MLBTR Originals News & Rumors

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

• Justin Upton and Braves GM Frank Wren shared their thoughts with a group of reporters, including MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith, about the seven-player trade which sent Upton from Arizona to Atlanta.
• Ben also participated in the conference call announcing the Red Sox's signing of Mike Napoli and reports Napoli was shocked to learn of his avascular necrosis diagnosis, but feels the condition will not stop him from having a productive 2013 season, as he becomes a full-time first baseman. 
• MLBTR confirmed Yankees reliever Boone Logan is now represented by CAA.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the White Sox claimed right-hander Zach Stewart off waivers from the Pirates.
• Ben discussed the fundamentals of the arbitration process with Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos.
• Ben listed the ten largest remaining arbitration cases based on figures from MLBTR's Arbitration Tracker.
• Ben examined how each of the nine players who received qualifying offers have fared on the free agent market.
• Zach Links made his debut this week putting together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Ben hosted this week's chat.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.

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

• MLBTR was the first to report the following deals that avoided arbitration: the Tigers and Rick Porcello for one year and $5.1MM, the White Sox and Gordon Beckham for one year and $2.925MM, and the Giants and Jose Mijares for one year and $1.8MM.
• Tim Dierkes broke the story of the Red Sox and Joel Hanrahan avoiding arbitration with a one-year, $7.04MM contract.
• Tim was also the first to learn Neftali Feliz's one-year deal with the Rangers includes incentives worth $50K based on appearances. 
• Ben Nicholson-Smith attended the Blue Jays' press conference introducing Jose Reyes and reported GM Alex Anthopoulos made the trade because Reyes "is a rare guy to find" and "one of the great players to play the game."
• In other news from the Reyes press conference, Ben noted the Blue Jays will leave the door open on a possible return of free agent reliever Brandon Lyon, Anthopoulos stressed the importance of starting rotation depth, and the GM tempered raised expectations by saying the entire AL East is outstanding. 
• Mark Polishuk participated in the conference call the Mariners held announcing their acquisition of Michael Morse and reported GM Jack Zduriencik felt adding a hitter like Morse was worth the cost of losing John Jaso and Morse welcomed the trade back to the Mariners, as he feels he had some unfinished business in Seattle.
• Ben profiled a pair of extension candidates in the A's starting rotation: Tommy Milone and Jarrod Parker.
• Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for Mat Latos, Matt Wieters, and Jim Johnson.
• Mark examined the managers and GMs entering the final year of their contract. 
• Tim explained the file and trial strategy some teams utilize in handling their arbitration cases.
• Ben hosted this week's live chat.
• Mike Axisa 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 MLBTR. 

A flurry of MLB contract agreements came today, because noon central time marked the point at which teams and arbitration eligible players exchange salary figures if they have not yet reached a deal.

According to an MLB source, five teams treat that deadline as a firm one, meaning they will go to a hearing for all players with whom they have not yet reached an agreement.  These clubs, known as "file and trial" teams, are the Blue Jays, Braves, Marlins, Rays, and White Sox.  All arbitration eligible players from these teams have settled with the exception of the Braves' Martin Prado, who seems headed for a February hearing.  

Another four teams are considered file and trial by case: the Brewers, Pirates, Nationals, and Indians.  The definition of that is somewhat vague, but suffice it to say these teams are not afraid to go to a hearing.  The Nationals have had at least one hearing in each of the past seven years, aside from 2011.  They currently have one unsigned arbitration eligible player in Jordan Zimmermann.

Why do teams employ the file and trial or "file-to-go" strategy?  Three years ago, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian, "The thought was really it’s hopefully to encourage more dialogue in negotiations with the goal of continuing to avoid arbitration and continuing to try to get deals done and maybe bring both parties to the table a little bit sooner."  In asking a few executives around the game, there is a feeling that the file and trial stance forces agents to focus on a real number to represent the player's value, rather than an artifically inflated one chosen with the midpoint in mind.  

