In 2016, right-hander Zack Greinke of the Arizona Diamondbacks did not turn in a terrible season. By most standards, the numbers were solid, but not for the environment surrounding Greinke.
Heralded as the most attractive player on the free agent market last offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks reached out with a win-now mentality. Though owner Ken Kendrick believes to the contrary, the Diamondbacks are a big market team. He opened his checkbook with that perception.
Greinke drew the opening day assignment against the Colorado Rockies and quickly imploded. For four innings in his first start, Greinke surrendered nine hits, seven runs, and three homers.