Zito: Top Pitcher in the Game?

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 3, 2007 1:34 PM PST in News

We here in Athletics Nation know that Barry Zito isn't the best pitcher in the game. Hell, he wasn't the best pitcher on the A's staff. So why are the Giants paying him like he's Johan Santana...or Mike Hampton and Kevin Brown?

Yes, I know he has all the lofty durability stats. Since 2001, he has 208 starts, most in the majors. He ranks third in innings pitched since, fourth in wins with 95 and 11th in ERA at 3.61. But here are his AL ranks for bases on balls allowed from 2001-2006 courtesy of Baseball Reference (great, great site).

2001- Fifth in walks allowed
2002- Fifth in walks allowed
2003- Second in walks allowed
2004- Seventh in walks allowed
2005- Second in walks allowed
2006- Second in walks allowed

Now I'm not saying that he won't be a good pitcher for the Giants, his stats will likely be great next year as he moves to a National League that doesn't have a single lineup that resembles the Yankees or Red Sox or even the Tigers. He'll also be pitching in a park that can be very favorable to pitchers.

But the bottom line is that the Giants are paying Zito like he's the best pitcher in the game whereas I question whether or not they would've been a better team with Jason Schmidt instead of Zito. I know market forces are beyond control and Scott Boras can work voodoo magic on any GM in the game that forces them to empty their owners' pockets, but when Alex Rodriguez signed that mammoth contract with Texas, he was the best player in the game. He's continued to produce throughout the life of that contract as one of the best despite the enormous pressure of New York.

I just wanted to say this because I'm tired of hearing media say that this was a great move for the Giants because it was all about PR. Zito is going to be paid like the best pitcher in the game for the next few seasons.

Holy hell, how much does this make Johan Santana worth? A 10-year, $220 million deal?

Any way, I'm done talking about Zito for now (or at least today). I'm just tired of reading most columnists and media types saying it was a great signing for the Giants. I'm just not convinced that the Giants have made a move for the better in switching out Schmidt for Zito(outside of the huge durability factor).

Oh, I also have four free tickets to the upcoming FanFest event as I can't attend. I'm willing to mail it to you for free. Just comment that you want them below and I'll get in contact with you. My one request is that you take a few photos and write a diary about your experience. But you were going to do that any way, weren't you?

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Comments

Don't use total walks

Obviously, since Zito doesn't miss starts, he's going to rack up innings with the best of them. Naturally, then, his walk total is going to be high also.

I'm not saying that Zito doesn't walk a lot of guys, because we all know he does. However, I wouldn't rank him based on total walks. Instead, I suggest using BB/9.

The ranks might come out the same, but I think it's a little more accurate for your point.

by fadedash on Jan 3, 2007 1:44 PM PST reply actions

Zito's BB/9

2000 4.34
2001 3.36
2002 3.06
2003 3.42
2004 3.42
2005 3.51
2006 4.03

I think there is a trend.

Also some of the notable league active pitchers' career BB/9:

Jon Lieber 1.71
Greg Maddux 1.84
David Wells 1.86
Ben Sheets 1.89
Brian Anderson 1.96
Roy Oswalt 1.97
Curt Shilling 1.99
Mike Mussina 2.02
Mark Buehrle 2.07
Roy Halladay 2.24
Jamie Moyer 2.54
Estaban Loaiza 2.56
Johan Santana 2.58

by asfansince1989 on Jan 4, 2007 12:05 PM PST up reply actions

Schmidt ain't much better

Career BB/9 3.53, 2006 was 3.38

At least when Zito loses his velocity (whatever he had), he's still got the curve, when Schmidt loses his velocity, he'd be done.

by asfansince1989 on Jan 4, 2007 12:13 PM PST up reply actions

and as far as Schmidt goes

wasn't it Jason who didn't want to resign in SF? That's what I remember hearing. If that's the case, it's a moot point whether or not they'd be better off with him over Zito.

by fadedash on Jan 3, 2007 1:45 PM PST reply actions

Jason vs. Barry

I also see Jason Schmidt as a health risk. If you take the peak of both guys, sure, Schmidt is better. If you deal with the reality of what these two guys will be in 2007 and beyond... probably better to go with Barry.

