Zack Greinke speaks about his issues from last season
Greinke finally felt comfortable enough to open up about his past problems - which boils down to depression and social anxiety. It sounds like everything was handled really well by both Zack and the Royals last season - and I'm pulling for him to make the rotation this spring. He's got all the talent in the world, and after finally seeking the help he needed, I think he's poised to bounce back and show us what all the hype was about. For the full story on Greinke - go the the Kansas City Star's web site and read the article.
Reggie Sanders reports on Friday - probably not going to be here for long
While everyone else reported early, Sanders waited until Friday - the mandatory arrival date for players - to make his way to Surprise. No big deal, as he's a veteran and probably doesn't need some of the extra work that a lot these guys need. I heard him interviewed on the radio (810 WHB) and it sounds to me like he's not exactly sure what his role will be this season. With Emil Brown on the team and Teahen being moved to the outfield, it seems that Sanders is the odd man out (unless the Royals swing a deal for Brown instead). The guys on 810 seem to think that Sanders will not be on the roster come opening day, or that if he is, he'll be gone by the all-star break.
Gordon seems to be a lock for opening day
According to all reports - Teahen has been doing the bulk of his work in the outfield, really not spending any time at third base at all. It seems that Alex Gordon will have to play his way off the roster, and it's unlikely that will happen. Gordon is the new face of the franchise - with the potential to be the next George Brett here in KC. He won Minor League Player of the Year (just after winning College Player of the Year) and appears to be ready to start an amazing big league career. Gives us a nice young 1-2 punch right now with Gordon/Teahen....and let's not forget about Ryan Shealy and David DeJesus - looks like we're beginning to put a really nice lineup together that should only get better with time.
And last but not least.......
DENNY MATTHEWS WINS FORD C. FRICK AWARD - WILL BE INDUCTED INTO BASEBALL HALL OF FAME!
This one's been a long time coming, as the voice of the Royals (he's been here as long as the team's been in existence - since 1969!) finally gets the recognition he deserves. Matthews joins George Brett as the only other long term Royal in the Hall of Fame. Denny's been here through it all...the good times and the bad...and has introduced a few generations of fans to the game of baseball over the years.
This is a huge deal for fans here in KC, as Denny's a part of all our lives....as soon as we here his voice on the radio, we know it's spring or summer, and we know we can count on yet another great broadcast. There's not much better than sitting in your backyard with a burger and a beer while listening to Denny and the Royals on a summer night.
Denny is a dying breed....broadcasters today seem to have a burning desire to entertain you - trying to have an "act" and make a name for themselves. Denny's never seemed to want any part of that - he is what he is....an absolutely brilliant play-by-play man. Some will complain that Denny doesn't get excited enough, that he's a bit dull. Those people just don't get it. Denny just has that...."something"....he doesn't need to get excited about every play - about a meaningless home run or a meaningless strikeout. He's got something that seems to be lost on a lot of people - subtlety. Denny never gives too much in a broadcast, but he always gives more than enough. I challenge any of you who may not like Denny's style to go back and listen....REALLY listen....he's funny (hilarious, actually....great deadpan humor), he's extremely knowledgeable and he is entertaining.
I've been listening for, oh...about 25 years or so (that I can really remember), and I can't imagine having grown up without Denny on the radio. I have so many memories I can't even keep track - listening with my dad; out on my grandpa's boat fishing with the Royals on the radio; in college, hanging with buddies outside on lawn chairs with a cooler of beer; just going for a drive....all by myself...no destination in mind...just an excuse to get out and listen. Here's hoping that Denny sticks around for another generation of kids to grow up and listen with their dads, or while they're out playing catch or whiffle ball with their friends in back yards across the midwest.
CONGRATS DENNY! You are a class act and no one deserves this honor more than you.
2 comments:
Can you elaborate a little more on what Reggie said? I really think he's gone too. He's a nice guy, but there really is no spot for him.
And congrats Denny!
I don't really remember what Reggie said....what I wrote here had more to do with media opinion on the matter.
That being said, Reggie did have a strange quote a day or two after I posted this - claiming he had no idea Teahen was moving to the OF. I find that hard to believe - as it's all over the news locally, not to mention, Reggie's actually a part of the team! I'd think someone would've tipped him off before he arrived in AZ!
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