One agent told MLBTR that teams think the strategy puts more pressure on the agent, but it just makes him get ready earlier and become more resolute about his "walk away" number.  Another agent agreed that the file and trial strategy didn't force his hand, but noted that hearings can be more work on the agency side since almost all teams outsource their hearings.  Everyone seems to agree on one point: no one actually wants to go to a hearing.

Though 36 arbitration eligible players exchanged figures and remain unsigned at the moment, the vast majority will avoid a hearing and agree to a one-year or multiyear contract.  The days of 15-30 hearings per year seem long gone, as there hasn't been more than eight in one year since 2001.

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

• Tim Trafficanda, the agent for Adam Kennedy, told MLBTR discussions are underway with 3 to 4 teams about a 2013 contract for the free agent infielder.  
• Ben Nicholson-Smith attended the Blue Jays' press conference introducing R.A. Dickey and reported the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner was sold on Toronto after listening to GM Alex Anthopoulos explain his vision for 2013 and beyond.
• Ben also highlighted the non-Dickey news and notes from the press conference about Darren Oliver, Josh Thole, possible contract extensions, and the Blue Jays' bench and bullpen. 
• Zach Links participated in the conference call announcing the Nationals' signing of Adam LaRoche and reported GM Mike Rizzo was in an "enviable position in negotiations," but was anxious to finalize the deal.
• LaRoche spoke with the media the next day and Zach reported LaRoche's desire for a no-trade clause and how he felt being tied to draft pick compensation adversely affected his market. 
• Ben spoke with several GMs about how they must adjust their offseason plans throughout the course of the winter.
• Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for Chase Headley, Hunter Pence, and Max Scherzer.
• Ben noted an increase in the number of multi-year contracts given to free agents this winter, as compared to the previous two offseasons.
• Ben reviewed the market for the remaining free agent right-handed relievers.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report the Reds signed infielder Nate Samson to a minor league deal.
• Ben asked MLBTR readers whether the Phillies will add another outfielder to their current mix. Over 57% of you believe they will either by trade or free agency. 
• 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.
• 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, as 2012 became 2013:

• Tim Dierkes attended the Cubs' press conference announcing their signing of Edwin Jackson and reported GM Jed Hoyer's rationale behind the move and the benefits Jackson sees in having a long-term contract for the first time in his career.
• Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for David Price and Buster Posey.
• Mark Polishuk listed the key non-moves of 2012.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith, the 94th most influential Canadian in baseball, detailed how the seven teams that allowed the most runs in 2012 have tried to improve themselves. 
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers which of the seven remaining unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list will be the last to come to terms. More than 30% of you picked Jose Valverde (#44) with Rafael Soriano (#17) close behind at 29%. 
• Ben asked MLBTR readers how the Diamondbacks should address their outfield depth. Nearly 41% of you would break the logjam by trading Jason Kubel while over 39% of you would deal Justin Upton.
• Zach revisited the 2012 New Year's Day trade between the White Sox and Blue Jays that sent Jason Frasor back to Toronto in exchange for two minor leaguers.
• I looked back at the Messersmith-McNally decision on its 37th anniversary, a ruling that effectively voided baseball's reserve clause and established true free agency for players.
• Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Mike Axisa put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Hopefully, one of your New Year's resolutions is to abide by MLBTR's commenting policy.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week as we wind down 2012:

• Stephen Drew told reporters, including MLBTR's Zach Links, he turned down opportunities for a multi-year contract to sign a one-year deal with the Red Sox because Boston was the best fit due in part to the chance to play alongside Dustin Pedroia. 
• Alex Esteban, the agent for free agent infielder Yuniesky Betancourt, told MLBTR he is currently having coversations with four teams and expects his client to sign a Major League contract shortly after the holidays. 
• Mike Axisa updated the status of the seven unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list.
• Zach asked MLBTR readers which of those seven will sign next. Nearly 41% of you believe Adam LaRoche will be the first to put pen to paper.
• But will that paper be a three-year contract? More than 55% of MLBTR readers say no.
• Mike listed the remaining free agent power hitters, contact hitters, and ground ball pitchers.
• Zach did likewise with the remaining free agent bullpen strikeout artists and inning-eating starters.
• Mike asked MLBTR readers whether the Red Sox and Mike Napoli will finalize their three-year, $39MM agreement. Over 57% of you say the deal will fall through.
• Zach examined 2012's five worst offensive teams and how they have tried to improve themselves this offseason.  
• Zach profiled the moves the 80-89 Win Club members who failed to make the playoffs have made this winter.
• Mark Polishuk revisited some of the major transactions that have taken place on December 28th in recent years.
• December 29th has seen its share of major transactions, as well. Zach looked back at the free agent signings of Jason Bay by the Mets and Barry Zito by the Giants.
• Zach reminisced about the Mets' acquisition of Mo Vaughn 11 years ago this week from the Angels for Kevin Appier.
• Mike hosted this week's chat.
• Mike compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

