Zenmaster Zito's new Approach

by WhiteElephantGuy on Jul 21, 2005 12:39 AM PDT

"The toughest thing for a baseball player is when they project negative situations when they haven't happened yet, and that's what I was doing early in the season," Zito said. "But now I just try to project positive situations.

"It's all mental. I mean, I've made a few mechanical adjustments, but if your mental game is not in place, you're not going to have success."
-ESPN game recap http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250720103
(sorry I don't know how to link text to hrefs...unless its just like it is html. Maybe someone can tell me)

Wow, thats really cool. I know a lot pitchers talk about how a slump or whatever can be changed by fixing some mechanics but I truly believe anyone who's ever pitched know that a huge part is mental. And the truth is that I see Zito now compared to Zito in the seasons after his Cy Young year - he's grown. Before he would look shaken up, he was emotional (which is good but bad when not harnessed correctly), and just like a kid with a lot to learn. Now, apparently he achieved some enlightenment and handles things more optimistically.

I can definetely relate to this - one's attitude towards life makes things better. Zito just took this approach and applied it to baseball. I know a lot of drama people have and a lot bad things going on in their lives can be changed very easily by changing perspective. And I notice that people who are overall most happy, enjoy life to the fullest, also become the most successful in life.

Zito is a good example of why we should not worry and be happy. (hit the music) People all over the world...join hands...start a love train, love train, (coors light beer train comes rushing through arlington in Texas)...

Is this a bit too hippy for AN'ers?

Poll

Who's the coolest cat on the starting staff? (judge not based on baseball ability)

Captain Kirk "Don't give me" SARs

3 votes

Zenmaster Zito

44 votes

King Richard the Lion Harden

13 votes

DannyBoy "are you hard of" Haren ? "Cuz I said 'Hit This' and blew it right past you"

10 votes

Smokin' Joe Cupcakes

2 votes

72 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

borderline hippy, but true

i'm not into all the new-agey stuff, but having a positive attitude is very important.

and the bottom line is, if zito believes it is working for him, and he's doing well on the mound, who are we to question his methods?

If I weren't playing baseball, I'd be... "in the Ultimate Fighting Championship." -Rich Harden

by xbhaskarx on Jul 21, 2005 12:46 AM PDT reply actions

i'd take

the zito hippy approach anyday over the john rocker redneck approach ;) lol

"If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball." -Patches O'Houlihan

by apocalyptica @ Athletics Nation on Jul 21, 2005 2:10 AM PDT reply actions

Hmm

Objectively I'd have to say Harden because of his heat and I have a certain soft spot for Haren. Something about that crazy mullet and those linebacker shoulders that I like.

I like Zito and he probably WOULD be second, but he went to USC (UCLA alumni, transferring to Berkeley, still allowed the 'SC hate). I'll cheer for him, but that counts against him.

by dchu on Jul 21, 2005 2:24 AM PDT reply actions

that song rules

never been really familiar with that song until the coors light commercial...now i can't get it out of my mind...oh yeah...ZITO RULES

by DanvilleLegend on Jul 21, 2005 3:11 AM PDT reply actions

I voted for Blanton

He ain't heavy, he's my pitcher. His nickname is Cupcakes and it doesn't get much cooler than that.

Bruce Campbell deserves his own national holiday.

by pbruins92 on Jul 21, 2005 4:33 AM PDT reply actions

Wow

I must have been wasted last night. I don't remember writing this...

But its not that incoherent, no? I'm proud of myself.

Change is for the better. For both the A's and in life.

by WhiteElephantGuy on Jul 21, 2005 9:37 AM PDT reply actions

I love them all...

but I had to vote for Harden. I just adore that kid.

by Squeaky on Jul 21, 2005 10:32 AM PDT reply actions

You know what they say....

"90% of this game is mental. 10% is ability"

This tends to be very true with guys like Zito. He is locked into that spiritual/mental side of himself and it is manifesting itself to his baseball, which is his JOB.

Now THIS is Billy Ball

by Masaryk on Jul 21, 2005 11:37 AM PDT reply actions