MLBTR Originals

Here's a look back at the original reporting and analysis produced by MLBTR's writing staff this week..

• We're always looking ahead here at MLBTR and this week Tim rolled out his early analysis of the 2013-14 free agent class.
• Some questioned the Nats' decision to take a closer so early in the draft, but Drew Storen hasn't disappointed on the promise he flashed as an amateur, writes Dan Mennella.  Dan gave his thoughts on what it might take for Washington to extend Storen.
• For all of the hype generated by Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters last year, many overlooked the impressive numbers posted by Braves left-hander Eric O'Flaherty.  Mark Polishuk took notice, however, and believes that a three-year, $12MM deal would be appropriate for the 27-year-old.
• This week's installment of Baseball Blogs Weigh In from Mike Axisa covers Andrew McCutchen's extension and Yu Darvish's spring debut.
• Speaking of McCutchen's deal, the Pirates are now set focus their attention on a new deal for second baseman Neil Walker.  Tim examined what that contract might look like.
• The Red Sox have Jacoby Ellsbury under team control through 2013, but they might want to start thinking about a contract extension for him, Mark writes.
• This week's Sloan Sports Analytics Conference featured some of the brightest minds in baseball and many of the panelists gave their thoughts on the next frontier in the game.
• The Padres didn't get a discount on Cameron Maybin's arbitration years, Tim writes.
• The Yankees are looking to get under the $189MM threshold by 2014, but Mike's poll shows that roughly 72% of MLBTR readers aren't buying it.
• Tim conducted the weekly chat on Wednesday.  If you missed out on it, you can check out the transcript right here.
• The Nationals' glut of starting pitching makes John Lannan a great trade candidate.
• Tim outlined some big money players who stand a chance of being cut at some point in 2012.  Among those on the list are Vernon Wells, Barry Zito, and Jason Bay.
• What was the biggest surprise of the offseason?  According to MLBTR readers, it was the Halos signing both Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.  A majority (26.4%) of MLBTR readers also picked the Angels as the American League team poised to make the biggest turnaround.
• Five players can lock in 2013 contract options with their play in 2012.
• Looking for a list of all of MLBTR's weekly features?  Check out this post.  It even includes MLBTR Originals, which is kind of meta, or something.

As Spring Training picks up steam, let's take a look back at the original content and scoops provided by the MLBTR writing team this past week:

• Tim Dierkes attended the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, and had the opportunity to get some thoughts from Scott Boras on Edwin Jackson, Johnny Damon, and Mike Gonzalez. Boras said he feels a one-year deal benefits Jackson, because his agency's metrics lead him to believe that evolution as a pitcher is still coming.
• Tim also had the opportunity to ask new Astros GM Jeff Luhnow a few questions after he participated in a panel at the event. Luhnow spoke about the decision to move Brett Myers to the bullpen, the importance of the first overall pick, and his implementation of more advanced statistical analysis in the Houston front office.
• Happy belated Leap Day! Howard Megdal's latest work takes a look at the history of the rare February 29 transaction.
• Mike Axisa gave us an idea of what to expect this month when he ran down the transactions from March of 2011.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith examined Salvador Perez's surprising contract extension, noting that there's significant upside for the Royals.
• Ryan Zimmerman became the newest $100MM man in baseball, leading Ben to look at $100MM contracts in history by players' age.
• The new Collective Bargaining Agreement will have significant impact on trading strategies this year, and Ben examined what changes we can expect when he looked at the new trade market.
• Ben examined John Axford as an extension candidate and concluded that a four-year, $17MM deal would be fitting for the man with Milwaukee's most notable mustache.
• That wasn't the only situation Ben analyzed; he took a look at Mike Minor as a trade candidate following some candid comments from the Braves young lefty last week.
• Ben gave a fantastic preview of service time considerations for Baseball America's Top 100 prospects. Ben's piece sheds light on how long players like Bryce Harper and Shelby Miller will have to be in the minors to give their clubs extra service time.
• Tim provides an extensive list of starting pitchers who could hear their name on the trading block whis summer.
• Tim also published MLBTR's list of 2014 free agents, and in a separate piece, looked at the top names available at each position in that free agent class.
• On a related note, Tim also checked in with players who would be entering contract years, were it not for contract extensions they signed.
• The Offseason in Review series is back, and Tim kicked off by looking at the Atlanta Braves.
• In a pair of polls, Ben and Zach asked readers which 90-win team will disappoint (with the Brewers getting the most votes) and which NL team will have the biggest turnaround (the Nationals won the voting), respectively.
• WIth Scott Sizemore going down for the season, Tim looked at some third base alternatives for the Athletics.
• As he does each and every week, Mike provided readers with a window into the best of the baseball blogosphere with this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Tim manned the helm for this week's MLBTR Chat.
• MLBTR is seeking comment moderators, so be sure to apply if you're interested in helping out!
• As usual, there's plenty of new fantasy baseball content over at the newly re-launched RotoAuthority.com. Here's a look at the latest.
• MLBTR was the first to learn that the Orioles signed minor league catcher Josh Johnson.

