A year after taking a sabbatical to deal with anxiety, Royals pitcher Zack Greinke found himself in a mega-chokeworthy situation: pitching opposite the big-league debut of touted Boston Red Sox gyroball-hurler Daisuke "Dice-K" Matsuzaka. But over seven innings, Greinke struck out seven. He kept his poise, allowing just eight hits and two runs. But that was just the beginning. Less than a week later, Greinke had to deal with the other great athlete humbler: family turmoil. He took the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays shortly after the death of both grandparents and still pitched six respectable innings. Not long after, Greinke handled a demotion to the bullpen with poise. And he flourished in the pen, so much so that he even saw time as a closer. Then he went full circle, returning once again to a starting role. It's clear the prodigal son has returned to win back his reputation.
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