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The Waiting is the Hardest Part

Currently, Zack can only envision what it will be like when he ultimately gets the chance to toe the rubber at Kauffman Stadium.

Besides having his family on hand to watch him, Zack has just one more wish for the events surrounding his first big league game.

“The W, that’s all we’ll need for the day,” said Greinke, preferring a team victory to any personal accolades. “We don’t need a shutout. We just need a win.”

As the Royals top prospect, Zack realizes that he’s eventually going to get his shot to show his stuff in the show.

“That’s the hardest thing,” admits Greinke. “Knowing you’re so close to your life-long dream but you just haven’t got there yet.”

In fact, Zack may be closer to his goal than he thinks.

KC Taps Her Magic Wand

The Kansas City Star has reported that Zach Greinke might make his major-league debut as early as the end of May. "There's been good development," Kansas City Royals General Manager Allard Baird told the Star. "There are certain things that he's done enough of down there, adjustments he's made."

“I wouldn’t count it out,” McGinn tells MLN. “But we need to see some consistency over a period of time that warrants him coming to the big leagues. He’s got to be comfortable because it’s a whole different (world) up there.”

Seasoning the Pressure

Greinke takes these accounts with a grain of salt and just seems determined to work at the ballpark everyday at trying to solidify his status.

“You just got to keep going about your business and hopefully open some eyes and push your way through,” said Greinke.

Shaun McGinn believes that once Zack establishes confidence in the big leagues, his success is inevitable.

“As he learns the hitters in the league, as he takes the mound and gets more comfortable, that’s when it will snowball and he’ll be the player we project him to be,” said McGinn.

“Zack has got the makeup, the command of his pitches, great mound presence and attitude to be the number one starter for the Kansas City Royals for many, many, years.”

If anyone thinks the strain of being under the Major League spotlight will be too much for him to handle, perhaps they should think again.

“I like having the pressure,” says Greinke. “I want to be the number one prospect. I want to be the number one player. I work hard everyday so I can be named the top prospect. Hopefully I can become a top player in the majors for years to come.”

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