MLBTR Originals News & Rumors

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.

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

• Charlie Wilmoth advocated for a rule change to the waiver claims system because some teams make claims only to supplement their minor league depth, rather than trying to improve their Major League roster. 
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet inaugurated a new weekly feature called Prospect Rumor Roundup with the first edition highlighting Jackie Bradley, Jr. of the Red Sox and Jesse Biddle of the Phillies.
• Tim Dierkes explored the possibility of Carlos Villanueva being a trade candidate this summer.
• Steve Adams expects Mike Adams to draw plenty of interest should the Phillies continue their early season struggles.
• Mark Polishuk opines the Mariners could net a decent prospect or two if they decide to deal Kendrys Morales before the trade deadline.
• MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron reported the Rays' stadium situation is not a distraction for their players or manager.
• Steve provided a progress report on the players non-tendered this past offseason who are currently playing in the Majors.
• Zach Links updated the players with a 2014 vesting option and how they can be exercised.
• Charlie asked MLBTR readers whether the Rangers should trade Jurickson Profar to the Cardinals for Oscar Taveras. Just over 52% of you advise GM Jon Daniels to do the deal.
• Tim hosted the MLBTR live chat this week and sifted through the MLBTR Mailbag.
• 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:

• Tim Dierkes revised MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings and, while Robinson Cano remains atop the list, seven of the nine other positions changed hands.  
• Tim posited there are several factors weighing in favor of the Padres trading Chase Headley this summer and named some potential suitors for the third baseman.
• Steve Adams explained the service time implications for prospects like Wil Myers, Aaron Hicks, and Jackie Bradley, Jr.
• Speaking of Myers, MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron examined the Rays' decision to let their top prospect start the season at Triple-A.
• Tim issued a Free Agent Stock Watch on Paul Maholm and he is bullish about the possibility of the Braves lefty becoming the best free agent starter available.
• Tim then asked MLBTR readers to chime in on the "best free agent starter" debate. Nearly 10% of you agreed with Tim's stance on Maholm, but the title goes to Josh Johnson, number four on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings, with almost 20% of the vote. 
• Steve asked MLBTR readers to weigh in on who is the "best free agent hitter" available. Not surprisingly, 44% of you tabbed Robinson Cano, the top ranked player on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings.
• Charlie Wilmoth asked MLBTR readers which top-ten pick from the 2011 amateur draft will have the most success in the majors. Nearly one-third of you believe the Orioles' Dylan Bundy will be best in class.
• Steve researched waiver claims over the past calendar year using MLBTR's Transaction Tracker and discovered the Blue Jays were involved in 26% of those claims and multiple players have been claimed multiple times.
• Tim listed each team's highest-paid player in 2013.
• Steve continued the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Rangers' acquisition of Mike Adams from the Padres.
• Tim addressed the issue many players face when choosing representation: big agency or small.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons changed agencies leaving The Sparta Group for SFX.
• Tim hosted this week's chat.
• Zach Links compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.

Do you prefer the personal service of your local mom-and-pop hardware store, or do you lean toward the advantages offered by a big box corporate establishment?  It's the type of choice we're faced with as consumers every day.  Similarly, baseball players with Major League aspirations must choose their representation, and a major factor is whether they prefer a big or small agency.

Reds right fielder Jay Bruce, who left the Boras Corporation for Sosnick Cobbe Sports when he was still in high school, told me in February, "If you take the baseball part out of it and think about small companies vs. big corporations, there's more personal service at a small company."  Rays righty Jake Odorizzi seems to agree, saying, "I think it's more personable, really, talking to the same guy about everything.  You don't feel like a dollar amount when you're in a smaller firm.  [At a big agency] I'm sure some of them get lost in translation a little bit."

Surely one gets better service at the local hardware store than at a chain, but is that really true of baseball agencies?  Baseball's most powerful and well-known agent, Scott Boras, certainly doesn't think so.  In a February conversation, he explained that having a 75-employee staff frees up more time for him to focus on what's important.  "In my job, I have the ability to focus on certain parts of representing the player: talking with them, dealing with them at the Major League level, talking about their approach, taking care of their needs.  All the administration, all the management of the company, all the things that have to do with the operation of the company are done by other staff members.  Frankly by being a company of size, the top executives can focus on players while they can also afford to hire people to do a lot of the work that is needed to operate a company.  When you have a small company and you have the jack of all trades doing all the things, buying the copy machines, renting the offices, paying the bills, doing all these administrative things, they lose focus that they have on the players."

B.B. Abbott of Jet Sports Management is one of three full-time employees at his agency, which represented Chipper Jones and currently has Brian McCann, Jonathan Broxton, Chris Sale, and top prospects like Zack Wheeler, Byron Buxton, and Mike Zunino.  Despite running a small agency, Abbott doesn't feel bogged down by administrative tasks.  "We have systems in place for the more administrative portions of our business and client representation.  I would argue that these systems and how they are structured allow for a more substantial and meaningful representation of our clients.  I would also tell you that I am completely informed and included in every decision for each of our clients, because I want to be.  That does not distract me from the more critical parts of the representation process because we feel as if we maintain a manageable number of clients."

Abbott highlighted the importance of his relationships with his clients.  He told me in an email, "The type of relationship I am talking about can ONLY come from spending time with a client and his family.  You cannot make that up with more resources, contracts and clients."  

The extra resources offered by large agencies matter to some players, however.  Mets first baseman Ike Davis, an Octagon client, told me in March, "There's just more people reaching out trying to improve your brand, getting more opportunities and more business ventures.  There's more connections and more hands that are working on stuff."  Boras, who boasted of a $6 million computer system, a 20-man arbitration staff, a scouting system, a sports fitness institute, and psychologists on staff, said, "I think it's very difficult for a boutique agency to offer all the necessary resources an athlete needs.  When you're talking about an agency that has less than ten employees, it would be very difficult for them to manage their Major Leaguers, manage their minor leaguers, and manage the people in the draft, mainly because if all the needs of all the players were to be taken care of – medical, psychological, growth, endorsement, contract, at all different levels."

Furthermore, Boras sees a conflict of interest in a small agency relying on a handful of players for its revenue.  "When you have a small number of players you run into something that's very difficult.  The teams know that one or two particular players are the revenue base, are the ability of existence of that company for the future, and thereby they can't afford to turn down contract proposals.  They can't afford to turn down $60 or 70 million so that the player in six months can make $200 million." 

The client's goals come first, countered Abbott, since the client ultimately calls the shots.  "The bottom line with any agency, big or small, should always be that decisions should be driven by what the client is trying to achieve.  Clients and their desires should always be at the forefront of that process, and those decisions are arrived at after considering all the information about a contract proposal and his/his family's future.  I know we pride ourselves on giving complete information to each player and family so that they can make the best decision for themselves.  That should be true of any agency, regardless of their size."

Both Abbott and Boras say they have intentionally limited the size of their agency. Abbott feels he offers the best of both worlds: "Complete full service and one stop shopping in an environment that thrives upon one on one contact, building relationships and providing extensive information to our clients and their families."  Boras feels his agency could also be bigger, but he would rather be picky.  "We represent players that have very high skill levels.  We have our own scouting system and we're very selective."  The numbers back that up, as the Boras Corporation ranks second in 2012 wins above replacement per Major League player.

The big versus small agency choice will always come down to personal preference.  Big firms will tell prospective clients about their resources and experience, and small groups will highlight personal service.  There seems to be plenty of room for both — by my count, 100 different agencies had at least one big leaguer contribute positive value in 2012.