"On the first Friday night of last season, the Kansas City Royals held a pregame ceremony to present Zack Greinke with his 2009 American League Cy Young Award. The team's prior winners, the retired right-handers David Cone and Bret Saberhagen, showed up to honor him, all three aces dressed in official team warm-up jackets.

Greinke was treated as a king among Royals, with gifts including a specially made Cy Young ring, a set of golf clubs, a framed jersey and lineup card, and the pitcher's rubber and home plate from Kauffman Stadium. His father received a watch, his wife and mother a Cy Young pendant.

Greinke smiled to the crowd and gave a little wave. But he did not say a word, and embarked on an ordinary season in which he seemed to struggle for motivation."