Sunday Insider: Central Intelligence

It's considered one of the worst trades the Royals ever have made. Last November, they sent outfielder Melky Cabrera to San Francisco for lefthander Jonathan Sanchez and a minor leaguer.

Cabrera was the All-Star Game MVP in Kansas City. Sanchez went 1-6 with a 7.76 ERA in 12 starts, and the Royals designated the worst pitcher in the American League for assignment.

The Royals were on the hook for about $2.5 million in salary to Sanchez, but they were able to deal him to Colorado for Jeremy Guthrie on Friday.

"His stuff is still there," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "... When he throws on the side, it's there, but it gets lost in the transition somehow [to the game]."

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The Tigers have lacked stability at second since Placido Polanco left after the 2009 season. Tigers second basemen entered Friday batting .199.

While speculation has the Tigers looking for starting pitching help, there are reports that they have been talking to the Marlins about Omar Infante, who was with Detroit from 2002 to '07.

Young White Sox pitchers keep getting the job done. Chicago now is 10-6 in games started by rookies.

"This certainly wasn't the way we drew it up, I'll assure you that," White Sox assistant general manager Rick Hahn said. "The other night [in Kansas City], it was the first time that a team had ever used eight rookies in a game and won the game."

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