Greinke no-brainer for trip to St. Louis

July 14, 6:31 AMKansas City Royals ExaminerJosh Hood

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Zack Greinke tosses a ball to a group of fans at batting practice Monday in St. Louis (AP Photo: Jeff Roberson)

In 2001 then Kansas City Royals skipper Tony Muser lobbied Joe Torre, representing the New York Yankees and the American League as manager of the All-Star game, to select shortstop Rey Sanchez as the Royals representative. That fact alone could be used as evidence that each team should not receive an automatic selection to the Mid-Summer Classic.

In 2008, however, the Kansas City Royals feature a bona fide All-Star selection in staff ace Zack Greinke. Greinke, quickly rising to cult icon status in the Midwest for his heroics on the mound this season, began the season with a record of 6-0 and a miniscule 0.40 Earned Run Average. Since then the young right hander has run his record to 10-4 with an impressive 2.00 ERA and 120 strikeouts, good for second in the AL behind Detroit’s Justin Verlander.

A first round pick by Kansas City in 2002, Greinke broke into the majors in 2004 earning the Royals Pitcher-of-the-Year Award that same season. Greinke endured 17 losses in 2005 then battled through emotional and psychological issues the following season before finally breaking through to win 13 games for a poor Royals team in 2008.

This season Greinke has used his tough mental approach and ability to change speeds from the mid-90s to high 60s to develop into one of the most consistent and brilliant hurlers in the game today. As a testament to his reputation, Greinke received 360 votes by the players making him the highest voted pitcher in the All-Star Game this season.

Zack Greinke plays the game like a kid with an even-keeled approach and million dollar arm. His monotone interview voice lends to a comical, yet playful demeanor off the field. In his estimation the Home Run Derby will be the most fun part of the weekend in St. Louis. That opinion makes sense coming from a humble kid such as Greinke; however, many Royals fans will be tuning in to watch his big 12 to 6 curveball try to buckle the likes of National League mashers such as Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez and Ryan Braun under the big arch.

The 80th Annual All-Star Classic takes place Tuesday, July 14 and will be televised by Fox Sports beginning at 7:00 pm Central.

For more info:    Prince Crowned at Home Run Derby    All-Star Game Lineups