06/16/05

ROLLER SPOTLIGHT - Zack Greinke, SP

    Zack was the first overall pick in the 2004 Rookie Draft. The Roller's were so sold on Greinke's ability to step in and be an LP2 star that they dealt three rookie picks for the right to draft him.

    What the scouts are saying:

    "Greinke loves the game and has great makeup. He throws his fastball in the high 80's most of the time, but can rev it up to the mid-90's when he wants. His slider ranks as a put-away pitch with depth and a hard, late bite. His changeup is his third-best pitch, but still grades as above-average and ranks as the organizations best. Greinke now throws his curveball with a spike grip for more action. Consistency on his secondary pitches is about the only area he needs to improve."

    What the coach is saying:

    "He's about as an advanced a pitcher I've ever seen at his age. He controls the strike zone so well that he's able to get broken bats with his changeup. He makes pitcher's pitches and regularly fools hitters into making weak contact. The only thing he needs is experience, I've got no worries about throwing him to the wolves this year, letting him get his feet wet, learning on the job." Roller's manager John McGraw. 

    Zach Greinke in 2004:

3-5, 7.96 ERA, 15 GS, 74.2 IP, 106 H, 20 BB, 53 K, 29 HR, .331 opponent's AVG.

    "It was a tought first season. I took some lumps that for sure, but I can take a lot away from this year. I need to make better pitches inside the strike zone, it's nice to see a low walk rate, but I made a lot of mistakes and these hitters take advantage. Luckily the stats go back to zero and I'll be looking to improve my numbers during the "B" season." Greinke talking about his rookie season.