The Rockies and Royals are close to a trade that would send left-hander Jonathan Sanchez to Colorado for right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). Both players have struggled in 2012 and are on track to hit free agency after the season.
Sanchez was recently designated for assignment following a short and disappointing stint in Kansas City. The Royals acquired him in an ill-fated offseason trade that sent Melky Cabrera to San Francisco. Sanchez posted a 7.76 ERA with 6.1 K/9 and 7.4 BB/9 in 53 1/3 innings for Kansas City, averaging less than 4.5 innings per start. He earns $5.6MM this year and will likely be in line for an incentive-based or minor league deal as a free agent unless he restores his value in hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Guthrie, 33, posted a 6.35 ERA with 4.5 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in Colorado. He allowed a league-leading 21 home runs in 90 2/3 innings. He earns $8.2MM this year.
This post was first published on Friday, July 20th.
The would be a great trade. The Royals could then get a consistent 17 game loser.
The Giants stole Melly Cabrera. The Orioles stole Jason Hammel.
That is what this trade tells me.
too subpar pitchers’ swap. neither will help or be a major detriment to the team, although Guthrie is a better pitcher. I expect Sanchez to give up quite a few more homers in between the walks…
That’s like swapping a ticket from the Titanic for one on the Lusitania.
Can’t fault either team for trying to unload a hugely disappointing player… unfortunately, they’d each be getting another one. I guess this is the proverbial “change of scenery” deal.
This is a complete win for the Rockies. Coors Field was a horrible fit for Guthrie. He’ll do fine in KC. I can’t see Sanchez improving in Coors, plus he’s already been worse than even Coors Field Guthrie so far this year.