As for the cash... it may well be that what Johan Santana gets will stun the world at what "Johan Santana money" is. In retrospect, "Barry Zito money" might look appropriate for Barry Zito.

by achiappanza on Jan 3, 2007 3:29 PM PST up reply actions

Totally agree

The thing is... A's fans are in the best position to know just what a huge overpayment Zito's getting, and I think AN mostly knows that you really like him -- but to an outsider, this would be taken as a "sour grapes" post. "We can't have him, so let's nitpick about him."

But within a couple of years, after more NL hitters have gotten familiar with him, it'll be pretty clear to everybody who loves this deal that we're not just nitpicking. And the cost of the Giants' PR move will be that they're stuck with a new big-money Barry (although, granted, the new one is a lot easier to get along with and will probably not create legal problems to hang over the team).

"You know, Mark Ellis is the all-time home run leader from South Pecota." ~ jeepers

by Poppy on Jan 3, 2007 1:49 PM PST reply actions

An outsider

might feel that way, but anyone who has been reading me and my columns at FSNBayArea knows that while I love Zito, he also frustrated the hell out of me at times. The control thing drove me nuts.

I honestly believe that Zito will have great stats next year because of the league switch and ballpark, but I also don't consider it a great signing. I think it was borderline lunacy even with Zito's durability.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 3, 2007 2:39 PM PST up reply actions

league switch good thing?

Why does everyone assume league switch would be good for Zito? Did he already have enough trouble getting the AL umps to call his curve strike correctly?

by asfansince1989 on Jan 4, 2007 12:16 PM PST up reply actions

Don't the umps....

work both leagues now? And I don't know that I buy the theory that suddenly the umps forgot how to call Barry's curve - which is usually flatter now than it used to be anyway (more 10-4, instead of 12-6) - unless it has something to do with Questec. It does seem that the curve gets fouled off more often, whereas more guys used to swing and miss.

by BleacherDave on Jan 4, 2007 1:01 PM PST up reply actions

Blez

if you could send me the fanfest tix i would appreciate it.

email me @ eastbayace33@yahoo.com

thanks in advance.

"Trust me there are No Angels on our team" - Ken Macha

by BashBrothers89 on Jan 3, 2007 1:57 PM PST reply actions

"Z" and Batting

I just can't wait to see him hit on a regular basis. The guy is an automatic "K".....

Good luck in S.F. Zito, thanks for the memories.

"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Jan 3, 2007 1:58 PM PST reply actions

Might farce turn to tragedy?

When I imagine Zito hitting all the time I can't help but remember the ill-fated Durazo fielding experiment a few years back, when Ruby hurt himself taking infield practice in preparation for interleague play.

It would be a sad irony of BZ's run of good health came to an end with an awkward swing...probably while trying to smack a splash hit in batting practice.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 3, 2007 2:15 PM PST up reply actions

i would not be surprised.

it would be embarrysing for him and the G organization. i would lmao.

rip 2006, it was nice while it lasted.

by ak_A on Jan 3, 2007 5:04 PM PST up reply actions

Barry running to first base....

...may be the cause of the first ever "miss" due to injury. Look at the LAAAAAA outfielder Rivera, who's out with a leg fracture when he got tangled up with the pitcher while running to first base.

Barry Zito is a very likeable, intelligent guy. I really enjoy hearing him on the radio today. I wish him every success. But knowing every pitcher is one line drive away from Herb Score, I just think the Athletics are smart to stay away from high-risk transactions over multiple, guaranteed years.

Rename Fremont to Philadelphia, and all's well.

by One won lost won on Jan 3, 2007 4:31 PM PST up reply actions

high-risk transactions over multiple years

As long as the A's stay low-budget, that's going to be their only choice... unless you're counting Chavey in there.

If the A's start making bank in Fremont, some fans will call for resigning the new versions of Giambi, Tejada, Huddy, and Mulder. And those re-signings will have to be for multiple, guaranteed years.

by achiappanza on Jan 3, 2007 5:16 PM PST up reply actions

Schmidt wasnt the same guy the last 2 years...