A look back at the original analysis and reporting that the MLBTR staff churned out over the past week …

• The Rangers signed lefty reliever Neal Cotts to a minor league contract, Tim Dierkes reported.
• Brandon McCarthy's transformation has made him an extension candidate, explained Tim.
• Which team spent the most on its arbitration eligible players this offseason? Tim had a look.
• Minor league contracts can be big values to clubs, so Tim ranked the 10 best of this offseason.
• Tim compared and contrasted the respective top-100-prospect list of Baseball America, Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, and Keith Law of ESPN.com. 
• Ben Nicholson-Smith hosted MLBTR's Weekly Live Chat.
• Ben looked at the youngest remaining free agents on the market.
• Mike Axisa rounded up some of the best pieces from around the baseball blogosphere. A Billy Beane interview, a Ryan Braun reaction piece, and a farewell to Tim Wakefield were among the many interesting reads.

Here's a look at this week's original reporting and analysis from the MLBTR staff..

• The Reds agreed to sign right-hander Brett Tomko to a minor league deal and MLBTR was the first to learn of the news.  The 14-year veteran split the 2011 season between the Rangers and their Triple-A affiliate.
• Which players might bring draft pick compensation after 2012?  Tim examined the field beyond the obvious players such as Matt Cain, Cole Hamels, and Zack Greinke.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith examined Garrett Jones' arbitration case.  The Bucs wound up beating Jones and the 30-year-old will earn $2.25MM instead of the $2.5MM he was seeking.
• Ben was the first to report that Shawn Camp's deal with the Mariners will be worth $750K.  Camp, 36, posted a 4.21 ERA, 4.3 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 0.41 HR/9, and 53.5% groundball rate in 66 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays last year.
• MLBTR compiled a list of players who are out of options in 2012 in one handy post.
• If you missed out on the weekly chat with Tim, you can review the transcript here.
• More than 31% of MLBTR readers believe that the Yankees' next DH will be Raul Ibanez.
• This week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In featured retrospectives on the life and career of Gary Carter.
• The Blue Jays extended Casey Janssen with a two-year, $5.9MM deal and MLBTR had the payment breakdown.
• Who had the better offseason between the Marlins or the Nationals?  MLBTR readers were more or less split, with roughly 45% picking Miami, 41% choosing the Nats, and 13% calling it a draw.
• Take a look here for all the ways to enjoy MLBTR.
• MLBTR is now looking for comment moderators.

Sunday nights mean it's time to take our weekly look back at the original content and scoops provided by the MLBTR team. Let's run it all down:

• MLBTR learned that the Rangers and Mike Napoli avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $9.4MM.
• Additionally, MLBTR was the first to confirm the $16MM value on Nelson Cruz's two-year extension with Texas.
• For those whose sports love transcends MLB and spills over into the NBA, MLBTR creator Tim Dierkes revealed his next venture: HoopsRumors.com. HoopsRumors will have some familiar names for MLBTR faithful, as head writer Luke Adams will be joined by MLBTR veteran Zach Links and a host of talented writers to bring you the same quality you've come to expect from MLBTR over the years.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith provided a rundown of the latest content from Tim's other newest venture, RotoAuthority.com. The re-launched RotoAuthority features fantasy-centric content from yours truly, in addition to MLBTR regulars Mike Axisa, Mark Polishuk, Dan Mennella, and a few other fantasy-minded scribes.
• Mark took a look at what it would take for the Cardinals to extend Yadier Molina, and concluded that Yadi would command a four- or five-year deal in excess of $10MM per season on the open market.
• Mike looked at arbitration-eligible players that have yet to sign, and also rounded up the best of the blogosphere (as he does every week) with his Baseball Blogs Weigh In feature.
• While a six-figure salary may be a fortune to most of us, it's on the low-end among MLB free agents. Zach took the liberty of running down the esteemed members of this offseason's six-figure contract club.
• Ben also looked at the remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players (earlier in the week), providing an in-depth look at the top ten.
• Alexi Casilla and Jed Lowrie are the only unsigned arb-eligible players to file for under $2MM, and Ben examined some comparable arbitration cases for the switch-hitting infielders.
• Additionally, Ben listed multi-year agreements that don't extend team control and also highlighted some early-career extensions that haven't been as fruitful as the one signed by Evan Longoria.
• Tim hosted this week's edition of the MLBTR Chat.
• In the wake of Elvis Andrus' three-year extension earlier this week, Tim wondered aloud if it was necessary on the Rangers' end. Arbitration panels don't typically reward solid defense, which is where a great deal of Andrus' value comes from, as opposed to the gaudy counting stats which he lacks.
• Tim also looked at possible fits for A.J. Burnett, and hit the nail on the head when he listed the Pirates as a potential suitor. The Buccos have been engaged in trade talks with the Yankees for several days now.
• Tim compared the arbitration cases of Cruz, Adam Jones, and Alex Gordon, and took a look at teams that have used "draft pick currency" to land established players in the past five years.
• Lastly, please be sure to review MLBTR's commenting policy.

