The last time Royals’ right-handed pitcher Kyle Zimmer took the mound in Arizona this spring, he rocked, kicked up his leg, and strode forward unleashing a 97 mph fastball that completely overwhelmed Texas Rangers youngster Bubba Thompson.
Thompson, a former first-round draft pick, may yet be a star in the making. Perhaps he’ll take the majors by storm someday. If he does make it without the cruelly tantalizing ups and downs that Zimmer has faced, then Zimmer will likely be one of many to tip his cap and wish the minor-league standout the best.
However, this spring has finally been Zimmer’s time.