Velocity was consistently way down and his breakign stuff is not nearly as effective if his fastball is really heated up. More importantly, he REALLY struggled in the second half last year. Schmidt may be the better guy this year and I would prob take him over Barry on a one year deal....but I would definitely rather have Barry in 2-3 years from now.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jan 3, 2007 2:13 PM PST reply actions

Zito

Short term....Zito will be great for the giants. He adds a lot to that young staff since the pressure will be off Cain and Lowry. I would project him to have a great year in '07, a good year in '08, then be league average from then on. (These projections are subject to statwonk criticism)

So longterm they are really screwed with his NTC, but since when do the giants ever care about the future.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Jan 3, 2007 2:34 PM PST reply actions

Santana to get 25M$ a year unless

the runup in bonuses this off season turns sour real quick next season. Doubt that he will get a 10 year contract, however. Risk is in the length of contract and Santana will do better to limit the years and go for the money per year instead.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Jan 3, 2007 2:55 PM PST reply actions

Agreed. Santana -- 8 yrs $200MM

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2007 3:54 AM PST up reply actions

Barry, you can stay anywhere you want on the road.

Suite!

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Jan 3, 2007 3:11 PM PST reply actions

Half million for his first NL Cy

Per the article:

"He also will earn a $500,000 bonus for winning the Cy Young Award, $200,000 if he finishes second in the voting, $150,000 for third place, $100,000 for fourth and $50,000 if he's fifth. If he wins a second time, he would get a $750,000 bonus and $1 million if he wins it a third time or more.

Other bonuses include $250,000 for MVP -- with $150,000 for second place, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. If he were to be named World Series MVP, that would be worth $200,000, while an NLCS MVP would get him $100,000. He earns $100,000 for a Gold Glove and $100,000 for being an All-Star."

But what does he get for hitting .300?

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 3, 2007 3:42 PM PST up reply actions

A batting title.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Jan 4, 2007 11:43 AM PST up reply actions

I could use 2 tix ...

if Blez' aren't already claimed or if someone else is feeling generous ...

Read my latest articles

by devo on Jan 3, 2007 3:47 PM PST reply actions

Hey Devo

I can spare two. If you still need them, just e-mail me.

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Jan 3, 2007 4:15 PM PST up reply actions

tix

If you are still looking or know of someone that would like them let me know. I have 4 and because of a work conflict I am unable to attend.

by opiewannabe on Jan 4, 2007 1:37 PM PST up reply actions

Santana ...

If he stays healthy through the duration of his contract and continues to pitch as he has ... 8 years and $25 million sounds about right.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Jan 3, 2007 3:51 PM PST reply actions

yep

they are already talking about Zambrano next year being in the range of $20 million a year, so Santana will clear 25 easily after the 2008 season at this rate.

I would think at some point the growth rate of these contracts has to slow down significantly, so you may be right on with 25 million a year.

link

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Jan 3, 2007 4:08 PM PST up reply actions

I'd expect the ebbs and flows to continue ...

a couple of big years, followed by a couple of down years.

But if the money is flowing, Santana might get 250/8 or more ... I don't see anyone willing to go beyond 8 years for a 29 year old pitcher, though.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Jan 3, 2007 4:42 PM PST up reply actions

Sportswriters try to justify

Spending that kind of money on a "good" pitcher. It's kinda like buying a really expensive car. You try to justify it in your mind that you did the right thing, but deep down you know it was wrong. Perhaps in 10 or so years we will look back at this off season and say how crazy the GM's were that year when most of them will be trying to unload the fat contracts for the underperforming. Hey Seattle, Beltre, Sexon!!

by billyball1981 on Jan 3, 2007 4:00 PM PST reply actions

Yet it's collusion if the owners agree to not bid

We've already seen that road, and travelled it. Perhaps because I've never had a million dollars net hangin' off my checking account, but once you pass about $3-4 million a year, is there anything beyond "frivolous" about how you spend your 23 hrs 56 minutes each day, that all of us get, rich or poor?

I think it's the "agents" who are extremely greedy, and drive the prices up. What was Boras take this year? Isn't agent takehomes on the backs of players, worthy of Hotstove talk??

Rename Fremont to Philadelphia, and all's well.

by One won lost won on Jan 3, 2007 4:36 PM PST up reply actions

Just remember ...

for every multi-million dollar contract a player receives, there's an owner with enough money to write it on top of 24 others.

While greed may drive a player's desire to get a couple million extra, there's far greater greed trying to keep it from him.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Jan 3, 2007 4:45 PM PST up reply actions

Seriously!

Contracts are huge this winter because the owners are flush with cash. Unless one cares to waste time with a ticket price cut delusion, the money either goes to the players, or it stays with the far wealthier owners.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 3, 2007 6:57 PM PST up reply actions

Zito's contract is ridiculously huge...

