The Top Five Reasons I Will Not Miss Zack Greinke

    In 2009 25-year-old Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is quoted during Spring Training saying, “I don’t want to play anywhere else. However much I make is already more than I’ll ever spend or want to spend. So that really doesn’t matter to me.”  Greinke would go on to win the American League Cy Young Award for a Royals team that finished 65-97. Good enough for 4th place in the Central. Greinke was in his first year of a 4 yr/$38 million dollar contract that would keep him in Kansas City through the 2012 season. Thirty-eight million dollars, over four years, for a Cy Young Award winning pitcher is a very good deal. Especially considering he wins said Cy Young in the first year of said contract and you are able to enjoy him for another three years. Good to be a Royals fan. Team may not win a lot, but, we do have Zack Greinke. Right? 

    Then 2010 rolls around and Zack doesn't seem the same. He battles all year to a 10-14 record with a 4.17 ERA (up 2.01 from 2009). He seems disinterested and continually comments in the media that he's, "Just tinkering with his mechanics. Delivery. Just seeing what he can come up with out there." Ok. The team limps to the finish line two games better, at 67-95, than last year but finishes in last place. Team may not win a lot, but, we do have Zack Greinke. Right? Wrong. 

    During his 2010 campaign Greinke was quoted by the Kansas City Star as saying, “The biggest problem is I have two more years on my contract. Are those guys supposed to make it up by the beginning of next year? … So the problem (with the Royals’ prospects) is that it’s not like as soon as they get here that it’s going to be instant (success). Maybe by 2014. There’s no reason for me to get real excited about it, because the chance of more than one of them making a major impact by the time my contract is up is pretty slim.” That was a mid-season quote. Then came the season (Royals career) ending quote, “It’s not real exciting to have to go through it again … for me, it’s the third complete re-start/rebuilding phase…. I like Kansas City. It’s a town that fits me pretty well. But I don’t know ... at least put a team together that has a fighting chance (to win).” Uh-oh! Houston we have a problem. 

    After that kinda year and after those kinda quotes, especially from a guy who doesn't really say a whole lot, I was not the least bit surprised that the Royals traded their Cy Young Award winning pitcher.  With two years remaining on his bargain of a contract.  To the Brewers in a six-player deal.  If the Royals would've kept Greinke I would half expect him to go out to the mound either pantless or gloveless at some point in 2011.  Or both.  Fuck it.  

   So here are my top five reasons I'm not gonna miss the services of one Mr. Donald Zachary Greinke.  

1. Alcides Escobar

Position: Shortstop 
Bats: Right, Throws: Right 
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 180 lb.
Projected 2011: Starter

Smooth all-around athlete.  Escobar was considered the best-fielding infielder in the Brewers' organization and was previously one of the top prospects in the organization. In 2009, he was considered by some to be the top short stop prospect in baseball, and one of the top prospects overall.  He will now be the Royals everyday short stop and an All-Star sometime soon. 

2. Lorenzo Cain

Position: Centerfielder 
Bats: Right, Throws: Right 
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 200 lb.
Projected 2011: Mid-Season Starter
Awesome athlete.  Cain was drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round of the 2004 amateur draft out of Tallahassee Community College.  Before his trade to the Royals he was considered the Brewers' No.2 Overall prospect.  He will become my favorite player when he takes Melky Cabrera's job.  Melky Cabrera sucks.

3. Jeremy Jeffress

Position: Pitcher 
Bats: Right, Throws: Right 
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 195 lb.
Projected 2011: Sept Call Up
On August 30, 2007, Jeffress was suspended for fifty games after testing positive for drug abuse.  This was not his first positive test; he was given a warning for his first offense. In June 2009, he tested positive a third time and was suspended for 100 games. One more positive test will result in a lifetime ban for Jeffress.  That means I already love this guy!  His back is against the wall and throws major heat.  Awesome!

4. Jake Odorizzi

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right, Throws: Right 
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 175 lb.
Projected 2011: Dominate AA
Jake Odorizzi is a stud.  Considered one the best pitchers in the Midwest League last year.  Throws in the 90's and can hit 94-95 when he reaches in the tank.  Will be the Royals No.2 Starter in a couple of years.

5. Yuniesky Betancourt

Position: Former Roayl 

Projected 2011: Committing Errors for the Brew Crew

Last, but not least, the best reason I won't miss Greinke.