MLBTR Originals

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

• Tim Dierkes was the first to report the option on Cole Hamels' contract extension is either a club option at $20MM or a vesting option at $24MM. 
• Ben Nicholson-Smith discussed the Jacob Turner–Anibal Sanchez–Omar Infante trade. Some teams seem willing to trade top prospects for prospective free agents, even when draft pick compensation isn't a possibility.
• Ben also explained the impact of the Carlos Quentin extension for teams outside of San Diego
• Ben posted his interview with Colby Rasmus on the one-year anniversary of the blockbuster three-team trade that sent the outfielder to Toronto.
• Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers which available starting pitcher would provide the biggest boost as a trade deadline acquisition: Hamels, Ryan Dempster, Zack Greinke, Matt Garza, or someone else. Over 58% of you favored Hamels. The Phillies agreed with you, but the Angels are hoping you're wrong.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Mike Axisa put together a trade deadline themed Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• The MLBTR Reverse Standings page is now available offering readers a simple way of following the action, as teams vie for the for the best draft picks in June of 2013 by losing the most games in 2012. You can find the link under MLBTR Features in the right sidebar. 

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

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

• Ben Nicholson-Smith finished his preview of the trade market in anticipation of the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline with a look at the potentially available shortstops, outfielders, starting pitchers, left-handed relievers, and right-handed relievers. 
• Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers which trade target makes the most sense for the Pirates: Chase Headley, Carlos Quentin, Justin Upton, Shane Victorino or somone else. Nearly 48% of you think the Pirates would be best served adding Upton to their lineup.
• Ben hosted this week's live chat.
• Mike Axisa assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In with the headliners being trade candidates Upton, Cole Hamels, and Zack Greinke. 
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of weekly features and exactly what to expect from them.

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

• Ben Nicholson-Smith is previewing the trade market position by position in anticipation of the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. This week's focus: catchers, first basemen, second basemen, and third basemen.
• MLBTR learned the bonus 16-year-old Australian left-hander Lewis Thorpe received for signing with the Twins was $500K.
• MLBTR also learned Xavier Paul opted out of his minor league contract with the Nationals and became a free agent.
• MLBTR was the first to report the Reds signed their eighth round draft pick Seth Mejias-Brean, who played third base for the College World Series champion Arizona.
• Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
• Mike Axisa gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In. This week's edition featured posts on Cole Hamels, Matt Garza, and Carlos Lee.
• Zach Links listed the remaining unsigned first round selections from the 2012 draft. The signing deadline is this Friday.
• Here's a refresher on MLBTR's commenting policy.

Let's look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Ben Nicholson-Smith provided service time updates for Anthony Rizzo and Trevor Bauer, a pair of highly regarded prospects who made their 2012 debuts this week.
• Mike Axisa asked MLBTR readers if the Rockies should trade Carlos Gonzalez for a package of prospects and nearly 54% of you think they should.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Ben reviewed the performances of the eight players who signed $100MM contracts this past offseason.
• Mike put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In with the Kevin Youkilis trade being a hot topic.
• Ben listed the remaining unsigned first round and supplementary first round selections from the 2012 draft.

Here's a look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Ben Nicholson-Smith wrote Alfonso Soriano will draw some interest from teams in a trade market that doesn't yet feature an impact bat. 
• Ben also wrote Jason Vargas could have considerable value as a low-cost option for teams looking for a left-handed starter.
• Ben hosted this week's chat.
• Mike Axisa provided a 2013 vesting options update for players like Jason Bartlett, Kevin Gregg, and Brett Myers.
• This week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In featured posts on Jorge Soler, Cole Hamels, and R.A. Dickey.
• MLBTR reported the Rangers signed right-hander Willie Eyre to a minor league contract.
• Daniel Seco listed the remaining unsigned first round and supplementary first round selections from the 2012 draft.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team?  Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.

Here's a look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• MLBTR was the first to learn that Ben Sheets threw for scouts from the Phillies, Braves, Yankees, and Angels on Wednesday.
• MLBTR learned the Indians' second round selection Mitch Brown received an over-slot bonus of $800K.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report the White Sox signed their third round draft choice Joey DeMichele.
• MLBTR was the first to break the news of the draft signings of Joey Curletta (sixth round) by the Dodgers and Elliott Waterman (13th round) by the Nationals.
• Another MLBTR exclusive was Mark Teahen has an opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Nationals.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith examined the possibility of Ryan Dempster being traded this summer.
• Ben hosted this week's live chat.
• Mike Axisa has the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In featuring posts on Andre Ethier, Josh Hamilton, and Carlos Quentin.
• Ben updated the timeline for calling up prospects with the expectation the players will not be eligible for super two arbitration status. 
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors.  Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.

Here's a look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Ben Nicholson-Smith wrote about the uncertainty surrounding the Red Sox amid the Kevin Youkilis trade rumors.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report outfielder Jason Pridie asked for and was granted his release from the A's.
• MLBTR was the first to break the news of the Royals signing their third round draft choice Colin Rodgers.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR draft chat and the regular weekly live chat.
• Ben profiled the first overall draft selections who haven’t appeared in an MLB game.
• Zach Links reviewed the 22-year career of Bill Buckner, which came to an end 22 years ago.
• Ben checked in on the prominent starting pitchers scheduled to be first-time arbitration eligible this coming offseason.
• Howard Megdal examined the value teams have received from free agent compensation draft picks.
• Mike Axisa compiled the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In. This week's edition featured posts on Mark Appel, Justin Morneau, and Bryan LaHair.
• Here's a refresher on MLBTR's commenting policy and the schedule of our weekly features and exactly what to expect from them.

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

• Ben Nicholson-Smith completed the 2013 Contract Issues series by profiling the Yankees, Orioles, and Red Sox.
• Ben wrote Matt Capps figures to draw interest as a trade candidate this summer.
• Ben also wrote that Carlos Quentin will have considerable value for teams looking for a power bat.
• Mike Axisa listed the longest current contracts for each of the 30 clubs.
• Ben compiled a team by team breakdown of the 2013 payroll commitments.
• Mark Polishuk examined the best contract extensions from two offseasons ago.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• MLBTR was the first to report Ross Ohlendorf became a free agent after opting out of his minor league deal with the Red Sox.
• Mike asked MLBTR readers if Jamie Moyer will continue playing.  Nearly 54% of you think he will.
• This week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In featured posts on Roy Oswalt, Adam Jones, and Kevin Youkilis.
• The Baseball Trade Rumors app is now iPad-friendly. The newly released version 2.2 also features integration with our commenting system. Check it out today!

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

• Ben Nicholson-Smith continued MLBTR's 2013 Contract Issues series by profiling the Marlins, Braves, Blue Jays, & Rays.  He also broke down the AL West (Rangers, Mariners, Athletics, Angels) and the AL Central (Twins, Royals, Tigers, Indians, White Sox).
• Former MLB outfielder Bobby Kielty told Tim Dierkes he signed with the York Revolution of the independent Atlantic League.
• Jason Marquis has been a frequent subject of MLBTR posts throughout his career, writes Howard Megdal.
• Ben hosted this week's chat.
• Mike Axisa has the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In featuring posts on Roy Oswalt, Aroldis Chapman, and Mike Trout.
• Mike asked MLBTR readers about the next contract for Mike Napoli and over 49% predict a deal in the four-year, $52MM range.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team?  Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.