Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore wasted little time in the offseason ot make his first big splash as Monday the Royals traded outfielder Melky Cabrera to the San Francisco Giants for pitchers Jonathan Sanchez and Ryan Verdugo.
This is a solid move all around for the Royals as they obtain a six-year veteran left-hander who immediately will be placed into the Royals starting rotation. Sanchez, 29 on November 19th, is 38-46 overall in his career with 4.26 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. According to Royals Director of Media Relations, David Holtzman, since 2009 Sanchez had the second lowest hits allowed per nin innings pitched next to Clayton Kershaw.
2010 was Sanchez's best season as a major leaguer when he went 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 193.1 innings. His XFIP was 3.94 that season.
In addition the Royals also received 24-year old left-handed pitcher Ryan Verdugo. He was 8-6 in 25 starts for AA Richmond during 2011. He struck out 133 during 130.1 innings, while walking just 63.
You can read a full press release of the trade here.
Look for more updated information throughout the day. As always, make sure to head over Royals Review for more complete coverage.