Fan Favorite and Former Dbacks player Zack Greinke faces Dbacks

Yes, this is a love-piece on Zack Greinke and The Dbacks

This Sunday, Zack Greinke will be pitching against the Dbacks in Houston. He’s helping lead the Astros to another division title and entry into the playoffs. This will be his second start against the Diamondbacks since he was traded to the Astros at the Trade Deadline in 2019. His first occurred in 2020 when he pitched on Sept 18th. He dominated the Diamondbacks despite allowing 3 runs. He struck out 9 and only walked 1. He led the Astros to the American League Championship series.

Of course, in 2019, mere months after he was acquired, he helped lead the Astros to Game 7 of the World Series. Of course, that trade should be talked about. It happened mere seconds before the Trade Deadline.

He was sent with cash to the Astros for Corbin Martin (Hou’ 3rd overall prospect), Seth Beer (4th prospect), J.B. Buskauskas (5th prospect), and Josh Rojas. All four of these players have made their MLB debut with the team. Rojas is a star on the team. Seth Beer is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Whereas Corbin Martin is still working on returning from Tommy John Surgery. J.B. is fixing his command so he can be an elite closer once more.

Yet, if you ask most Diamondbacks fans, they will say how much they miss Greinke. After all, he is a good bet to enter the Hall of Fame as a Diamondbacks player if everything goes well. Plus, he’s a free agent at the end of the season. May by some miracle does he return to help lead and mentor the rotation in what could be his final year. At the very least, I sincerely hope he comes back to work in the baseball operations department as a scout for the team. That’s a position he’s spoken highly about wanting to do in his post-playing career.

Nonetheless, Grienke was beloved for his awkward yet authentic playing style and personality. No one could ever say they didn’t look forward to more sound bites from him. Zack’s a one-of-a-kind player and person. His actions are louder than his words. If only we had more Greinke’s in the MLB world or with the Diamondbacks.. After all, not many are able to pitch so well into their age-37 season.

He’s accomplished everything one could except a World Series win in an MLB career. Greinke’s a 6-time All-Star, Cy Young Award winner, 6-time Gold Glover, 2-time Silver Slugger winner, and so much more. In fact, while with the Dbacks, he won a Silver Slugger, 4 Gold Gloves, 3 All-Star appearances, and led the Dbacks to the Divisional Round of the 2017 Playoffs. He’s a future Hall of Famer without a doubt.

During his time in the desert, Greinke had a record of 55-29, a 3.21 ERA, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, 714.2 innings pitched, 631 hits allowed, 270 Earned Runs, 159 walks (Jedi Master at pitching), 683 K’s, 140 ERA+ (ERA+ LG avg is 100), and a 3.43 FIP. He’s been the best pitcher for the Diamondbacks since Brandon Webb if not further back. Therefore, it’s great to see him having success again, even as a Houston Astro.

As a Houston Astro, he’s got a record of 22-10, 3.49 ERA, 294.1 innings, 291 hits, 123 Earned Runs, 53 walks, 233 K’s, 132 ERA+, and a 3.70 FIP. Greinke’s only recently returned to the rotation and Astros after testing positive for Covid. This will be his 2nd start since coming back. He’s lost three starts in a row so far.

The Diamondbacks will be sending Zac Gallen to the mound. That’s right, it’s a battle of the Zac’ks. Zac is 2-10 with an ERA of 4.44, 4.19 FIP, 103.1 innings pitched, 44 walks, 118 K’s, and a 94 ERA+. Most likely, a Zack will win Sunday’s game. The Astros are playing for the playoffs whereas the Dbacks are playing to not have the worst record in franchise history.

They will be playing for the series Sunday as the two teams have split the first two games of the series. Houston won on a walk-off hit by a pitch Friday night in extras. The Diamondbacks won Saturday after being to hold a lead they took in extras thanks to a Daulton Varsho HR.

No matter what happens, it will be a joy to see Greinke pitch once again on a Diamondbacks broadcast. I sincerely hope that we see Greinke in a Diamondbacks jersey at some point in the future. I know I miss him. If only the team had continued to be good.

Or, if we had a coaching staff and owner that knew how to manage an MLB team. No, I’m not talking about Mike Hazen. He’s done great with what he’s been given.

Finally, the Diamondbacks are only needing to win 4 out of their final 14 games of the year in order to avoid the worst record in team history. At least Zack Greinke didn’t have to go through this. Maybe he will next year, just kidding.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and enjoy the game! Let’s Go Zack Greinke and Zac Gallen!

As always,

May the Force be with You…