Bad Altitude on Zack Greinke

by Charlie Wilmoth on Mar 2, 2006 6:29 PM EST in News

This article is built upon a premise that's almost entirely speculative (as its author acknowledges), but it's interesting, and it raises some good questions. Did Zack Greinke recently leave the Royals because pitching for that wretched organization is killing his soul? Should we be surprised that there haven't been more Eli Manning types of situations, in which a young, superstar-type talent goes out of his way to avoid playing for a bad organization? And what would happen to teams like the Royals, Rockies and Pirates if baseball players started doing that?

Tweet Comment 1 comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

greinke wants to golf?

I've followed his career since high school as he's the cousin of one of my best friends (though they're not close). This kid was a terrific multiple sport athlete (including golf) in high school, who obviously has very high expectations for himself.

here's an article (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13994944.htm)
which contains the following blurb
"A peek into the mind of Zack Greinke: We hear he began playing golf much more regularly in the past year and suddenly began telling friends he was considering playing golf professionally.
And we're guessing he was absolutely serious.
Now, no one is suggesting that he left the Royals camp to chase after the PGA Tour. No one is that flaky. But it might give you an idea on how Zack views his athletic abilities."

Basically, he seems like a spoiled brat who can't deal with the hand he's been dealt. He did get placed into a very bad situation for a young player (brought up too fast(?) to be the ace of a staff of the worst team in the majors); I often thought last year how different his record (and public opinion of him) would be if he had been drafted by the Yankees. So he's on a bad team; it's not like this hasn't happened to hundreds of other players back to the beginning of major league baseball. Plus the kid was given several million bucks to sign on with the Royals; you'd think that would buy a little loyalty.

It's unfortunate, because he's a really great talent: I saw him tie the A's up in knots one game in his rookie year (the differential between his fast ball and slow curve was 30 mph!- the only other such diff. I've seen in recent years is that of Pedro M).

And I think you're absolutely right, Charlie. I think we'll be seeing more and more players avoiding losing organizations when possible.

by Brian in 317 on Mar 5, 2006 11:15 AM EST reply actions