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Who would you rather have: Royals RHP Zack Greinke or Devil Rays LHP Scott Kazmir?

Sporting News, The, August 26, 2005 by Lewis Shaw, Stan McNeal

Similarities: Both are 21-year-old starters who were first-round picks in 2002 and rushed through the minors. Now they're learning how to pitch in the majors on last-place teams. The question that won't be answered for at least another year: Are their poor numbers a measure of their abilities or a reflection of their clubs? Kazmir is 6-8 in 24 starts with a 4.04 ERA. In 140 1/3 innings, he has walked 77 and struck out 124. Greinke is 3-14 in 24 starts with a 6.09 ERA. In 130 innings, he has walked 40 and struck out 81.

Styles: Kazmir is a Billy Wagner type-a lefty who is not all that big (6-0, 170) but throws extremely hard. He regularly reaches the mid-90s with his fastball. Greinke, a righthander, is a finesse pitcher who relies on his command. But Greinke (6-2, 175) can reach the low to mid-90s with his fastball.

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Strengths: Both are confident and display a strong mound presence. Kazmir has been at his best against the Red Sox, allowing four earned runs in 18 innings in three starts. Greinke has a plus curveball and changeup in his four-pitch repertoire. Kazmir throws a hard-breaking slider that complements his mid-90s fastball.

Weaknesses: Kazmir throws too many pitches because of his poor command. Greinke's immaturity has frustrated his teammates at times. Both need to be more aggressive in the strike zone.

Bottom line: Kazmir and Greinke have the potential to be No. 1 starters. Greinke may be further along in his development, and Kazmir is more prone to injury because of his mechanics, but Kazmir has greater potential. Lefthanders who throw 95 mph don't come along very often.

Who would you rather have: Royals RHP Zack Greinke or Devil Rays LHP Scott Kazmir?

Sporting News, The, August 26, 2005 by Lewis Shaw, Stan McNeal

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