A fan of Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke shows his preference for the Cy Young award during Sunday's September 27, 2009, baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcmt092709
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Fans cheer as Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke pitches his way out of the third inning with the bases loaded during Sunday's September 27, 2009, baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcmt092709
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
A fan changes the total strike count for Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke to 237 after getting his last strike out of the game in the seventh inning during Sunday's September 27, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcmt092709
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) leaves for the locker room after finishing up the seventh inning during Sunday's September 27, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcmt092709
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
After striking out the last batter of the game, Royals pitcher Zack Greinke got a congratulatory hug from catcher Miguel Olivo on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium. Greinke threw a six-hitter for his fifth complete game of the year as the Royals won 6-1.
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Tuesday's May 26, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. STARSHOT0526
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Tuesday's May 26, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcdt052609
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Fans cheer from the upper deck as they place the final K at the end of the 9th inning for Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke's 8th strikeout of the game during Tuesday's May 26, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcdt052609
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Tuesday's May 26, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star kcdt052609
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke pitches at the start of the game Thursday with the Cleveland Indians. Greinke is 7-1 for the season. Photo by John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg21
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke warms up in the bullpen prior to the start of a game Thursday with the Cleveland Indians. Greinke is 7-1 for the season. Photo by John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg21
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Kansas City Royals fans watch from the upper deck seats as Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke pitches during Thursday's May 21, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg21
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) is congratulated by manager Trey Hillman after pitching a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
A family in the upper deck puts up a K for Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke's 9th out recorded in the seventh inning on Chicago White Sox's Jim Thome during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals Mike Jacobs (17) pats Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) on the back after pitching a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) points to the home plate for help in a called strike three on Chicago White Sox Chris Getz for the first out of the game during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 5/4/09 zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) sets himself up for a pitch in the second inning during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
A fan displays a home made sign attesting to Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke's performance during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) receives a hug from Kansas City Royals catcher Miguel Olivo (21) after Greinke pitched a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts during Monday's May 4, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg04
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Zack Greinke at age 2 and hitting balls off a cone in 1985. Courtesy of the family. zg29
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Apopka High School baseball player Zack Greinke in 2002. Photo by JOHN RAOUX/Orlando Sentinel Florida. zg29
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FILE: Zack Greinke, of Apopka High School in Florida, holds his award after being honored as the 2002 Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year on Wednesday May 29, 2002 near Orlando. Greinke helped lead the Apopka Blue Darters to an impressive 32-3 record and their third consecutive district championship. zg29
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USA Futures pitcher Zack Greinke pitches in the fourth inning of the All-Star Futures Game on Sunday, July 13, 2003, at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) zg29
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Royals minor league pitcher Zack Greinke watched batting practice before Thursday's September 25, 2003 game between the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by John Sleezer. zg29
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Royals first-round draft pick Zack Greinke talked with reporters at a news conference Saturday at Kauffman Stadium in 2002. Kansas City Star file photo zg29
Photo Credit: WHITNEY CURTIS
Royals minor-league pitcher of the year Zack Greinke took a picture of a statue of Cool Papa Bell during the Negro Leagues museum tour. Greinke was one of the 13 minor-leaguers at the museum Thursday. Photo by Keith Myers/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: KEITH MYERS
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke warms up in the bullpen prior to the start of a game Thursday with the Cleveland Indians. Greinke is 7-1 for the season. Photo by John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg21
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Seattle Mariners' Mike Sweeney (5) and Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke (23) found time for a visit before Wednesday's May 6, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Mariners at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 5/6/09 (SPORTS) kcsm050609
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke walks back to the dugout after the end of the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels in a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, May 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Photo Credit: Lori Shepler
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke works against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, May 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Photo Credit: Lori Shepler
Zack Greinke in 2006. zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Zack Greinke during Tuesday's March 3, 2009, spring training baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians in Surprise, AZ. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke has a chat with catcher Benito Santiago in the fifth inning during play against the Oakland Athletics, Saturday May 22, 2004 in Oakland, Calif. zg29
Photo Credit: GEORGE NIKITIN
File: Although they currently have seats in the dugout at Class AAA Omaha, Neb., pitchers Ryan Bukvich (left), Jamie Wright (center) and Zack Greinke have their sights on moving to Kauffman Stadium. The three have kept a close eye on the pitching problems the Royals have endured this season. David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: DAVID EULITT
The Royals' Zack Greinke was calm, cool and collected with his team up by seven runs late in the ball game with the Cleveland Indians iin 2004. Mike Ransdell/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: MIKE RANSDELL
Apopka High School baseball player Zack Greinke in 2002. Photo by JOHN RAOUX/Orlando Sentinel Florida. zg29
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Royals minor league pitcher Zack Greinke watched batting practice before Thursday's September 25, 2003 game between the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by John Sleezer. zg29
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Royals fans stand to cheer on starting pitcher Zack Greinke (in foreground) in the 7th inning during Friday's May 28, 2004 game between the Kansas City Royals and MinnesotaTwins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
FILE: Zack Greinke, of Apopka High School in Florida, holds his award after being honored as the 2002 Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year on Wednesday May 29, 2002 near Orlando. Greinke helped lead the Apopka Blue Darters to an impressive 32-3 record and their third consecutive district championship. zg29
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Friday's April 24, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Tigers at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
USA Futures pitcher Zack Greinke pitches in the fourth inning of the All-Star Futures Game on Sunday, July 13, 2003, at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) zg29
