Posted by Joe Hamrahi on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Ok, so I’m a little biased! I am indeed happy for the Royals today. Signing Zack Greinke to a long term deal is critical, not only for the success of the organization, but for the public perception of the team. Many have doubted the moves the Royals have made this off-season, myself included. But, today’s signing reinforces the fact that Kansas City is concerned about its long-term success, not just a few stop-gap measures. I don’t have the contract details yet, but however many millions it is, the deal signifies that the Royals’ ownership is truly committed to investing in the team.

Now for just a few bits from the press release…

The 25-year old Greinke, the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award winner for 2008, went 13-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts for Kansas City last season. He set career highs in nearly every category, including innings (202.1), strikeouts (183) and quality starts (23). His 183 strikeouts tied teammate Gil Meche for the fifth-most in the American League. Greinke’s 3.47 ERA was the lowest since Kevin Appier’s 3.40 mark in 1997 among Royals pitchers who qualified for the ERA title (min. 162 innings). The Royals first round selection (6th overall) in the 2002 Draft, Greinke currently resides in Orlando, Fla.