MLBTR Originals

The GM Meetings are upon us this week, but let's review the original content featured at MLBTR over the last seven days…

• Tim Dierkes published his annual list of the top 50 free agents with predictions about where they'll sign. The rest of the staff provided their predictions as well.
• Tim also broke down the trade market for relief pitchers, and detailed why closing jobs might be hard to come by.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith explained why most Type-A free agents won't sign right away, and also dug up some potential suitors for Gordon Beckham.
• Among the free agents whose stock we examined this week: Adam Dunn of the Nationals, J.J. Putz of the White Sox, Vladimir Guerrero of the Rangers, Lance Berkman of the Yankees, and Magglio Ordonez of the Tigers. 
• We also looked at non-tender candidates like Ryan Ludwick of the Padres, Blaine Boyer of the Diamondbacks, and Kyle Davies of the Royals.
• My series looking at each team's spending on amateur prospects continued with the Mariners, Rays, and Rangers.
• We wanted to know if you think the Phillies are truly intent on keeping Jayson Werth in our lone poll question.
• Here's this week's lengthy edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Tim's chat transcript can be found here.
• If you're new to MLBTR, here's a list of our regular features.
• Last, but certainly not least, the MLBTR iPhone app is now available!

With the 2010 MLB season in the books, hot stove season is officially underway. In addition to this week's rumors and transactions, we also had our share of original content at MLBTR. Here's a recap:

• Free agents have been able to negotiate with any team for nearly 24 hours now, but November 7th isn't the only important offseason date to remember. Check out our offseason calendar for all the upcoming dates you need to know.
• There are even more ways to keep track of the latest updates from MLBTR, as we introduced two new features this week: an iPhone app, and Facebook pages for each of baseball's 30 teams.
• Ben Nicholson-Smith offered a few reasons why teams extend their young starting pitchers, and Tim Dierkes countered with a few reasons why teams may prefer to go year to year.
• Tim shared his full list of potential non-tender candidates, and added a few more "not quite" non-tender candidates. Ben provided some context by breaking down non-tenders from recent seasons, including last year's group.
• Our previews of the free agent and trade markets continued, with a spotlight on pitching. We examined the trade market for right-handed and left-handed starters, while our look at the free agent market zeroed in on right-handed starters and relievers, and left-handed starters and relievers.
• Ben explained why the Mets decided to hire J.P. Ricciardi.
• Steve Adams weighed Scott Podsednik's stock as he heads into free agency, while Tim examined Casey Kotchman as a non-tender candidate.
• Mike Axisa's series on amateur signing bonuses focused on four National League teams this week – the Pirates, Cardinals, Padres, and Giants.
• Mike also provided a super-sized edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• You voted on which big-name free agent would be the first to sign a contract.
• And finally, the transcript of this week's chat can be found here.

The Rangers and Giants are providing plenty of action on the field, but at MLBTR we love everything that goes on off the field and behind the scenes. Here's a round up of our original content from the last week…

• The official Elias rankings for the 2010-2011 offseason were released, and Ben Nicholson-Smith listed all of the Type-A and Type-B free agents.
• Tim Dierkes looked at the free agent market for designated hitters, right fielders, and center fielders, as well as the trade market for right fielders, center fielders, and left fielders. He also reviewed last year's big free agent deals.
• The Arbitration Eligibles series concluded with the Giants. Here's a list with links for all 30 teams.
• Ben tried to dig up some potential platoon partners for Domonic Brown, trade suitors for Adrian Gonzalez, as well as find some landing spots for A.J. Pierzynski.
• We broke down several non-tender candidates, including Andrew Miller of the Marlins, Mike Fontenot of the Giants, Jack Cust of the Athletics, John Maine of the Mets, and Fred Lewis of the Blue Jays.
• We also looked at the stock of soon-to-be free agents like Jon Rauch of the Twins, Frank Francisco of the Rangers, and Brian Fuentes of the Twins.
• Our series reviewing each team's amateur spending plugged along, continuing this week with the Astros, Royals, Angels, Dodgers, Brewers, Twins, Mets, Yankees, Athletics, and Phillies.
• This week's poll questions concerned David Ortiz's future and whether you prefer Ozzie Guillen or Mike Stanton.
• In honor of Sandy Alderson's hiring, Howard Megdal ranked the 11 other general managers in Mets' history.
• I rounded up the best the blogosphere had to offer in this week's Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Ben's chat transcript can be found here.
• Want to write for MLBTR? Then check out this post for info on how to apply. If you'd like to advertise with MLBTR, that info can be found here.