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Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke answers questions at a press conference on Monday January 26, 2009 following his signing of a new 4-year contract with the team. zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Zack Greinke in 2007. zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke pitches during Saturday's March 1, 2008, spring training game between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in Surprise, AZ in 2008. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starter Zack Greinke (23) delivers a pitch to Milwaukee Brewers Rickie Weeks in the first inning during Friday's March 9, 2007 baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Phoenix, Az. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Tuesday's June 8, 2004 game between the Kansas City Royals and Montreal Expos at Kauffman Stadium, in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke in 2007. Photo by John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke throws in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in a spring training baseball game Friday, March 9, 2007, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) zg29
Photo Credit: Ross D. Franklin
Kansas City Royals rookie pitcher Zack Greinke, 20, will begin the 2004 season at Omaha AAA but in only a matter of time will he make the Royals major league roster. DAVID EULITT/THE KANSAS CITY STAR zg29
Photo Credit: DAVID EULITT
Kansas City Royals pitchers Zack Greinke and Gil Meche during spring training in 2009. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
File: Although they currently have seats in the dugout at Class AAA Omaha, Neb., pitchers Ryan Bukvich (left), Jamie Wright (center) and Zack Greinke have their sights on moving to Kauffman Stadium. The three have kept a close eye on the pitching problems the Royals have endured this season. David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: DAVID EULITT
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke delivers follows through on a pitch in the second inning during Friday's August 24, 2007, baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals first-round draft pick Zack Greinke talked with reporters at a news conference Saturday at Kauffman Stadium in 2002. Kansas City Star file photo zg29
Photo Credit: WHITNEY CURTIS
The Royals' Zack Greinke was calm, cool and collected with his team up by seven runs late in the ball game with the Cleveland Indians iin 2004. Mike Ransdell/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: MIKE RANSDELL
Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is introduced during pregame ceremonies before Friday's April 10, 2009, home opener between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) signs autographs along the first base seats before Tuesday's April 28, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals fans stand to cheer on starting pitcher Zack Greinke (in foreground) in the 7th inning during Friday's May 28, 2004 game between the Kansas City Royals and MinnesotaTwins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals minor-league pitcher of the year Zack Greinke took a picture of a statue of Cool Papa Bell during the Negro Leagues museum tour. Greinke was one of the 13 minor-leaguers at the museum Thursday. Photo by Keith Myers/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: KEITH MYERS
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke has a chat with catcher Benito Santiago in the fifth inning during play against the Oakland Athletics, Saturday May 22, 2004 in Oakland, Calif. zg29
Photo Credit: GEORGE NIKITIN
Zack Greinke during Tuesday's March 3, 2009, spring training baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians in Surprise, AZ. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Zack Greinke on the current issue of Sports Illustrated. zg29
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke works against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, May 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Photo Credit: Lori Shepler
Zack Greinke at age 2 and hitting balls off a cone in 1985. Courtesy of the family. zg29
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. STARSHOT0429
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Seattle Mariners' Mike Sweeney (5) and Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke (23) found time for a visit before Wednesday's May 6, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Mariners at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 5/6/09 (SPORTS) kcsm050609
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Zack Greinke in 2007. zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) is congratulated after leaving the game at the end of the 7th inning during Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 4/29/09 (SPORTS) kcbj042909
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Fans display 8 K's representing 8 strikeouts for Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke in the 6th inning after striking out Toronto Blue Jays' Lyle Overbay for the final out of the inning during Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Greinke finished the game with 8 strikeouts. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 4/29/09 (SPORTS) kcbj042909
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke pitches during Saturday's March 1, 2008, spring training game between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in Surprise, AZ in 2008. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the sixth inning during Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 4/29/09 (SPORTS) kcbj042909
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starter Zack Greinke (23) delivers a pitch to Milwaukee Brewers Rickie Weeks in the first inning during Friday's March 9, 2007 baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Phoenix, Az. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) throws in the first inning during Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 4/29/09 (SPORTS) kcbj042909
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke in 2007. Photo by John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) prepares to start the first inning during Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 4/29/09 (SPORTS) kcbj042909
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke throws in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in a spring training baseball game Friday, March 9, 2007, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) zg29
Photo Credit: Ross D. Franklin
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) warms up in the outfield before Wednesday's April 29, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star 4/29/09 (SPORTS) kcbj042909
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals manager Tony Pena signals for a releif pitcher in front of starting pitcher Zack Greinke in the top of the 8th inning during Friday's May 28, 2004 game between the Kansas City Royals and MinnesotaTwins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals pitchers Zack Greinke and Gil Meche during spring training in 2009. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royal starting pitcher Zack Greinke pitches against the Oakland Athletics, Saturday May 22, 2004 in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/George Nikitin) zg29
Photo Credit: GEORGE NIKITIN
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke delivers follows through on a pitch in the second inning during Friday's August 24, 2007, baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
FILE: Zack Greinke, a right handed pitcher for the Royals, warms his arm up by doing resistant training on Monday in Surprise, AZ. PHOTO BY: ALLISON LONG/KANSAS CITY STAR zg29
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Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke, 20, showed his promise by pitching well to major league hitters at the team's training camp in Surprise, Arizona in 2004. Photo by David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: DAVID EULITT
Royals Mike Sweeney gives a word of encouragment to starting pitcher Zack Greinke after getting out of the 7th inning during Friday's May 28, 2004 game between the Kansas City Royals and MinnesotaTwins at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is introduced during pregame ceremonies before Friday's April 10, 2009, home opener between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke answers questions at a press conference on Monday January 26, 2009 following his signing of a new 4-year contract with the team. zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke (23) signs autographs along the first base seats before Tuesday's April 28, 2009, baseball game between the Royals and Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star zg29
Photo Credit: JOHN SLEEZER
Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals, Sports Illustrated, MLB, baseball, pitchers, best pitcher in baseball, shutouts
