Melky Cabrera came up in the Yankees organization. He was traded to the Braves in 2010 and was subsequently released by Atlanta. Cabrera had a solid year in 2011 with the Kansas City Royals, who signed him as a free agent. He hit .305 for the Royals with 18 home runs and 87 RBI. The 27-year-old played center field in Kansas City, although he also saw time in both left and right.
Jonathan Sanchez had a less-than-stellar season in 2011, going 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA. The soon-to-be 29-year-old struggled with his control and with his in-game focus. Still, he figured to be a strong contender for the Giants' fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Ryan Verdugo pitched for double-A Richmond in 2011, notching an 8-6 record with an ERA of 4.35. The 24-year-old was drafted in 2008 by the Giants in the ninth round. He looks poised for success with the jump to triple-A, and could conceivably be in the big leagues at some point in 2012.