This year.

Remember how a year ago 99% of the baseball following population thought the Loaiza deal was too much? 3 years/$21 million doesn't seem so outrageous anymore. It wasn't more than a year ago that you could find a strong contingent of folks on AN who were advocating a Zito extension at $11-12 million per. The idea was that Zito might be willing to give a hometown discount to stay in Oakland, which meant that on the FA market Barry was likely to get $14-15 million a year! Considering that just about every contract signed this offseason has seemed a couple million bloated, is it really any surprise that Zito was able to command $18 million a year?

$18 million annual will always look a bit bloated but Barry Zito was the A1 free agent SP on the open market this season and he was going to get his money. But don't worry, it won't be long before some other signing dwarfs Zito's.

The only way the contracts will get smaller is if MLB starts to lose money and right now all signs are pointing towards continued fiscal growth. And if the owners are going to be making more money you can bet that the players are going to want their cut.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Jan 3, 2007 4:34 PM PST reply actions

You didn't mention agents

Owners already tried to hold in costs, and they ended up "guilty of collusion".

How about the collusion of agents, and the gross dollars agents are raking in?

Is it possible that Scott Boras pays people not to become agents? I wouldn't doubt it.

Rename Fremont to Philadelphia, and all's well.

by One won lost won on Jan 3, 2007 4:39 PM PST up reply actions

Didn't think I needed to

Players + $$$ = Agents!

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Jan 3, 2007 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

more fanfest tickets

I have four more for free...I don't require a diary entry or pictures, but you would need to pick them up from me at park merced in SF (near SFSU) email me at kobrin@sfsu.edu

by StocktonJew on Jan 3, 2007 5:14 PM PST reply actions

Contract

"Zito is going to be paid like the best pitcher in the game for the next few seasons."

10-Million
14.5-Million

Doesn't start looking bad until 2009...but, what will the market be then???

$18.5M
$18.5M
$18.5M
$19M
$20M
$18M club option ($7M buyout)

by Colorado Fan on Jan 3, 2007 5:17 PM PST reply actions

More Fanfest tix (3)

Email me at ski gurl 555 at earth link dot net (remove all spaces).

"Put me down and I'll walk off the field." -- Bradley to Macha, 9/06

by skigurl on Jan 3, 2007 6:56 PM PST reply actions

Sounds like sour grapes, Blez

Comparing Schmidt at his best to Zito at his best, you'd have a leg to stand on. But Schmidt is five years older and is showing signs of wear. His best years are behind him. Despite that, he's going to an awesome pitcher's park and I expect him to do well.

And your parenthetical "aside from durability" comment, that's not an aside -- that's practically the whole point! Provided he stays healthy over the 7-8 years, I think you'll find the money outlay appropriate. If his health goes south it's a disaster. But from a durability perspective, Zito's the best bet out there.

That said, I think the A's rotation will be just fine without Barry.

by coolbeanes on Jan 3, 2007 7:27 PM PST reply actions

Schmidt K'd

16 Marlins last June. Most by a Giant in 102 years. If that's over the hill, I'll take it. If the Giants hadn't abused him so (that 16 K game was in the midst of a stretch where Schmidt went 8 consecutive starts of 110+ pitches), he may have been more durable. The more I think about it, the more brilliant the Zito signing becomes - in every aspect except between the lines. Fans are concerned about wins & losses, but McGowan and Baer aren't competing only on the field. In an off-season where the A's went to the ALCS, announced plans for a new stadium, increased season ticket sales, and signed a deal with a 50,000 watt radio station, they were generating some momentum in this marketplace. The Giants only had the ugly and surprising fan and media backlash from the decision to retain the still productive Barry Bonds. Suddenly, that's all changed. And how many of us are going to continue to follow Z's starts? Just when the A's are starting to show some signs of life, the Giants put their foot on their neck. KNBR already has gotten a season's worth of content from that Z guy. Do you have any doubts that the Barry Zito show is going to be a weekly feature? And can you imagine how Bonds feels? A second tier, white, surfer dude of a pitcher gets a bigger contract from the Giants than the, arguably, best hitter of all time. Think that may light a fire under Bonds' behind for next year? Like many great competitors, he's more focused with a chip on his shoulder. Giants fans just shouldn't expect more on the mound from Zito than who he is. We'll see how it turns out. I don't care how "Bay Area vibe" Zito is (did you hear in how many contexts he used the word "energy"), if he's only slightly above league average the face of the franchise won't look so pretty. It's a gutsy move - high risk, high reward.

