MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week scattered amongst the Thanksgiving leftovers, Black Friday shopping bags, and Cyber Monday ads:
- Ben Nicholson-Smith asked asked three general managers of teams with considerable young pitching how they weigh the possibility of trades against the reality that you can never have enough pitching.
- Ben explained how the non-tender system works.
- Tim Dierkes defined the eligibility for arbitration and listed some of the talent that has been non-tendered in the past and could be non-tendered by this Friday's deadline.
- Tim opined the Orioles' Mark Reynolds is one such non-tender candidate.
- Ben completed the 2013 Offseason Outlook series by profiling the Red Sox, Marlins, and Rockies.
- Mike Axisa asked our readers who will be the next top ten free agent, as ranked in MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agent list, to ink a new deal. Over 34% of you believe B.J. Upton, ranked number five, will be the next one to put pen to paper.
- Steve Adams presented a Free Agent Faceoff between Ryan Ludwick and Cody Ross. Over 61% of MLBTR readers would prefer to sign Ross.
- Tim pitted center fielders Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino in a Free Agent Faceoff with more than 55% of you favoring Pagan.
- Mark Polishuk dished out a third helping of the Free Agent Faceoff featuring Francisco Liriano and Brandon McCarthy. Almost three-quarters of you would sign McCarthy.
- Ben was the first to report Bryan LaHair's two-year contract with the SoftBank Hawks is worth $4.7MM (including a signing bonus and a buyout), contains $2MM in incentives each year, and allows LaHair to opt out after 2013.
- MLBTR was the first to learn the Cardinals signed first baseman/right fielder Jamie Romak to a minor league contract.
- Ben compiled a calendar of hot stove events, as the MLB offseason is now in full swing.
- Mike reminisced about a previous Marlins fire sale that occurred seven years ago this week.
- Ben hosted this week's live chat.
- Mike assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of weekly features and exactly what to expect from them.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Ben Nicholson-Smith examined the process involved in signing an elite free agent and discovered it expands beyond the reach of the baseball operations department.
- Ben broke down the multiyear deals signed by free agents so far this offseason.
- Ben was the first to report Scott Baker's contract with the Cubs included incentives worth $1.5MM.
- To keep track of all details related to free agent signings throughout the offseason, be sure to bookmark MLBTR's 2013 MLB Free Agent Tracker.
- Tim Dierkes was the first to learn Daniel McCutchen and Dan Meyer signed minor league deals with the Orioles and Zach Simons did likewise with the Rangers.
- Tim also broke the story of the Marlins claiming left-hander Scott Maine off waivers from the Blue Jays.
- MLBTR was the first to learn the Blue Jays signed right-hander Neil Wagner to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.
- Ben completed the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series with a detailed look at the Blue Jays, White Sox, Tigers, Yankees, Rangers, and Red Sox.
- Ben previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Tigers, Nationals, Giants, White Sox, Yankees, Rangers, and Blue Jays.
- Mark Polishuk asked MLBTR readers whether the Mets will extend David Wright and R.A. Dickey.
Nearly 42% of you believe the Mets will extend Wright and trade the newly crowned NL Cy Young Award winner. - Mike Axisa presented a Free Agent Faceoff between Michael Bourn and B.J. Upton. Over 54% of MLBTR readers would prefer to sign Bourn.
- Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
- Mike gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer 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.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Ben Nicholson-Smith filed several posts from the 2012 GM Meetings held in Indian Wells, California, including interviews with Walt Jocketty of the Reds, Jack Zduriencik of the Mariners, Frank Wren of the Braves, Andrew Friedman of the Rays, Ben Cherington of the Red Sox, Josh Byrnes of the Padres, John Mozeliak of the Cardinals, Jeff Luhnow of the Astros, and Dan Duquette of the Orioles.
- Ben opined, based on his conversations with several GMs, that it’s prudent to maintain modest expectations for future free agent classes.
- Tim Dierkes continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series by examining the Giants, Nationals, and Marlins.
- Ben summarized the Offseason Outlook for the Athletics and Braves.
- MLBTR was the first to report the Twins signed reliever Tim Wood to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training.
- Mike Axisa put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
- Here's a refresher on MLBTR's commenting policy.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Tim Dierkes unveiled the seventh annual MLBTR Top 50 Free Agents List and he included his predictions as to where each player will land.
- Tim also held court with a Top 50 Free Agents live chat.
- You can add your two cents worth on where these top 50 free agents will sign by entering the second annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest. The deadline to register and save your final picks is Wednesday, November 7 at Midnight CDT.
- MLBTR learned Ervin Santana is once again represented by Proformance.
- MLBTR was the first to report Orioles left-hander Zach Phillips rejected his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and became a free agent.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Rays, Phillies, and Cardinals.
- Tim continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series by profiling the Braves and Athletics.
- Ben provided his top ten storylines for the upcoming offseason.
- Tim listed his non-tender candidates.