Here's a look back at the original reporting and analysis produced by our writing staff this week..

• Tim Dierkes was the first to learn of Pat Burrell's retirement.  In nine seasons with the Phillies, the 35-year-old hit .257/.367/.485 with 251 home runs.  Tim also listed this offseason's other candidates for retirement.
• Nationals GM Mike Rizzo doesn't have to worry about the top of his rotation for a while since Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg are under control through 2016, but Jordan Zimmermann can hit the open market a year earlier.  Mike Axisa looked at what it would take for the Nats to lock the right-hander up.
• Speaking of the Nats' rotation, Ben Nicholson-Smith examined the club's retooled rotation.
• With the 2011-12 offseason winds down, Ben gave us a preview of 2013's best free agent starters.
• Roughly 29% of MLBTR readers think that Manny Ramirez will wind up signing with the Athletics, while almost 28% say that he'll go unsigned this winter.
• Only three of MLBTR's top 50 free agents remain unsigned, writes Mark Polishuk.
• Casey McGehee and Garrett Jones haven’t teamed up on the field yet, but they’re already linked through the arbitration process, writes BN-S.  The two have had remarkably similar career arcs and statistical production.
• Tim Dierkes examined the worst contract extensions from two years ago.
• Howard Megdal noticed similarities between the free agency of Edwin Jackson and Jason Schmidt in 2001.  He also found a way to work in an Arrested Development reference, which is pretty neat.
• MLBTR is increasing efforts to enforce our commenting policy.  Get re-acquainted with the rules with this handy post.
• Anibal Sanchez is entering his final season as an arbitration eligible player, and the Marlins view him as a candidate for a contract extension.
• Why pay for a fantasy baseball magazine with outdated info when you can read everything at RotoAuthority.com for free?  Here's a look at some of the site's best pieces from this past week.
• If you missed out on Tim's weekly chat, you can check out the transcript right here.
• Mike Axisa rounded up the best of the web for the latest installment of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There's plenty to look forward to this month, but if recent history is any indication, we shouldn't be expecting franchise-altering trades to go down in the next six weeks, Ben writes.  The calm six week stretch can largely be attributed to teams wanting to see what they have in-house before looking for outside help.
• MLBTR is seeking a part-time ad sales person.

Here's a look back at the original reporting and analysis produced by our writing staff this week..

