Royals Greinke doubts Royals' rebuilding plans.... - Page 3

**petegz28** · 08-05-2010, 10:19 PM

SEATTLE | Zack Greinke isn’t sure he wants to endure the growing pains he knows are coming as the Royals gear up for another youth-based rebuilding plan.

It matters little that growing optimism surrounds numerous prospects currently percolating through the club’s farm system or that raves from outside the organization match in-house assessments for the first time in years.

Greinke greets it with a shrug.

“Every system has something,” he said. “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?”

Tell him, yes, some are projected to reach the majors next year, and Greinke just shakes his head. He seems a resigned skeptic dulled by the hard reality of too many losses over too many years.

“Very rarely,” he argued, “do guys come straight into the big leagues and make an impact, especially hitters. Just look at the top prospects in baseball. Delmon Young was one five years ago, and he’s finally starting to play well.

“Alex Gordon was one four years ago, and he might be starting to play well now. 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.”

Greinke lets that harsh assessment hang in the air for a moment before continuing.

“There’s no reason for me to get real excited about it,” he said, “because the chance of more than one of them making a major impact by the time my contract is up is pretty slim.”

Greinke knows the effect his words will have. While still just 26, he trails only injured outfielder David DeJesus among players on the club’s 40-man roster in continuous service time with the organization.

He knows, too, that as much as he finds it “annoying,” he is the face of the franchise and its most recognizable star. (All-Star closer Joakim Soria, for all his accomplishments, still hears his name mispronounced outside of Kansas City.)

Greinke is a homegrown success story, the American League’s reigning Cy Young Award winner and by 2012, the final year of his contract, will be the highest-paid player in franchise history.

His harsh assessment carries weight, although it’s wrong, he makes clear, to conclude he wants out. Even so, Greinke hedges when asked if he sees himself staying with the Royals beyond 2012.

“It depends more on the team now,” he admitted. “We’ll see. This is at least the third full re-start/rebuilding phase since I’ve been here. And, obviously, none of them have worked. This one hasn’t even really started yet.”

Some of this could be frustration talking, of course.

It’s early August – the onset of baseball’s dog days, when the blues set in on all struggling teams. The Royals find themselves 16 games under .500 at 46-62. Club officials make it clear the final 54 games will be an evaluation period.

And, personally, Greinke is laboring through a disappointing (and perhaps inevitable) drop-off from his Cy Young success. He is 7-10 with a 3.97 ERA entering his start Friday against the Mariners.

“It’s probably more of a grind than any year since 2005,” he said. “This one has been like that one for most of the season.”

Those are sobering words. Greinke came close to a breakdown in 2005. He went 5-17 with a 5.80 ERA and was thoroughly miserable.

The following spring, he quit baseball for a brief period before returning once he was diagnosed and treated for clinical depression and social anxiety. That treatment unlocked his potential and spurred his development into one of the game’s top pitchers.

There’s little reason to suspect a relapse, although the attention surrounding his success likely elevated his stress level. He also got married in the offseason; a life-changing experience under the best of circumstances.

A calmer offseason this winter should help.

What emerges instead from listening to Greinke earlier this week, on a rare occasion when he chose to open up, is that his current discouragement stems, primarily, from the drudgery of losing.

Another roster overhaul might be the Royals’ best chance, perhaps their only chance, to shake the malaise from a lost generation. Greinke doesn’t argue the point. He just views it from a personal perspective.

“It’s not real exciting to have to go through it again,” he said. “It’s been six years with me, and most people (who are Royals fans) have been through a lot more than I have. But for me, it’s the third complete re-start/rebuilding phase.”

Would he be happier elsewhere?

“I like Kansas City,” Greinke said. “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).”

He means soon. Not 2014.

To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com. Follow his updates at twitter.com/Royals_Report.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/05...#ixzz0vnQdGPqs

**DeezNutz** · 08-05-2010, 10:57 PM

Emotionally fragile? Yes. Are these insecurities tweaked by idiots like Dutton, KK, etc.? No. I simply don't see him as someone who caves to media pressure.

He runs on Greinke time. A totally unusual, unique entity.

tk13 · 08-05-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Emotionally fragile? Yes. Are these insecurities tweaked by idiots like Dutton, KK, etc.? No. I simply don't see him as someone who caves to media pressure.