- MLBTR has made its projected arbitration salaries for 2013 available for download in an Excel spreadsheet. The list can also be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
- MLBTR's 2013 Free Agent Tracker is now available. It can also be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
- Ben explained how the new system of qualifying offers works.
- Tim surveyed MLBTR readers as to which players will receive qualifying offers.
- Zach Links listed the nine free agents who did receive qualifying offers from their 2012 team.
- Mike Axisa presented the Free Agent Faceoff between Anibal Sanchez and Kyle Lohse. Nearly 70% of MLBTR readers would prefer to sign Sanchez.
- Ben hosted this week's chat.
- Mike compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- MLBTR learned from a source close to the situation that the Angels are highly unlikely to re-sign Torii Hunter.
- MLBTR introduced Free Agent Faceoff, a new series where two comparable free agents are analyzed side by side and our readers vote on the value of the two players. The inaugural installment featured Joe Saunders versus Joe Blanton and nearly 76% of you would prefer having Saunders on your team. The next faceoff involved Ryan Madson and Joakim Soria with more than 60% of you favoring Soria.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith summarized the Offseason Outlook for the Indians, Orioles, Angels, Pirates, and Reds.
- Tim Dierkes continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series with a detailed look at the Pirates, Angels, Rays, Reds, Phillies, and Cardinals.
- Ben compiled a calendar of hot stove events, as the MLB season is nearing its conclusion.
- Ben hosted this week's live chat.
- Mike Axisa assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Tim Dierkes continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series by examining the Brewers, Rockies, Indians, Dodgers, and Orioles.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Brewers, Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Dodgers.
- Ben compiled a list of baseball’s longest-tenured general managers, as measured by how long they have been with their current teams.
- 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.
- 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.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Tim Dierkes continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series by profiling the Padres, Royals, Mets, Diamondbacks, and Cubs.
- Zach Links asked MLBTR readers whether Josh Hamilton will return to the Rangers. Over 73% of you believe Hamilton will be playing elsewhere in 2013.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith summarized the Offseason Outlook for the Mets, Royals, and Padres.
- Zach revisited the Blue Jays' decision to release Chris Carpenter ten years ago this week and how the Cardinals have reaped the benefits over the last decade.
- Mike Axisa offered his Free Agent Stock Watch prospectus of Orioles outfielder Nate McLouth.
- Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
- Mike put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of weekly features and exactly what to expect from them.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- MLBTR was the first to report two pieces of agent-related news: Jeff Frye and Mike McCann joining forces to form Frye McCann Sports and Royals' left-hander Jonathan Sanchez becoming a client of Jim McNamara at the McNamara Baseball Group. Keep yourself updated on which agents represent which MLB players by checking out MLBTR’s Agency Database.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith began the Offseason Outlook series by profiling the Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners.
- Matt Swartz introduced his 2013 arbitration projections.
- Tim Dierkes kicked off the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series with a detailed look at the Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners.
- Ben spoke to Curtis Granderson about the offseason plans of the MLBPA.
- Ben interviewed Jason Frasor about his upcoming appearance on the free agent market.
- Ben hosted this week's chat.
- Mike Axisa compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Here's a refresher on MLBTR's commenting policy.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- MLBTR was the first to report only the teams with the nine worst records will obtain a protected first round draft pick in 2013.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith listed the players who chose extensions over testing the free agent market this winter.
- Mark Polishuk examined the possibility of a contract extension for Braves' right-hander Kris Medlen.
- Ben continued the Free Agent Stock Watch series with a prospectus on Yankee catcher Russell Martin.
- Mike Axisa issued his Free Agent Stock Watch prospectus on Edwin Jackson of the Nationals.
- Ben opined Phil Humber of the White Sox is a non-tender candidate, despite tossing the 21st perfect game in MLB history only five months ago.
- Zach Links reminisced about the career of Tim Salmon, Mr. Angel, who announced his retirement six years ago this week.
- Ben hosted this week's live chat.
- Mike assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers their opinion on which two teams will claim the AL Wild Card berths. Just under 49% of you favor the current leaders: the O's and the A's.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith asked MLBTR readers whether B.J. Upton, Kyle Lohse, Shaun Marcum, and Edwin Jackson will receive a qualifying offer and secure draft pick compensation for their current club. Here are the results:
- Nearly 61% of you believe the Rays will tender Upton an offer.
- Over 73% of you think the Cardinals will do so with Lohse, as well.
- Two-thirds of you, however, don't expect Marcum to receive one from the Brewers.
- And, more than 72% of you say the Nationals will make a qualifying offer to Jackson.
- Ben continued the Free Agent Stock Watch series with a prospectus on the Royals' Jeremy Guthrie and a bullish report on Jason Grilli of the Pirates.
- Ben listed the most recent free agents who have cost their new team draft pick compensation.
- Steve Adams examined the possibility of Luke Hochevar being non-tendered by the Royals.
- Mike Axisa provided a 2013 vesting options update for players like Brett Myers, Kevin Gregg, and Alex Gonzalez.
- Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
- Mike gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.
