MLBTR Originals

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR, as our country celebrated its 237th birthday this past week:

• Steve Adams listed the notable July extensions from the previous three seasons.
• There have been several changes made to the international bonus pool and Steve illustrated the effects of those changes using the Cubs as an example.
• Zach Links tracked the progress players with a 2014 vesting option are making toward exercising those options.
• Steve examined the trade market for second basemen.
• Steve asked MLBTR readers who will acquire Ricky Nolasco. More than 48% of you predicted correctly Dodgers GM Ned Colletti would be the one to finalize a trade for the now ex-Marlins right-hander.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet provided a new Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Steve hosted this week's live chat.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• With the Trade Deadline less than five weeks away, Tim Dierkes has created a Trade Candidate Leaderboard on FanGraphs for MLBTR readers to track the performance of potential trade targets.
• Tim examined the trade market for catchers and first basemen.
• Tim analyzed the 42 free agent-eligible starting pitchers using a customized FanGraphs leaderboard.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet penned this week's installment of Prospect Rumor Roundup. 
• Tim was the first to learn the Orioles placed infielder Yamaico Navarro on outright waivers.
• Tim was the first to report utilityman Michael Martinez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A by the Phillies.
• Zach Links gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Tim hosted the weekly live chat.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Tim Dierkes was the first to learn Mike Zagurski cleared waivers and elected free agency over being outrighted to Triple-A by the Pirates. Tim followed up with another Zagurski exclusive: the Yankees signing the left-hander to a minor league contract, which includes an August 15th opt-out date.
• MLBTR's Chris Cotillo learned right-hander Chris Bootcheck became a free agent by refusing the Yankees' outright assignment upon clearing waivers after being designated for assignment. Bootcheck, however, immediately re-signed with the Yankees agreeing to a minor league deal, which includes an August 15th opt-out date.  
• Chris was first with the Phillies placing utilityman Michael Martinez on waivers and left-hander Dusty Hughes retiring to become a coach at a private school.
• Chris broke the news of the Reds agreeing to terms with their competitive balance pick Michael Lorenzen to a $1.5MM bonus, $29.5K above the slot recommendation for the 38th overall selection (per Baseball America), and the Angels signing their second-rounder Hunter Green to a $942K deal, which is the slot recommendation for the 59th overall choice. 
• Tim was the first to report the Marlins signed their seventh-round draft pick Justin Bohn to a $525K contract, $332K above the slot recommendation for the 202nd overall selection (per Baseball America).
• MLBTR broke the story of the Padres inking their eighth-round draft choice Adrian De Horta to a $425K contract, $269K above the slot recommendation for the 238th overall pick (per Baseball America).
• With less than six weeks remaining before the Trade Deadline, trade candidates are starting to pop up. A pair of right-handed relievers were profiled in MLBTR's Trade Candidate series: Jesse Crain of the White Sox by Charlie Wilmoth and Jose Veras of the Astros by Steve Adams.
• Chris was the first to post right-hander Nelson Figueroa signed with a team in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links 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:

• MLBTR learned Carlos Torres re-worked the opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Mets where he would remain at Triple-A Las Vegas, but be allowed to contact other MLB teams. If Torres found a 25-man roster spot somewhere, the Mets would then have 48 hours to put him on their own active roster or the right-hander could declare free agency and sign with that other club. The Mets promoted Torres yesterday.
• MLBTR was the first to report Greg Reynolds and Travis Ishikawa had June 15 opt-out dates in their minor league contracts with the Reds and Orioles, respectively. Ishikawa exercised his opt-out today and, in addition to either being added to their 25-man roster or released within 48 hours, MLBTR learned the Orioles could also trade the first baseman during that window.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the Rangers signed their ninth-round draft pick right-hander Jose Samayoa.
• Tim Dierkes broke the news of the Diamondbacks signing right-hander David Pauley to a minor league deal and the Rays signing their second-round draft choice Riley Unroe to an above-slot contract.
• Steve Adams sees Scott Feldman as a trade candidate the Cubs could turn into a pair of top 15 prospects.
• Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers which team had the best draft. The top pick was the Cubs with over 1,100 votes (10%) out of the more than 11,000 cast while the Nationals brought up the rear with only 86 votes (0.78%).
• Steve hosted this week's chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Tim Dierkes revised MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. The top three spots (Robinson Cano, Shin-Soo Choo, and Jacoby Ellsbury) remained unchanged in this edition with three new players (Hiroki Kuroda, Carlos Beltran, and Mike Napoli) cracking the top ten.
• Tim identified Yovani Gallardo as a piece the Brewers could use to replenish their thin farm system, if they decide to become sellers at the Trade Deadline.
• Steve Adams issued a Free Agent Stock Watch on Scott Kazmir and sees the left-hander drawing significant interest with a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $13MM attainable. 
• Tim listed the weak-hitting positions for AL contenders.
• Tim hosted this week's live chat while Steve manned the MLBTR draft chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet provided a new Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of regular features and exactly what to expect from them.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• MLBTR's Tim Dierkes was the first to learn David Huff cleared waivers and accepted the Yankees' assignment to Triple-A. 
• Tim issued a Free Agent Stock Watch on Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
• Charlie Wilmoth examined the value of competitive balance draft picks.
• Tim listed some potential non-tender candidates.
• Jeff Todd revisited the notable transactions from June 2012.
• Tim detailed the weak-hitting positions for NL contenders.
• Zach Links updated the progress players with a 2014 vesting option are making toward exercising those options.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers which player not named Robinson Cano will receive the largest free agent contract this winter. Over 63% of you believe either Shin-Soo Choo or Jacoby Ellsbury, both Scott Boras clients, will be the one to break the bank. 
• Tim asked MLBTR readers who will be the first overall selection in the 2013 amateur draft. Nearly half of you believe the Astros will pick Oklahoma's Jonathan Gray.
• Tim hosted the weekly live chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet penned this week's installment of Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Tim Dierkes asked MLBTR readers which high-profile player will be dealt this summer. You expect Jed Hoyer to be very busy come the Trade Deadline as all five Cubs mentioned in the survey received at least 20% of the vote paced by top vote-getter Matt Garza (39.7%) and runner-up Alfonso Soriano (35%).
• Tim examined the trade market for left-handed relievers.
• Steve Adams continued the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Edwin Jackson–Daniel Hudson trade.
• Tim named the Top 100 prospects who could become trade bait.
• Steve listed the best Spring Training acquisitions of 2013.
• Tim issued an injury report on the 2014 free agent starters. 
• In the wake of Kevin Gausman's promotion, Steve asked MLBTR readers who will be the next 2012 first round draft choice to make his MLB debut. You expect either Michael Wacha of the Cardinals (40%) or Mike Zunino of the Mariners (30%) to reach the Majors next.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers to pick a winner in the Jesus Montero–Michael Pineda trade from two offseasons ago. More than 67% of you sided with the Yankees.
• MLBTR was the first to report Mark Teahen became a free agent when he asked for and was granted his release from the Diamondbacks.
• Tim hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet presented another Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links 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:

