The Kansas City Royals didn't wait long to make a big move in the offseason, with the acquiring of right-handed pitcher Ervin Santana and cash considerations from the Los Angeles Angels for left-handed hurler Brandon Sisk.
Santana has spent his entire career with the Angels, compiling a 96-80 record with a 4.33 ERA in eight seasons. The 29-year-old Dominican Republic native struggled mightily last year, posting a 9-13 mark with an inflated ERA of 5.16.
The Royals picked up Santana's option for 2013, which is $13 million.
Sisk is a prospect who pitched in Triple-A last year in the Kansas City organization. He threw well in Omaha, having a respectable 2.54 ERA. The 27-year-old has been in the minor leagues for five years without making a major-league appearance.
Many thought this would be a big offseason for the Royals, who have the lineup to compete with some of the better teams in the American League with stars such as Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez on the team.