The Royals have just announced that starting pitcher Odalis Perez will likely head to the disabled list and be replaced in the rotation with 23-year-old, fire-balling reliever Zach Greinke. This is good news for everyone who has cheered for the still very-young former phenom who was sidetracked by a social anxiety disorder, and Greinke agrees with the move.
More notably, Greinke learned to maximize his arm speed, which boosted his fastball into the upper-90s and helped result in 55 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings.
If that is in fact a lesson he learned, then the Royals will have a 1A behind Meche for the remainder of the season. 2008 will shape-up much better without the need to spend another $55MM on a pitcher with the ability to be good.
The other beneficiary is Rule V rookie closer Joakim Soria. With Greinke in the rotation, Soria will close for the remainder of 2007, and, assuming Greinke's success, he will enter this off-season as an unrivaled closer as the Royals prepare for 2008.
There are sure to be questions about Greinke's projected success as a starter in this afternoons' baseball chats. I know I am reserving judgment given his past anxiety issues, but I will be rooting for him to succeed regardless.
NFL with Mel Kiper at 1PM.
Baseball America's Jim Callis at 2PM.
FBB with Ron Shandler at 3PM.
NFL with Scouts' Gary Horton at 4PM.
Baseball Prospectus' Nate Silver at 4PM.
For those who missed it, Eric Karabell's Fantasy Sports Chat from this morning.