All eyes are on the World Series, but we here at MLBTR are looking ahead to the Hot Stove League. Here's a recap of our original content from the last week…

• Ben Nicholson-Smith tackled the bullpen market, looking at potential relievers for the Diamondbacks and five potential bargain lefties. He also listed some minor league deals that paid off.
• Tim Dierkes looked at the free agent market for left fielders and the trade market for third basemen.
• Luke Adams listed five pitchers that could benefit from a move to the NL, and I rounded up each team's 2011 payroll commitments. 
• Ben compared Robinson Cano and Darren O'Day, who don't have much in common beyond a birthday. His series looking at what was said about each GM when they were hired concluded with the NL West. 
• The Arbitration Eligibles series continued with the Padres, Dodgers, and Rockies.
• Our series looking at each team's spending on amateur prospects continued with the Cubs, White Sox, Reds, Indians, Rockies, Tigers, and Marlins.
• This week's poll questions includes queries about the Mets' next general manager, A.J. Burnett's contract, baseball's model franchise, and the World Series. 
• We looked at the free agent stock of Kevin Correia of the Padres, Ty Wigginton of the Orioles, and Derrek Lee of the Braves. We also discussed Jimmy Rollins' next contract.
• Steve Adams broke down the Giants' roster.
• The best of blogosphere was rounded up in this week's Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• This week's chat transcript can be found here.
• Learn about our team and transactons-only feeds here.

As the baseball world focuses on the League Division Series, we here at MLBTR are looking ahead to the offseason. Here's a recap of our original content from the past week…

• Ben Nicholson-Smith broke down Jose Bautista's historic arbitration case with some help from an expert.
• Tim Dierkes looked at the free agent market for second basemen, shortstops, and third basemen, as well as the trade market for first basemen, second basemen, and shortstops. He also listed the hardest-throwing free agent relievers.
• Tim also looked at the arbitration cases facing the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Pirates, Brewers, and Astros this winter.
• Ben continued his series looking at what was said when each of the current general managers were hired. This week he tackled the NL East and NL Central.
• Mark Polishuk listed the managers and general managers who are entering the final year of their contracts. Ben re-introduced us to Sandy Alderson, the leading candidate for the Mets GM job.
• As usual, we examined the stock of several soon-to-be free agents. This week we tackled Carl Crawford of the Rays, Takashi Saito of the Braves, Jonny Gomes of the Reds, and Rick Ankiel of the Braves. We also looked at two non-tender candidates: Todd Coffey of the Brewers, and James Loney of the Dodgers.
• Our series looking at the largest bonuses each team has given to amateurs continued with the Braves, Orioles, and Red Sox.
• Among the poll questions this week, we asked who you thought would win the ALCS as well as the NLCS. We also want to know what you think the Reds will do with Orlando Cabrera's option.
• I dug up the latest and greatest links in this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Howard Megdal's latest Jack Of All Trades post highlighted Nelson Cruz.
• Here is Tim's chat transcript.
• Last, but certainly not least, welcome to all of the new readers that stumbled across the site this week! Here's a handy guide with all the different ways you can use MLBTR, as well as a list of our regular features. Make sure you check out our complete list of 2011 free agents.

There wasn't much in the way of rumors or transactions this week, but that's understandable. Everyone is focused on the postseason, including players, team executives, and agents. Here's a look at the original content we provided over the last seven days…

• Now that the regular season is over, Eddie Bajek was able to finalize his reverse-engineered Elias rankings. Here's a list of all the Type-A and Type-B free agents, and also the 2011 draft order.
• Tim Dierkes looked at Mike Napoli's arbitration case, and he listed some free agent groundballers and innings eaters. Scott Boras is well-positioned for the offseason. 
• Ben Nicholson-Smith dug up some third base options for the Indians, and we also looked at the free agent market for first basemen and the trade market for catchers.
• The Arbitration Eligibles series continued with the Reds, the Cubs, the Nationals, the Phillies, and the Mets.  
• Ben looked back at what was being said when active GM's were hired, covering the AL East, AL Central, and AL West. 
• We examined the stock of several pending free agents, including A.J. Pierzynski of the White Sox, Gerald Laird of the Tigers, Ramon Hernandez of the Reds, Cliff Lee of the Rangers, and Aaron Harang of the Reds. We also looked at Brian Bannister's case for being non-tendered, and discussed Ryan Ludwick's future.
• This week's polls featured questions about which player will improve his free agent stock the most during the postseason, which team will win the World Series, and also whether or not the Blue Jays will re-sign John Buck.
• I kicked off a series looking at the largest bonuses each team has given to amateur players, starting with the Diamondbacks. I also rounded up the best links in this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Howard Megdal's latest Jack Of All Trades pieces featured old-timer Bobby Bonds and the active Jose Guillen.
• Ben's chat transcript can be found here.
• Make sure you visit MLBTR's forums.

Here's a look back at some of the analysis and reporting MLBTR's writing team delivered this week..