He runs on Greinke time. A totally unusual, unique entity.

Yeah, but no offense to those guys... they are lightweights compared to what he'd see in NY. Cameras following him (and his wife) around... 20 reporters in his face every time he screws up. It took Randy Johnson about 2 minutes in NY to get ticked and shove a photographer. I don't think he'd completely fall apart and meltdown but I don't know if that's the place he'd want to spend the last 10 years of his career. If he goes out there and pitches like Cy Young every night it probably won't matter.

BWillie · 08-05-2010, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Well of course Cashman would want him... who wouldn't?

That would be interesting though... NY is definitely not Zack's style. The media would have a field day with him and every one of his goofy press conference answers.

I remember when I first moved here. I was at Kelly's at Westport and I saw Zach Greinke just standing there w/ some these two chicks. Everybody was just walking by him, didn't even know who the hell he was. Then my drunk friend goes up to him and does a light tap to his arm and says there, you are going on the DL so you can't beat the Cards. He didn't know what to say, it was funny

Ebolapox · 08-05-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie007

I remember when I first moved here. I was at Kelly's at Westport and I saw Zach Greinke just standing there w/ some these two chicks. Everybody was just walking by him, didn't even know who the hell he was. Then my drunk friend goes up to him and does a light tap to his arm and says there, you are going on the DL so you can't beat the Cards. He didn't know what to say, it was funny

hell, it would be hysterical seeing him chat up two chicks. I know he's a ballplayer (and chicks gravitate toward them for obvious reasons), but that conversation would be awkward to say the least.

ChiefsCountry · 08-05-2010, 11:28 PM

If we can get the deal the Indians got for Colon I would consider it.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-05-2010, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

If we can get the deal the Indians got for Colon I would consider it.

Unfortunately, the Royals aren't going to have a choice.

Barring a miraculous turnaround over the next two seasons, Greinke will be traded to a large market team for a bevy of picks and the cycle will begin once again.

**petegz28** · 08-06-2010, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Unfortunately, the Royals aren't going to have a choice.

Barring a miraculous turnaround over the next two seasons, Greinke will be traded to a large market team for a bevy of picks and the cycle will begin once again.

Begin? Shit, this cycle started years ago an has never ended. We are beyond anything that would be a cycle. We are in tradition territory now.

Jerm · 08-06-2010, 12:22 AM

The Royals should've traded him last offseason...his value will never be as high as it was then. They could've got a great deal for him.

I think he'll be dealt this winter.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-06-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petegz28

Begin? Shit, this cycle started years ago an has never ended. We are beyond anything that would be a cycle. We are in tradition territory now.

Yeah, 25 years is a tradition, no doubt

kcxiv · 08-06-2010, 01:43 AM

I really wish mY Dodgers could scoop him up, but we got the most reeruned, ok 2nd reeruned owner there is. I HATE, ****ing HATE Frank McCourt.

Titty Meat · 08-06-2010, 02:33 AM

Either Glass should sell the team or move.

**pr_capone** · 08-06-2010, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

I honestly don't see Zack in NY/LA/Boston. I see him in Minnesota, Atlanta, or Tampa Bay.

Or Kansas City.

I hope so. Gladly give you Chipper and Lowe for Zach.

Deberg_1990 · 08-06-2010, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Apathy.

Can you blame him? Whats he got to get excited about?

**HemiEd** · 08-06-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Can you blame him? Whats he got to get excited about?

Ummm, 26 years old, multi millionaire, a whole city at his feet, his choice of young hot chicks, shall I go on?

Brock · 08-06-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Ummm, 26 years old, multi millionaire, a whole city at his feet, his choice of young hot chicks, shall I go on?

and never winning.

