Zack Greinke Scouting Report

Those of you who’ve seen Zack Greinke pitch this year are probably all wondering the same thing: what’s he doing in the big leagues?

Greinke, a 22-year-old pup with an absolute baby face has been knocked around in the ’05 season to the tune of a 6.06 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP. What’s more amazing is the fact that last year, at 21, he put up fine numbers: 3.97 ERA, 1.17 WHIP. His K rate is about the same at 5/9 IP and he’s walking about an extra batter/start.

Here’s the problem: his BAA (Batting Average Allowed) was .256 in 2004. It’s .312 in 2005.

Is he another Kevin Tapani, or will this kid pan out?

Well, he’s looking a lot like Brad Radke right now. He throws a fastball in the low-90s. He changes speeds with his 2-seamer and 4-seamer. He throws a good ephus curve and he still knows how to command the strike zone. He’s never going to be a K pitcher, but he should rack up 125-135/year based on good command alone.

And despite the frequent beatings Zack’s endured this season it’s probably a good thing the Royals decided to keep him in the bigs. He’s not someone who has to worry about perfecting command, or working on a third pitch: he has all those attributes already. The only thing he needs is experience. Then he’s Radke.