Melky for Sanchez

Royals hot stove cooking with gas! Melky traded for Jonathan Sanchez. On the surface I like the deal. Sanchez had a down year last year. He was injured and his stats were off. The injury was an ankle, not an elbow or shoulder, so that is good. Sanchez is a strike out pitcher. A power lefty that has proven he is tough. I know it was the NL, but so what. He has had success in the major leagues and he has had success in the playoffs and World Series. I like the deal. Last year when Melky was signed I thought it was just a favor to him. He then put up solid, solid numbers. He was a great contributor and he seemed to enjoy his time in KC. 200 hits in a season is an accomplishment and Melky was awesome in his time here. That being acknowledged, he was expendable. I don't like that term but the Royals have Cain and they have Dyson. That gives them flexibility in the CF position. If Cain falls flat, then try Dyson. I don't think Cain will struggle. I think he will be fine. I expect he may duplicate the Melkman's numbers. That is wishful thinking I know. Come on, this is a blog called Royals 500 and in contention so you have to expect that wishful thinking will show up.
Sanchez immediately tightens up the rotation. Luke, Duffy, Sanchez, Paulino. The 5th spot is open. I'm nervous that my man Chen may be as expendable as Melky. Mendoza deserves a shot at the rotation. SOS and Mazzaro and Teaford are due a shot, too. Just adding Sanchez's name makes that group look better. I heard Sanchez's name come up last when DDJ was about to be traded. I liked that deal and I like this one. I like the left handed strike out guys. I am not in the prediction business but I think Sanchez will have a good season. He needs to throw more strikes and go deeper into games. That is what they hired Eiland for.
I keep saying sign Chen, Come on! He will be offered arbitration. The club has to offer. He is a plan B free agent so the worst the Royals can do is get Chen back or get the sandwich pick. Offer him arbitration. In the current market Chen may get two years at 5-6 mill per. I don't know if I'd pay that. Two at 8 mill I'd do. We shall see. I doubt the Royals make any more splashy moves but I do love this one.
What happens next? Sign Alex long term. Offer Bruce arb. Oh and sign Pujols, Fielder, and Reyes. That should be about it!!
Thanks Melky, you were way better than I thought you could be. I liked your style and your production spoke for itself. Good luck by the bay. I sure hope they don't put you in center in that yard! Good grief.