Royals Acquire Jonathan Sanchez For Melky Cabrera  —  The Royals acquired lefty Jonathan Sanchez and minor league starter Ryan Verdugo from the Giants for outfielder Melky Cabrera, announced the team.  —  Sanchez, 28, may have been a non-tender candidate for the Giants after a disappointing 2011 season …

Yoenis Cespedes: The Showcase  —  I knew I was in for something special once I saw the email.  —  It was forwarded to me by a big league exec with a simple “You're welcome.”  The original email was sent to nearly 200 people, a veritable who's who of the international scouting community.

Marlins Talking to Jose Reyes  —  The Marlins are so enamored with All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes that they were in contact with the player at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, the moment the free agent signing period could begin.  A contingent of high-ranking front office executives for the Marlins …

Cuddyer won't help Phils get any younger  —  In many ways, Michael Cuddyer would be a classic Ruben Amaro Jr. signing — an older, high-character type, similar to Raul Ibanez in 2008 and Placido Polanco in '09.  —  There's just one problem.  —  Cuddyer, who turns 33 on March 27, will not make the Phillies any younger.

Twins fire general manager Bill Smith, name former GM Terry Ryan as interim replacement  —  Minnesota gave zero indication that general manager Bill Smith's job was in jeopardy despite a 99-loss season, with ownership publicly issuing a vote of confidence last month, but today the Twins fired Smith …

Rangers investigating clubhouse leak  —  The Texas Rangers are investigating who recorded and then leaked manager Ron Washington's speech prior to Game 7 of the World Series.  —  “It's unacceptable for this type of thing to be out there,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Monday.