08-05-2010, 10:19 PM
petegz28 Supporter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Olathe, Ks Casino cash: $1314127	Greinke doubts Royals' rebuilding plans.... SEATTLE \| Zack Greinke isn’t sure he wants to endure the growing pains he knows are coming as the Royals gear up for another youth-based rebuilding plan. It matters little that growing optimism surrounds numerous prospects currently percolating through the club’s farm system or that raves from outside the organization match in-house assessments for the first time in years. Greinke greets it with a shrug. “Every system has something,” he said. “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?” Tell him, yes, some are projected to reach the majors next year, and Greinke just shakes his head. He seems a resigned skeptic dulled by the hard reality of too many losses over too many years. “Very rarely,” he argued, “do guys come straight into the big leagues and make an impact, especially hitters. Just look at the top prospects in baseball. Delmon Young was one five years ago, and he’s finally starting to play well. “Alex Gordon was one four years ago, and he might be starting to play well now. 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.” Greinke lets that harsh assessment hang in the air for a moment before continuing. “There’s no reason for me to get real excited about it,” he said, “because the chance of more than one of them making a major impact by the time my contract is up is pretty slim.” Greinke knows the effect his words will have. While still just 26, he trails only injured outfielder David DeJesus among players on the club’s 40-man roster in continuous service time with the organization. He knows, too, that as much as he finds it “annoying,” he is the face of the franchise and its most recognizable star. (All-Star closer Joakim Soria, for all his accomplishments, still hears his name mispronounced outside of Kansas City.) Greinke is a homegrown success story, the American League’s reigning Cy Young Award winner and by 2012, the final year of his contract, will be the highest-paid player in franchise history. His harsh assessment carries weight, although it’s wrong, he makes clear, to conclude he wants out. Even so, Greinke hedges when asked if he sees himself staying with the Royals beyond 2012. “It depends more on the team now,” he admitted. “We’ll see. This is at least the third full re-start/rebuilding phase since I’ve been here. And, obviously, none of them have worked. This one hasn’t even really started yet.” Some of this could be frustration talking, of course. It’s early August – the onset of baseball’s dog days, when the blues set in on all struggling teams. The Royals find themselves 16 games under .500 at 46-62. Club officials make it clear the final 54 games will be an evaluation period. And, personally, Greinke is laboring through a disappointing (and perhaps inevitable) drop-off from his Cy Young success. He is 7-10 with a 3.97 ERA entering his start Friday against the Mariners. “It’s probably more of a grind than any year since 2005,” he said. “This one has been like that one for most of the season.” Those are sobering words. Greinke came close to a breakdown in 2005. He went 5-17 with a 5.80 ERA and was thoroughly miserable. The following spring, he quit baseball for a brief period before returning once he was diagnosed and treated for clinical depression and social anxiety. That treatment unlocked his potential and spurred his development into one of the game’s top pitchers. There’s little reason to suspect a relapse, although the attention surrounding his success likely elevated his stress level. He also got married in the offseason; a life-changing experience under the best of circumstances. A calmer offseason this winter should help. What emerges instead from listening to Greinke earlier this week, on a rare occasion when he chose to open up, is that his current discouragement stems, primarily, from the drudgery of losing. Another roster overhaul might be the Royals’ best chance, perhaps their only chance, to shake the malaise from a lost generation. Greinke doesn’t argue the point. He just views it from a personal perspective. “It’s not real exciting to have to go through it again,” he said. “It’s been six years with me, and most people (who are Royals fans) have been through a lot more than I have. But for me, it’s the third complete re-start/rebuilding phase.” Would he be happier elsewhere? “I like Kansas City,” Greinke said. “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).” He means soon. Not 2014. To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com. Follow his updates at twitter.com/Royals_Report. Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/05...#ixzz0vnQdGPqs
Posts: 129,392

08-05-2010, 11:28 PM	#35
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $838752	If we can get the deal the Indians got for Colon I would consider it.
Posts: 50,670

08-06-2010, 12:22 AM	#38
Jerm Mahomes > God Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $5038996	The Royals should've traded him last offseason...his value will never be as high as it was then. They could've got a great deal for him. I think he'll be dealt this winter.
Posts: 10,067

08-06-2010, 01:43 AM	#40
kcxiv In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Valley, Cali Casino cash: $8807996	! I really wish mY Dodgers could scoop him up, but we got the most reeruned, ok 2nd reeruned owner there is. I HATE, ****ing HATE Frank McCourt.
Posts: 29,110

08-06-2010, 02:33 AM	#41
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $1207558	Either Glass should sell the team or move.
Posts: 76,107