Lets start with Bannister.  The 27 year old broke in with the New York Mets in 2006 after they had some injuries in the rotation.  I liked what I saw out of him then.  His numbers were decent for a rookie, winning 2 games in 6 starts while posting a 4.26 ERA.   He’s the clear definition of a finesse pitcher, a poor man’s Greg Maddux.  The guy can barely crack 85 miles per hour when throwing his fastball, but has pinpoint location and devastating breaking stuff.  He uses both of those things to his advantage, in turn making him a very productive pitcher.  He had a 12-9 record with a 3.87 ERA for the Royals in 2007 and was one of the leading candidates for AL Rookie of the Year.  He’s followed that up with a great start to 2008.  He gave up only 2 earned runs in his first 3 starts (21 innings), but has dropped of a bit in ERA thanks to two bad starts.  He currently sits at 3-3 with a 4.04 ERA.  Considering the fact that they gave up little to get him, whatever it was, the Royals stole Bannister from a team that could really use him right now.

Now, on to Greinke. He came straight out of high school into the Royals farm system and was instantly labeled a super prospect.  His impressive minor league numbers took him to Kansas City in 2004 as a 20 year old, where despite a sub-.500 record, he had a great year (3.97 ERA).  He took a turn in the complete wrong direction in 2005, however, losing 17 games while only winning 5 and sporting a 5.80 ERA.  He reported to Spring Training in 2006 and was diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, a huge mental roadblock that made it near impossible for him to work with others.  He only pitched 6 innings that year and spent the rest on the DL trying to figure himself out.  In 2007 he appeared to be fully recovered, as he put up a 3.69 ERA in what was mostly bullpen duty.  Now in 2008 he has been re-inserted into the K.C. rotation and has come up huge in his 6 starts (3-1, 1.47 ERA).

With these two performing the way they are, the Royals are in good shape, especially if they continue with these results for a few years.  Due to their young age, you’d think they would.  Add young prospect Luke Hochevar to the rotation along with these two and Gil Meche and you have the makings of a solid rotation.  With the plethora of hitting prospects the Royals have, we may see a very good team shortly.