Greinke Wins…Greinnnnnnkeeeeee Wins!
The best pitcher in the American League in 2009 has won the best-pitcher-in-the-AL award. At 1 p.m. central time this afternoon it was announced that Zack Greinke had been selected as this year’s AL Cy Young award winner. 25 of 28 voters had Greinke as their man. 
Baseball justice has been served. That’s in spite of the fact that Greinke compiled only 16 wins. That’s in spite of the fact that he played in Kansas City on a dismal team. That’s in spite of the fact that he would rather play in KC than New York. Ballot-casters clearly saw the virtual season-long dominance that included even the best teams in baseball. So they gave Zack the votes he had earned and deserved.
Make no mistake. This award means as much to Royals’ fans as it does to Greinke, maybe more, considering Zack’s aversion to notoriety. Had he not received the award it would have been another baseball disappointment, a slap in the collective face of KC fans, something we are all too familiar with. But today’s announcement gives Royals’ followers a reason for a measure of pride. That’s our guy. He came up through our system. We ached with him in his emotional struggles. We affectionately embraced his quirky comments. And now we pack the stadium to watch him pitch. He’s our star, a player that compares to anyone Boston or New York or Chicago or LA puts on the field. Royals’ followers needed this award.
Word is also out that Kansas City is likely in line for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game. It’s been an excellent few days for KC baseball. Now, if Dayton Moore can just add to that momentum in the days ahead.
Oh yes, Zack is getting married on Saturday. A Cy Young and a wife…he’s on a pretty good run too.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
The voters got it right. I’m so glad he won it. He was the best by far in the American League.