Zack Greinke Reports to Astros Camp on Final Date Possible and Drops Perfect Quote
By Adam Weinrib
Just a few hours ahead of the Houston Astros' Spring Training opener, World Series Game 7 starter Zack Greinke finally rolled up to camp.
Why? Was he distraught over the accusations levied against his teammates this offseason? Was he particularly intent on finishing up some private workouts?
Nah. He simply didn't have to be there, and he wants you to know that.
Zack Greinke reported today and said today is final day players can report.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 22, 2020
"I just found out we don’t have to come these other days. If I would have known that 15 years ago, I wouldn’t have been coming for a while now," he said.
It's never too late to learn some new information!
Greinke is the ultimate character, sticking out of the baseball establishment like a sore thumb. Nobody walks to the beat of their own drum more than the mercurial righty, who tosses 50-mph curveballs simply because he wants to, and can mentally calibrate himself to throw specific velocities like an absolute superhuman.
No, he didn't have to be at camp until today. Yes, he absolutely wishes he'd discovered that bylaw a decade ago, when he first established adequate cache. Check the rulebook. Checkmate, Greinke.
Luckily, though it's been a tough offseason for the Astros, it's been an exceptional few weeks for Zack Greinke stories, so that sort of evens things out.
OK, this is now my favorite Zack Greinke story:
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) February 19, 2020
The whole piece: https://t.co/BbdNKMC5Jd pic.twitter.com/sCABKEnVma
No matter where Greinke goes, his stark realness sets a new tone in the clubhouse. But don't expect him to set that tone any earlier than he legally has to.