SPRINGDALE — Larry Carter never doubted Zack Greinke would win the Cy Young Award as the American League’s best pitcher.
Carter felt Greinke was a shoo-in for the award after the Kansas City right-hander posted a 16-8 record with a 2.16 ERA this past season. But Carter got a close-up look at Greinke in 2006 and he knew that the Royals’ first-round pick in 2002 was something special.
Greinke first wore a Royals uniform in 2004, but a nightmare season in 2005 (5-17) turned even worse in 2006. Greinke briefly left the game that year to battle depression and a social anxiety disorder.
“It’s a good step from where he was four years ago to where he is today,” Carter said. “I knew he had the potential and the ability to do that. He was always confident and he proved what he is about. I just remember how good he was and how confident he was in his stuff.”
He returned to Double-A Wichita in late May 2006. Carter was there as the Wranglers pitching coach. Kansas City moved its Double-A affiliate to Springdale in 2008 and Carter will begin his third season with the Naturals in 2010.
Greinke went 8-3 in 2006 and received a September promotion to the Royals and has been in a Kansas City uniform ever since. He signed a four-year, $38 million deal with the Royals before the 2009 season.
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