While efforts are still ongoing to piece together the tragedy that occurred early Friday at the “Dark Knight Rises” premiere in my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, one piece of sports news fell through the cracks locally: The Colorado Rockies sent dismal starter Jeremy Guthrie to the Kansas City Royals in a “my garbage for your garbage” trade for Jonathan Sanchez.
The 29-year-old former San Francisco Giant has done fairly well against the Rockies during his career, facing them 12 times – more than any other opponent in his career. The lefty has a 4-3 record at Coors Field, where Guthrie could not find a way to win (1-5) and climbed to the top of the National League in home runs against, with 21.
Sanchez is riding into the Rockies clubhouse carrying a higher ERA than Guthrie (7.76 – 6.35) but I am hoping he can change his fortunes a bit with — everyone say it with me now — a “change of scenery,” and because he has performed better at altitude while with San Francisco. Unlike Guthrie, Sanchez has had a career year in 2010 when he went 13-9 and became a World Series champion. Guthrie hasn’t even seen the postseason nor thrown a no-hitter like Sanchez has also accomplished.
At this point, any new face will be gladly welcomed as the current cast of knuckleheads cannot work at home or away. While it is nice to see a guy shoot up through the minors, get the call and turn a respectable record — given the experience level — he still has a losing record.
Guthrie being shipped was good for all parties involved as the Rockies sent away their worst starter, saved $1.1 million in salary and got another pitcher who has had success, including at Coors Field, giving the fans a new face to be pissed at if the time comes. Hopefully, Sanchez can find some success on the mound, where it has apparently been hard to come by this season — 1-6 in 12 starts — with the Royals.
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