The Royals once had a star-studded young outfield of Johnny Damon, Carlos Beltran and Jermaine Dye but traded them all before they could become free agents.
Those days of the Royals losing young talented players before they could become free agents might have ended when they signed Zack Greinke to a four-year extension for $38 million. Greinke would have been eligible for free agency after the 2010 season. He will make $3.75 million this year, $7.25 million in 2010 and $13.5 million in 2011 and 2012. The Royals' record salary for a single season has been $12 million for Gil Meche and Jose Guillen.
"The fact that Zack Greinke is in a position to be signed to this kind of contract is cause for celebration," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "And the fact we were able to sign him to this contract is cause for an even bigger celebration."
Greinke, 25, was 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts last season after spending most of the 2007 season in the bullpen. In 2006, he abruptly left spring training and returned home to Florida, and he was treated for what was diagnosed as social anxiety disorder. When Greinke did return, he spent most of the season with Class AA Wichita.
"Three years ago I was in the minor leagues; two years ago I was in the bullpen not capable of getting hitters out as a starter," Greinke said. "Just coming from being so low in those situations to being, after one good year, a really good deal and the chance to stay with Kansas City for four more years. ... It's just really neat to look back at it."
During the 2006 setback, the Royals stayed behind Greinke.
"They could've easily pushed me aside, or helped me get me back and then dump me off as soon as they could get something for me," Greinke said. "But they did everything they could, bent over backward to help me.
At spring training in 2006, Greinke wasn't even sure why he was so miserable.
"I didn't realize there was a cure for what I had, where I just hated being around people," he said. "I was going to get a job where I didn't have to be around people all the time. Mainly, just mowing grass was my goal."
Greinke is mowing down hitters -- striking out 183 to tie teammate Gil Meche for fifth in the American League last season -- instead of yards.
Before making a four-year commitment to the Royals, Greinke wanted to see how committed the club was to winning.
"Each year we've improved, and it looks like we're going to continue to," he said. "That's pretty exciting for me because three or four years ago, I didn't see it coming. It's really taken a good turn for the better."