by BleacherDave on Jan 3, 2007 10:21 PM PST reply actions

That is one of the most astute

observations of this deal that I have seen so far. The Giants have good reason to grab some of the limelight by making a huge free agent signing, especially one that manages to tweak the nose of their cross bay rival.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 4, 2007 1:02 AM PST up reply actions

In a culture that

venerates conspicious consumption, the Giants got their bling on. It's a huge shot across the A's bow. The A's most famous personality becomes a Giant with a huge contract. The Giants are the big gas guzzling SUV and the A's are the sensible green hybrid. Thank God for those car pool stickers.

by BleacherDave on Jan 3, 2007 10:32 PM PST reply actions

Random thought..

I was watching Best Damn greatest hits and one was from the Raiders and I got to hear Bill King bust out the Holy toledo...
Now that's a way to say goodnight.

go Oakland

"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Jan 3, 2007 11:25 PM PST reply actions

Shockingly OT

I had to do a double take when I saw this...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=12253

Thank God its not Barry. That would just be wrong.

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

by OaktownRajah on Jan 3, 2007 11:59 PM PST reply actions

I will gladly accept any fanfest tickets

being offered! I need about 8 of them. I invited a buddy and his family to fanfest with my family last year. He had such a good time his family attended several games with my family. He brought his 10 year old nephew to MB's walk off game, and now the kids off the hook for the A's. They're all excited about going to fanfest this year. They have caught the green and gold bug and I suppose I should feel guilty about sharing my g&g crack habit, so maybe I can hook them up with free fanfest tickets if AN is feeling generous. Now I'm slinging the g&g. I feel so cheap and sleazy. Oh well, it'll pass.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 4, 2007 4:37 AM PST reply actions

4 fanfest tick

I'd be willing to ship ya 4 tickets if you're still in need. I'll do whatever it takes to recruit new A's fanatics!!

by opiewannabe on Jan 4, 2007 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

can ya ship me a couple?

pretty pleeeasseee with 2 cherries on top!

"The weather is hot, so I'm hot," Scutaro said with mock bravado. "Just kidding."

by TrizzleNizzle510 on Jan 4, 2007 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

I would love them!

I wouldn't mind sharing with Triz down below either. Why not be a magnanimous beggar? My email address is jeffpenry@sbcglobal.net. I will gladly pay for any costs incurred by you. Thanks so much.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 4, 2007 9:40 PM PST up reply actions

GAK! SNORT! FAINT!

Score one for the "huh???????" department: The Red Sox are signing Joel Pineiro and planning to give him a chance to compete for their closer's job (Papelbon to the rotation).

This is the Joel Pineiro whose 6.36 ERA last season came fully equipped with a WHIP of 1.65 and an opponent's batting average of .311.

"Game Over," yes. "Red Sox win," not so much.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jan 4, 2007 8:09 AM PST reply actions

Caption:

"This is how many guys I'll walk on Opening Day."

"I mean, hey, if they're going to bring the A's to Fremont, you might as well bring a Hooters." ~ some guy

by Poppy on Jan 4, 2007 8:51 AM PST reply actions

Heh, heh...

he's got a TT between his fingers!

French Vanilla

by Ice Cream on Jan 4, 2007 8:59 AM PST up reply actions

I just realized...

...that photo goes well with my sig line!

"I mean, hey, if they're going to bring the A's to Fremont, you might as well bring a Hooters." ~ some guy

by Poppy on Jan 4, 2007 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

LOL!

French Vanilla

by Ice Cream on Jan 4, 2007 9:13 AM PST up reply actions

They are, you know...

You probably already know..that a Hooter's is coming to Fremont..saw it in today's paper

by LongTimeFan on Jan 4, 2007 9:54 AM PST up reply actions

Yep... was in yesterday's DLD...

That quote was at the end of the article, struck me funny... :-D

"I mean, hey, if they're going to bring the A's to Fremont, you might as well bring a Hooters." ~ some guy

by Poppy on Jan 4, 2007 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

Poor Bunnies

You know what you are? You're like a big bear with claws and with fangs...

Yeah... big f%%kin' teeth on ya'. And THE DODGERS are just like this little bunny, who's just kinda cowering in the corner.

