move he's looking to make.
• Jeff opines the impetus for the Tigers' roster reshaping can be traced to the suspension of Jhonny Peralta.  
• The Mets will receive value in excess of the $20MM they will pay Bartolo Colon over the next two years and were able to negotiate such a reasonable price because of his age and history, according to Tim.
• Tim wonders if the Pirates still have payroll space for A.J. Burnett after signing Edinson Volquez.
• Jeff examined the market for Kendrys Morales (#28 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list).
• Jeff suggests the Nationals' trade for Doug Fister looks even better now than it did at first glance.
• Mike Napoli told Zach there were a lot teams interested in his services, but it ultimately came down to his wanting to return to Boston.
• Charlie Wilmoth listed the best remaining first base options available on the trade market and in free agency.
• Former first round draft choice Brian Anderson, whose switch to pitching was derailed by injuries, told MLBTR, "I'd love to get back on the field again."
• MLBTR was the first to learn infielder Adam Kennedy, who didn't play in 2013, is planning a comeback and will work out for teams during the second week of January.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.