"Joakim Soria is just fine with the Royals' ongoing rebuilding efforts and his continuing role as the hammer at the back end of their bullpen.

So, no, the Mexicutioner offered no Zack Greinke-like angst Thursday after being selected as the Royals' pitcher of the year for the second time in three seasons in balloting by the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

"I'm still young," Soria said, "and I think I'm a piece of what they want to do with this team. I think it's a good idea to rebuild the team, and they've been doing great work with the minor-league system."

Greinke voiced frustration at times this season at the prospect of working through a rebuilding plan that is only now starting to bear fruit. That stemmed, perhaps in part to his contract status: Greinke is bound to the Royals only through the 2012 season.

In contrast, Soria's long-term deal, signed in May 2008, contains club-friendly options that extend through 2014. And club officials make it clear: Soria is the closest things the Royals have to an "untouchable" in trade talks.

"I think it's going to be good," Soria said. "I'm part of the Royals' family. I'm glad to be here, and I'm proud to be here."

Soria, 26, cemented his status this season as one of the game's premier closers. He was picked to the All-Star Game for the second time in three seasons while posting a 1.78 ERA in 66 games and converting 43 of 46 save opportunities.

"All of the saves are special to me," he said, "but what I remember most are my blown saves. That's when I learn something. The one I learned the most (from) was (May 6) in Texas when I allowed two home runs."

Lesson learned, apparently. Soria followed that blown save by setting a club record in converting his next 36 opportunities. That streak included another club record: 23 2/3 straight scoreless innings by a reliever."