• Tim Dierkes updated MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Robinson Cano is still the top ranked free agent, but eight of the nine other positions changed hands.  
• Charlie Wilmoth tabbed the Pirates' Starling Marte as an extension candidate even though he has less than one year of service time.
• Steve Adams listed five minor league pitchers who are nearing the opt-out date in their contract. The Padres took notice selecting Tim Stauffer a mere four days after Steve's post.
• Mark Polishuk examined the trade candidacy of Astros ace Bud Norris.
• Steve broke down the 2014 free agent pitchers with the best command by starters and relievers.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers which 2014 free agent will receive a qualifying offer. A majority surveyed believe the Yankees will tender both Robinson Cano (88%) and Curtis Granderson (53%). Approximately two-thirds of you also believe Jacoby Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo will receive a qualifying offer.
• Edward Mujica was not included in Tim's survey, but Steve is very bullish about the Cardinals closer in the lastest Free Agent Stock Watch. 
• MLBTR was the first to report the Mets' signing of right-hander Matt Fox from the independent league York Revolution.
• MLBTR broke the news Cardinals right-hander Trevor Rosenthal changed agencies leaving Full Circle Sports Management for the Boras Corporation. 
• MLBTR was the first to learn of the Twins' signing of outfielder Jordan Parraz and his assignment to Double-A.
• Tim hosted this week's chat and emptied the MLBTR Mailbag.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Steve Adams presented another Transaction Retrospection with a look back at the Reds' acquisition of Mat Latos.
• Tim Dierkes listed the 2014 free agents who currently find themselves on the DL.
• Steve issued a Free Agent Stock Watch for ten starting pitchers who have battled injuries this year.
• Tim suggested Roberto Hernandez could take advantage of a weak free agent market for starting pitchers and secure a multiyear deal with a solid 2013 season.
• Tim identified potential trade targets who are under team control beyond this season.
• Jeff Todd examined in greater detail the trade candidacy of one those players, Alex Rios.
• Steve writes the Cubs could net a Top 10 prospect and another respectable piece in any deal for David DeJesus.
• Tim sees the Marlins' Kevin Slowey as a trade candidate who could solidify the back end of the rotation for teams like the Giants or Pirates.
• For teams in need of bullpen help, Tim looked at some relievers who could be available.
• Steve envisions a five-year, $60-65MM contract extension for Jordan Zimmermann as being a reasonable target, but something in the range of $75-80MM is not out of the question. 
• Tim hosted this week's live chat and delved into the MLBTR Mailbag.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet provided a new Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of regular features and exactly what to expect from them.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Zach Links posted his interview with President/General Manager Michael Pfaff of the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks, who have had a knack for luring notable former major league players (including Dontrelle Willis, Vladimir Guerrero, and Ramon Castro earlier this year) looking to continue their careers and return to MLB.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Miguel Sano, the Twins' top prospect, switched agencies leaving SFX for the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
• A Free Agent Stock Watch was issued by Tim Dierkes on the position players and starting pitchers who failed to make MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings, but whose fortunes are rising.
• Tim examined the five worst contract extensions signed two offseasons ago.
• Steve Adams revisited the notable transactions from May 2012.
• Tim listed the hardest throwing 2014 free agents while Steve noted those with the highest ground-ball rate. 
• Tim asked MLBTR readers to name baseball's best GM. The top pick was Billy Beane of the A's with over 4,000 votes (14%) while the Rockies' Bill Geivett brought up with the rear with just 45 votes (0.16%).
• Steve asked MLBTR readers whether the Padres will extend Chase Headley. More than 52% of you believe Headley will either be dealt before this July's trade deadline or during the offseason.
• Speaking of extensions, Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers which rising young star will sign one this month. You were evenly split (23%) between the Orioles and Matt Wieters coming to terms on a long-term contract and none of the listed players agreeing to an extension.  
• Tim hosted the weekly live chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet penned this week's installment of Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.