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:

• Tim Dierkes broke the story of the Yakult Swallows of Japan's Central League signing outfielder Wladimir Balentien ($7.5MM for the 2014-16 seasons), outfielder Lastings Milledge (three years, $4.4 MM with a mutual option for 2016), and closer Tony Barnette (two years, $3.2MM).
• Tim was the first to learn right-hander Daniel McCutchen has received multiple offers to play in Japan. Last month, McCutchen inked a minor league contract with Orioles with the opportunity to opt-out if an opportunity arises to sign with a Japanese team.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith listed the potential suitors for free agent Michael Bourn.
• Ben hosted this week's live chat.
• Mike Axisa 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 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.
• 'Tis the season for contract extensions, so be sure to use MLBTR's Extension Tracker. It can be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features, along with the 2013 Free Agent Tracker, Arbitration Tracker, Non-Tender Tracker, Agency Database, and Transaction Tracker. And, don't forget the Santa Tracker!

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

• Ben Nicholson-Smith asked MLBTR readers which team won the Rays-Royals trade. Over 47% of you thought the Rays came out on top, but nearly one-third of you believe both teams did well with the deal. 
• 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 features posts on the Josh Hamilton signing, the Rays-Royals blockbuster deal, and the Reds-Indians-Diamondbacks three-way trade. 
• Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of weekly features and exactly what to expect from them.
• With the Hot Stove at full boil, there's plenty to say about the moves being made or the lack thereof. Keep in mind, however, MLBTR's commenting policy.

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

• Steve Adams anchored our around-the-clock coverage providing a daily recap (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and the Rule 5 Draft) of the hard news and rumors emanating from Nashville.
• Zach Links meanwhile summarized the Winter Meetings for each team in the National League and American League.
• On the eve of the Winter Meetings, Tim Dierkes posted his conversation with legendary baseball scribe Peter Gammons.
• Mike Axisa 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 broke the news that the Braves received Jordan Walden when they traded Tommy Hanson to the Angels.
• MLBTR was the first to learn the Angels claimed outfielder Scott Cousins off waivers from the Mariners.
• Tim Dierkes was the first to report Charlie Morton will earn $2MM from his new contract with the Pirates.
• David Wright and his agent, Seth Levinson, reached out to MLBTR to respond to the slew of reports regarding their contract negotiations with the Mets.
• Jim Munsey, agent for free agent reliever Sean Burnett, told MLBTR the rumor his client is seeking a four-year deal is a "complete fabrication by someone."
• MLBTR has released its 2013 Arbitration Tracker displaying all arbitration eligible players, with fields for team, service time, player and team submissions, the midpoint, and the settlement amount. The 2013 Arbitration Tracker can also be filtered by team, signing status, service time, Super Two status, and whether a hearing occurred.
• MLBTR has a separate tender/non-tender tracker with the results from this past Friday's non-tender deadline. Additionally, Mike Axisa listed the notable non-tenders. 
• Ben Nicholson-Smith explained how the non-tender system works.
• MLBTR presented a series of Divisional chats, as a warm-up to this week's Winter Meetings, covering the NL East (hosted by Mark Polishuk), AL Central (hosted by Steve Adams), NL West (hosted by Ben Nicholson-Smith), NL Central (hosted by Tim Dierkes), AL East and AL West (both hosted by Mike Axisa).
• Mike compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Here's a refresher on MLBTR's commenting policy.