Sleeper Watch

Baseball’s latest Next Big Thing is here: Zack Greinke is ready to make his first start in the big leagues. But how good is Kansas City’s top pitching prospect really?

Much of the accolades Greinke has received stem from his phenomenal performance at A-level Wilmington last season. In 14 starts, the young right-hander posted a record of 11-1 with an ERA of just 1.14 and a WHIP of 0.79. In 87 innings of work, Greinke fanned 78 while walking only 13, displaying the pinpoint control that led the Royals to make him the sixth overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Moving up to AA Bakersfield to complete the 2003 campaign, Greinke held his own as a nineteen-year-old, compiling a 4-3 record with a 3.23 ERA. His K/IP rate dropped to 0.64 (34 Ks in 53 IP), but his K/BB ratio climbed to an incredible 6.8.

This year, following an invite to spring training in which he was plagued by inconsistency, Greinke began the season at AAA Omaha. He again proved himself capable of handling older, more experienced hitters, striking out 23 and allowing just six free passes in 28.2 IP. His ERA is an excellent 2.51.

With nothing left to prove at the minor league level, Kansas City feels that its prized prospect is ready for the big show. Keeper leaguers should snap him up if he’s still available, and even owners in single-season leagues, particularly those with plenty of bench space, may wish to give Greinke a look. As always with rookie pitchers, however, particularly one as young as Greinke, don’t expect too much too soon. His future looks bright indeed, but there may well be bumps along the way.