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MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days:

Jeff Todd analyzed free agent contracts signed by starting pitchers*after having turned 31 years of age and opined it will be difficult for James Shields*(who will be 33 in December) to break the five-year, $100MM threshold on the open market and is more likely to land a four-year, $75-80MM pact*with a vesting/club option or even an opt-out clause included to sweeten the deal.* *
Tim Dierkes examined the*40-man roster players who have less than*five years service time and are out of mi**r league options*(compiled through MLBTR's sources)*in the*NL Central,*AL Central*(with an assist from Steve Adams), and NL West.*
MLBTR kicked off the*Offseason in Review ****** with Tim's look at the Cubs,*Steve's assessment of the Brewers and Marlins, and Jeff's recap of the Diamondbacks.*
Prior to reports Ervin Santana*is choosing between one-year deals from the Blue Jays and Orioles in the neighborhood of $14MM, Jeff asked MLBTR readers when will the right-hander sign and for what terms. A majority of you believe Santana will agree to a Kyle Lohse-like contract (53%) before Opening Day (68%).
MLBTR learned the reported $24K salary the*Rakuten Golden Eagles will pay Loek Van Mil*is **t for the entire season, but the month of March. The right-hander will earn $150K in 2014 plus performance bonuses.*
Steve hosted the*weekly live chat.
Zach Links gathered the best*the baseball corner of the web had to offer*in*Baseball Blogs Weigh In.*