When should Greinke be in KC?

by SoCalSoxFan on Jul 4, 2006 3:54 AM EDT

Zack took a huge step back to KC today, tossing a complete game 2 hitter (1 run) and struck out twelve. He ended the game by striking out the side. Obviously KC is going nowhere, but should they "rush" him to KC. Seems like the situation is very touchy and needs to be handled with kid gloves. It's a great story regardless, and I wish him the best of luck in overcoming his issues.

any comments?

Poll

When should the Royals bring up Greinke?

now

9 votes

end of the month

16 votes

next month

23 votes

who cares, it's KC

18 votes

66 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

how about

when he starts pitching even half-decently for more than one start at a time.

Sure he did have an amazing game tonight...and this really is his spring training so you have to cut him some slack but you also need to see the kid have the stuff on a somewhat consistant basis.

He does still have 7.62 ERA (thats after tonights game i thnk) in 6 games (5 starts 26 IP) and a 13/19 bb/k w 5 HRs and 28 hits and 22 ERs in those 26 innings

Grienke has an answer of his own though..
"Jun. 29
News: Although there is no timetable for Greinke's return, the pitcher believes two more starts in Double-A Wichita ought to be enough, according to The Kansas City Star. He's coming back after working through some personal issues."-espn.com

by nms on Jul 4, 2006 3:59 AM EDT reply actions

I was as

impressed with the fact that he went the distance as much as the results. I'm pretty sure he has better stuff than most of the current options in KC and I think his last start shows that he is probably ready to leave his "spring training". Seems like the stuff is there, and he can come up and pitch somewhat deep into games without taxing the bullpen. That and his psyche are probably the two main issues.

by SoCalSoxFan on Jul 4, 2006 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Mr. Greinke.

Greinke sure is nasty in MVP Baseball!

I cannot understand why this kid's psyche is so fragile. He is dating a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, jeez. The Royals are actually playing some decent baseball, going .500 in June and nearly sweeping the Cards recently. Bring Zach up now while they are playing well and let him get a taste of success.

by franks151 on Jul 4, 2006 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

not like he chooses this,

similar to Ricky williams. . .

by SoCalSoxFan on Jul 5, 2006 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree....

.... on the MVP baseball comment. I routinely went online and played and was K'ing 10+ batters in 5 innings consistantly and has a 22-K 9 inning preformance as him. The fact that the slider gave the same indicator as the curve but came in 15-20 mph faster and the 2-seam had good drop but was ~30 mph faster than the curve, changing speeds was all that was needed to make your opponant look silly.
90-92 2 seam
80ish slider (red to the hitter eye)
59-61 big breaking curve (also red to hitter eye)

Takatsu had the same same effect with his changeup but he got tired quickly and his other stuff wasnt as good so the pitch didnt work as long.

by grozzy on Jul 5, 2006 2:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Last night

Grienke did look good last night. Fastball around 93 late in the game, change in the low 80s, curve in the mid to high 60s... one even at 61! The ballpark gun can be a bit off but you get the idea, he was changing speeds well and kept Springfield hitters off balance all night.

Still, I think you have to take into account the Springfield lineup is hardly Murders Row. There are probably several teams in the low minors that boast a more deadly lineup than Springfield. This is more like a good outing in extended spring training than a springboard back to the majors.

by sungod7 on Jul 4, 2006 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

IMO

KC should do whatever Zach says. If Zach feels he is ready, then bring him up. If Zach wants to stay in the minors then let him be. He is the one that needs to feel ready and in control for him to have success. If they rush him back he won't fight it, but in a month the feelings will build back up and he will have problems.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Jul 4, 2006 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

Brilliant response

Seriously. Not a fan in general of letting a player dictate what to do next, but this is one case where the player knows better than anyone else what challenge he's ready for. You don't necessarily want to treat him with kid gloves, or kowtow to him, but his input into a situation like this is critical.

by Flynn Blake on Jul 4, 2006 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree

good comment

by SoCalSoxFan on Jul 4, 2006 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

good call

by count sutton on Jul 4, 2006 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

If I may disagree...

Actually, I think the decision should be made in concert with a therapist - I suspect/hope that he has been seeing a professional whether it be a sports psychologist or a specialized psychiatrist. I am not a big fan of doctors in general, but I think its unwise to rely on someone with an emotional or cognitive difficulty to selfdiagnose...

by cooper7d7 on Jul 5, 2006 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed - great call!

Hello Josh,

I agree with everyone before me - that was an excellent post - Greinke does know himself best and if he's rushed, the chances of his psyche becoming fragile again increase, exactly what the Royals need to avoid.

Plus, this season is not a contending year for them - they can afford to be patient and let Greinke develop at a pace that he is comfortable with.

Again, great post, Josh. :-)

Take care and have a great day!

The "cream of the crop" doesn't always rise to the top.

by indiansfan on Jul 5, 2006 1:44 AM EDT reply actions

I agree with that also!

Hello cooper7d7, welcome if you're new. :-)

Yes, I agree with that also - I don't think Greinke himself should make the decision alone, but I think he should have significant input into when he feels he is ready.

But I agree that whatever professional is assisting him in overcoming his personal difficulties should have significant input into the decision as well.