• This week, MLBTR rolled out the brand-new Extension Tracker.  The extension tracker shows all contract extensions, whether they cover the player's arbitration years, free agent years, or both.  Please note that some of the data prior to 2011 is still in the process of being added, such as service time, position, and number of options.
• On Saturday morning, agent Bob Garber told Tim Dierkes that there is "no chance" of Roy Oswalt relieving in 2012.  There have been reports that the Cardinals are nearing a deal with the veteran, but this stance indicates that they would have to trade a current starter or move one to relief.
• The Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year, $1.795MM deal with Brad Ziegler, avoiding arbitration, MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith learned.  The right-handed reliever was arbitration eligible for the second time this offseason after earning $1.25MM last year.
• The Reds signed arbitration eligible reliever Nick Masset to a two-year extension and Ben reported that the deal is worth a guaranteed $5.5MM and includes performance bonuses.
• With Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols off of the market, Joey Votto is officially the next MVP-caliber first baseman scheduled to hit free agency.  Ben examined what it would take for the Reds to lock Votto up on a new deal.
• After giving Eric Hosmer $6MM as the third overall pick in 2008, it's clear that the Royals expect great things out of the 22-year-old.  The Royals have bigger fish to fry than extending Hosmer but a long-term deal could help prevent the prospect from pricing himself out of Kansas City down the line, writes Mike Axisa.
• Mike rounded up the best from around the web in this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Ben gave us a look at 2012's highest-paid arbitration eligible players.  Tim Lincecum tops the list with the $18MM he will earn as part of his extension.  Mike also compiled a list of the largest remaining arbitration cases.
• For the 2011-12 offseason, players and owners agreed to modify the procedure for Type A free agents.  Ben examined how the modified Type A free agents fared under the new rules.
• There were just a handful of free agents who cost their new teams draft picks this winter.
• Tim's fantasy site, RotoAuthority, is back in action with a great team of writers.  Here's a look at some of the staff's work from this past week.
• The Blue Jays agreed to sign right-handed reliever Francisco Cordero to a one-year, $4.5MM contract.  The Angels, Phillies, Orioles and Rangers all showed interest in Cordero leading up to today's agreement, MLBTR learned.
• Ben conducted MLBTR's weekly chat on Wednesday and if you missed out, you can check out the transcript right here.
• Teams exercised a total of 19 player options after the 2011 season and two of those players have since been dealt.  Ben provided a closer look into the circumstances surrounding the two trades.

There was no shortage of news this week but MLBTR also delivered a great deal of original content and reporting..

• The Nationals announced on Sunday that they agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension with Gio Gonzalez and Tim Dierkes has the goods on the pitcher's option years later in the week.  If the Nationals exercise their $12MM club option for 2017, an option for '18 at the same salary will vest if Gonzalez pitches 180 innings in '17.
• Starter Rick Porcello and the Tigers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal for $3.1MM, MLBTR learned.  With two years and 170 days of Major League service, the 23-year-old Hendricks Sports client was arbitration eligible as a Super Two player.
• Need to get caught up on all of this week's arbitration news?  Don't worry, we have you covered with MLBTR's Arbitration Tracker.
• The Braves acquired leadoff man and center fielder Michael Bourn at last year's trade deadline for a package of four young players, and Mike Axisa looked at what it would take for the Braves to lock him up.
• The Pirates agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.1MM deal with closer Joel Hanrahan.  MLBTR learned that the righty can earn an additional $10K for 40 and 45 games finished and $15K each for 50 and 60 games finished.
• Pittsburgh also avoided arbitration with starter Charlie Morton, MLBTR learned, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $2.445MM.
• In an installment of (Not A) Trade Candidate, Mark Polishuk looked at Gerardo Parra.
• On Tuesday, MLBTR's Ben-Nicholson Smith was the first to report that the Astros avoided arbitration with starter J.A. Happ on a deal worth $2.35MM.
• Ben reported that the Indians avoided arbitration with outfielder Shin-Soo Choo on a deal worth $4.9MM.  MLBTR had projected the Boras client for $4.3MM.
• The Rays avoided arbitration with starter David Price on a deal worth $4.35MM, Ben Nicholson-Smith reported.  Tim expected Price to do better.
• If you missed out on this week's chat, you can check out the transcript right here.
• Boston agreed to a deal with center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury worth $8.05MM, BN-S reported (via Twitter).  Some said that Ellsbury's salary set a record for a second-time arbitration eligible player, but Tim pointed out that Miguel Cabrera received $11.3MM in 2007 just before agreeing to a multiyear deal in which his '07 salary remained unchanged.
• Exciting news: this week, Tim announced the relaunch of RotoAuthority.com.
• On Tuesday, MLBTR learned that the Braves avoided arbitration with starter Jair Jurrjens on a deal worth $5.5MM.  Atlanta signed all of their arbitration eligible players with the deal.
• The Diamondbacks' Daniel Hudson has already racked up 336 career innings (222 last year) and also has 25 wins and a 3.19 ERA.  Tim examined his extension prospects.
• Mike Axisa rounded up the best from around the web in this week's installment of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Ben learned that that the Padres and Chase Headley agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.475MM.
• Arbitration filing numbers came out on Tuesday and Ben had the scoop on the figures for Brandon Morrow and Russell Martin.
• On Monday, MLBTR was the first to learn of contract agreements and salaries for Chris Getz and J.P. Howell and the salaries for Phil Coke and Jesus Flores starts as all four players avoided arbitration with their respective clubs.
• The Rockies and Seth Smith avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal on Sunday, and Tim Dierkes was the first to learn that Smith will earn $2.415MM this season.  Smith was traded to the A's the next day.
• Back in December, Tim Dierkes reported that the Cubs and catcher Jason Jaramillo were close on a deal and this week Tim followed up with the news that the minor league contract has been finalized.
• Tim (via Twitter) first reported the salary for Reds reliever Bill Bray as he avoided arbitration with the club.
• The Tigers and Max Scherzer agreed to a 2012 salary of $3.75MM this week, but the negotiations won’t necessarily end there, since extension season is just beginning, Ben writes.
• Some arbitration records will fall in 2012, Tim writes.
• The Orioles agreed to sign 34-year-old left-hander Dennys Reyes to a minor league deal, a source told MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith (via Twitter).
• Tom Gorzelanny got $3MM from the Nats for 2012, Ben tweeted.  That figure turned out to be a little higher than what was previously reported and topped the projected figure of $2.8MM.
• Tyler Clippard and the Nationals avoided arbitration with a one-year deal and Ben tweeted that the contract will be worth $1.65MM.
• Nick Collias passed along a report from Mexican magazine Puro Béisbol that reliever Luis Ayala is weighing offers from the Angels and the Orioles and could sign with one of the two soon.
• Ben checked in on the offseason's multiyear deals.

