Who Is This Kid?!

Let me get this straight- Through 45 innings...

• 0.40 ERA
• 54 Strikeouts
• 24 hits allowed
• 8 walks allowed
• 2 earned runs
• 6 Wins in 6 Starts

And this is all happening by a pitcher in my own backyard of Kansas City? THE ROYALS?

Listen up folks, if you don't know who Zack Greinke is by now, you soon will because he is cruising (cruizzzzzzzzing) to the AL Cy Young this season. 

I can't get over this kind of pitching, not just because of how staggering the numbers are, but mainly because of who's putting them up. 

If you aren't up to date with the story of Greinke, let me catch you up to speed.

After being named Gatorade's National Pitcher of the Year in 2002, Zack was drafted in the first round of the draft and went on to become the Royals & Sporting News minor league pitcher of the year going 15-4 with a 1.93 ERA. 

2004 wasn't quite the same year, but wasn't a total loss either. He did manage to win 8 games and had a sub-4 ERA. 

But that off season, troubles arose in the mind and life of Zack Greinke that looked to damage his promising career forever. He left spring training early that year suffering from social anxiety disorder. When he returned in April, he was immediately placed on the 60 day DL due to "psychological issues" and took a hiatus from baseball until his rehab was complete. 

The following season Zack came back to pitch phenomenally through spring training, only to crumble in the regular season, being demoted to bullpen duty. 

2008 showed some spark and Greinke was awarded a new contract after winning 13 games.

Which brings us to '09. And oh boy what a few games we've had. 

Let's compare Greinke's first 5 starts to those of Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia, the AL's last 2 Cy Young Winners, during their award winning campaigns.

INNINGS PITCHED: ZG- 36 , CL- 37 , CC- 34

ERA: ZG- 0.50 , CL- 0.96 , CC- 2.96

HITS: ZG- 24 , CL- 19 , CC- 37

WALKS: ZG- 8 , CL- 2 , CC- 8

STRIKEOUTS: ZG- 44 , CL- 32 , CC- 35

WINS: ZG- 5 , CL- 5 , CC- 5

Looking at those numbers, I believe he's on pace to out-do both of Cleveland's winners. (And remember, that's not factoring in what Greinke did Monday night vs. the White Sox- 9 IP, 6 Hits, 10 K's, 0 ER)

I gotta admit, as much as this kid bothered me with his antics and attitude early in his career, it's been amazing to see him exceed my expectations and bounce back so incredibly. Let it be known now- Greinke, I'm pulling for an All-Star start this July in St. Louis!