• This week, MLBTR readers voted on who will have the best record in baseball, the next losing team to make the playoffs, and extending Josh Hamilton.
• Mark Polishuk examined Mike Napoli's trade value and fleshed out some potential suitors for him.
• Keep an eye on the Cubs' Carlos Marmol, he's an extension candidate.  The Indians' Shin-Soo Choo is also an extension candidate, though striking an extension with agent Scott Boras may not be easy.
• Two years ago, Francisco Rodriguez was the most attractive closer on the open market.  Now, it's hard to gauge what his trade value could be.  
• Ben Nicholson-Smith named the five difference-making waiver claims in 2010.
• Sorry, Edwin Encarnacion.  You've been identified as a non-tender candidate.
• Speaking of which, if you're fuzzy on what non-tenders are all about, you can check out this post right here.
• We collected the very best from baseball blogs on all kinds of hot stove issues.
• Kerry Wood will likely be looking at a one-year deal for 2011.  That might be the best route for Jorge Cantu to take as well.

Here at MLBTR we're all about up-to-the-second hot stove news, but we also provide plenty of original content as well. Let's look back at the week that was in the exclusive-to-MLBTR department…

• Ben Nicholson-Smith went behind the scenes of an MLB trade with some help from Andy MacPhail and Jed Hoyer.
• Ben also did a ton of work on potential pitching moves. He named some alternatives to free agent starters, and listed the teams that could be interested in Cliff Lee as well as innings eaters. He also gave us nine teams that already have their 2011 rotation set, and nine that are likely to bring in some pitching.
• We continued to look at the stock of several upcoming free agents, including Hideki Matsui of the Angels, John Buck of the Blue Jays, Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers, Brian Fuentes of the Twins, and Vicente Padilla of the Dodgers, 
• Some players aren't as lucky and get forced into free agency when their team declines to tender them a contract. This week we looked at non-tender candidates Kevin Kouzmanoff of the A's, Bobby Jenks of the White Sox, Cody Ross of the Giants, and Zach Duke of the Pirates,
• This week MLBTR readers voted on the AL East, which player will sign for the most guaranteed money after the season, and whether or not the Red Sox will re-sign Adrian Beltre.
• Ben's chat transcript can be read here.
• I rounded up the latest and greatest from the blogosphere in this week's Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Howard Megdal's latest Jack Of All Trades feature looked at Mike Lowell. 
• If you're relatively new to the trade rumor scene, make sure you check out our handy guide to all the different ways you can use MLBTR.

Here at MLBTradeRumors, we're about a lot more than supplying you with up-to-the-minute hot stove news.  Here's a look back at some of our original work this week..

• I have good news and bad news.  The bad news is that the 2011 Rotations series is complete and has come to a close.  The good news is that you can check out every team's preview right here.
• This week MLBTR readers voted on the NL West, the best minor league deal, and Manny Ramirez's next contract.
• The Blue Jays have a lot of options when it comes to Kevin Gregg, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith.
• We continued to examine non-tender candidates this week with looks at Matt Diaz of the Braves and Willy Aybar of the Rays.
• On Thursday we brought you the latest installment of Eddie Bajek's Elias Rankings.
• Luke Adams brought us a look at Carlos Pena's stock as he heads into free agency.
• Check out the transcript of Ben's chat right here.
• Mike Axisa brought us another round up of the best from the baseball blogosphere with Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Geovany Soto is an extension candidate after a fantastic year at the plate.

 

Here's a look back at some of the analysis and reporting MLBTR's writing team produced this week..

• This week we brought you up to speed on a pair of non-tender candidates: Dodgers second baseman Ryan Theriot and Mariners second baseman Jose Lopez.
• Brandon Webb's agent emailed MLBTR to make it known that his client is seeking an incentive-based contract with a significant base salary.  The contracts of Brad Penny, Rich Harden, Ben Sheets, and Tim Hudson will be used as starting points, says Jonathan Maurer.
• This week we unfurled the "5 Surprises" series.  The Dodgers, Rockies, and D'Backs were all chosen to kick off the new feature.
• After the season the Elias Sports Bureau will label free agents as Type A, B, or leave them without a label.  MLBTR readers can keep track of how players will be designated thanks to Eddie Bajek's projected Elias rankings.
• We picked up our "Free Agent Stock Watch" series this week with examinations of Giants outfielder Pat Burrell and Orioles reliever Koji Uehara.
• Is your favorite team out of contention?  Don't worry, we got you covered.  Now you can track your team's bid for a higher draft pick on our reverse standings page.
• Tim Dierkes broke down the arbitration-eligible players for the White Sox, Indians, Tigers, Royals, and Twins.
• Oakland's Trevor Cahill could be in line to receive an extension, writes Luke Adams.  Meanwhile, Ben Nicholson-Smith says that Jon Lester's deal will be a model for Clay Buchholz's extension, if Boston decides to go that route.
• On Wednesday Tim conducted his weekly chat.
• Our look at 2011 rotations rolled on with previews of the Twins, Cardinals, Mariners, Rays, White Sox, Red Sox, Orioles, and Blue Jays.
• If you're unclear on how September trades work, we have a post explaining everything you need to know.
• Howard Megdal wrote an entertaining recap of the 1982 trade deadline.
• MLBTR readers voted on a pair of phenoms, which late-season addition will perform better, the White Sox's acquisition of Ramirez, and discussed Adrian Beltre's next contract.