There was plenty of news last week, but the sturdy writing team here at MLBTR still managed to pump out some interested original analysis and reporting. Here's the rundown:

• Ben Nicholson-Smith listed the top 10 remaining free agents on the market.
• Tim Dierkes reported the terms of Darren Oliver's contract with the Blue Jays.
• Ben first reported the Rockies' signing of Damaso Espino to a minor league contract, as well as the terms of Manny Parra's agreement with the Brewers on a one-year contract.
• Tim resurrected his Boras Blast From The Past series in the wake of Ryan Madson's deal with the Reds.
• Fewer free agent relievers got multiyear deals this offseason than last, by Ben's count.
• Michael Morse's sudden rise to prominence has positioned him for an interesting extension candidacy, as Tim writes.
• It's never too soon to break down next offseason's free agent class by position, which Tim did.
• Mike Axisa rounded up some of the best pieces from around baseball's blogosphere.
• Here's the transcript of the weekly MLBTR chat, hosted by Tim.
• I looked at the remaining free agent groundballers on the market.

There was plenty of original analysis and reporting published at MLBTR last week. Here's a look back …

• Tim Dierkes learned that the Orioles were in on Hisashi Iwakuma before the Japanese right-hander eventually signed with the Mariners.
• In the midst of an interesting offseason for the White Sox, Zach Links polled our readers on whether the South Siders should rebuild, try to win now, or do both.
• Sean Marshall's yet-to-be-defined role in the Reds' bullpen could lead to an interesting extension negotiation, I explained.
• Indians right-hander Justin Masterson could be in line for an extension, as Tim wrote.
• One-year starters can provide plenty of value. Here's Tim's list of remaining free agent starters who can be had on one-year pacts.
• Which moves have surprised you most so far this offseason? Compare your list to Tim's.
• The Blue Jays are rumored to be seeking a top-of-the-rotation starter, so Ben Nicholson-Smith had a look at who could fit the bill for Toronto.
• Tim examined a potential extension for Asdrubal Cabrera on the heels of a breakout 2011 for the Indians shortstop.
• You can never have too much starting pitching, as the baseball axiom goes. Tim looked at which teams are in the hunt for a starter.
• Last week, Ben broke down Phillies lefty Cole Hamels' extension candidacy. This week, it was Phightin's outfielder Hunter Pence's turn, with Tim doing the honors.
• Tim conducted the weekly MLBTR chat. Click here for the transcript.
• Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin could be in line for an extension, a possibility Ben explored.
• Prince Fielder is the big fish among the remaining first basemen on the market, but Ben checked in on some of the others still available.
• Mike Axisa rounded up some of the best pieces from baseball's many blogs. Among the hot topics: Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Quentin, and Matt Garza.
• Which teams remain in the market for a designated hitter? Ben had a look.
• Mark Polishuk examined Howard Kendrick's extension candidacy just a day before a deal came to fruition. Props to Mark, who accurately projected that Kendrick would receive a four-year extension and was only a few millions dollars off the total value of the deal.
• With the Angels logjammed at first base, Mike polled our readers on whether the Halos should trade Mark Trumbo, Kendrys Morales, both or neither.