Yeah, man just kinda... you know, you got these claws and you're staring at these claws and your thinking to yourself, and with these claws you're thinking, "How am I supposed to kill this bunny, how am I supposed to kill this bunny?"

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Jan 4, 2007 9:01 AM PST up reply actions

He's saying:

"FSU is right! Every time I look at Peter Magowan I'm reminded of Twin Peaks!"

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 4, 2007 4:00 PM PST up reply actions

i think that was in response to ...

... a reporter's question about Alyssa Milano.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 4, 2007 4:32 PM PST up reply actions

No matter what you think of Zito...

...the man has class.

Here's the full-page ad he took out in the Chronicle today.

French Vanilla

by Ice Cream on Jan 4, 2007 9:22 AM PST reply actions

Awesome :)

"I mean, hey, if they're going to bring the A's to Fremont, you might as well bring a Hooters." ~ some guy

by Poppy on Jan 4, 2007 9:27 AM PST up reply actions

Well, this completely

ruins any shot he had at making the All-SOB All-Star team. Ungrateful bastard, just when he was positioned to take a cheap shot and work his way in, he has to take the easy way out and do something incredibly sensitive.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 4, 2007 9:28 AM PST up reply actions

I don't like his cap scheme

And those en-dashes should really be em-dashes.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 4, 2007 10:04 AM PST up reply actions

Ah...

It's just a ploy to make us loyalists try to cross the bridge to see Mr. Sensitive pitch. NEVER...I SHALL NEVER GO TO THE DARK SIDE!!! Damn you Z!

by LilAnnieOaktown on Jan 4, 2007 10:21 AM PST up reply actions

Class Act

Zitoish 'til the end!

by BleacherDave on Jan 4, 2007 10:50 AM PST up reply actions

Just remember, a class act is still an 'act'.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Jan 4, 2007 11:41 AM PST up reply actions

Never mind "class act."

Will he go to acting class?

"I mean, hey, if they're going to bring the A's to Fremont, you might as well bring a Hooters." ~ some guy

by Poppy on Jan 4, 2007 12:04 PM PST up reply actions

Good Barry Bad Barry

I'm sure the Giants are hoping that the good press inevitably generated by the charming Mr. Zito will counteract and overshadow the bad press inevitably generated by the surly Mr. Bonds.

"The worst day on a ball field is better than the best day in any office." - David Wright

by kkdaz on Jan 4, 2007 10:11 AM PST reply actions

Pitch To Barry!

Cell Phone Park is okay, but the Giants play there. Sure Zito is a great guy, but he's a Giant. Rich Aurilia was always a great guy, but... Get the idea? This just makes the Bay Bridge series even more annoying. Sure I will watch them, as the saying goes my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Giants. As JLAFF said, do I hate them like I hate the Yankees? no, probably not. But Giants fans are just as annoying as Red Sox fans (prior to them winning the WS.) Because now the Red Sox have actually won something and the Giants have not. So the Giants can have their Barry's, the media and the ballpark. But I can still get a great seat for a reasonable price, have a Saag's Hot Link and shout - "Let's Go Oakland." The Barry Zito era has ended, time to move on.

"That's where the fish live."

by DCinWC on Jan 4, 2007 11:15 AM PST reply actions

Ditto...it is time to move on...time for a Saag's.

Although I must say Giant and Yankee fan friends are equally annoying.

by LilAnnieOaktown on Jan 4, 2007 11:29 AM PST up reply actions

RSN

I think Red Sox fans are even MORE annoying after the win because they've gone from "lovable losers" to "just another high payroll team."

by achiappanza on Jan 4, 2007 11:47 AM PST up reply actions

Amen, Brudda!

by BleacherDave on Jan 4, 2007 12:56 PM PST up reply actions

tickets

hey ill take the fanfest tickets, im goin anyway

by chavyfan on Jan 4, 2007 4:05 PM PST reply actions

Put me in line for the Fanfest tickets, please.

I am obviously not first in line for the Fanfest tickets, but I will be going to that if I am still breathing that day! Wouldn't miss it for the world.
My email is erikmannie@gmail.com
Hey guys, I already have tix for 27 A's games in Oakland and 2 A's games in SF. Woo hoo!! I sit in Sec 111, Row 3 and Sec 112, Row 8--come say Hi (bring Guinness) I will be the guy yelling at the visiting team. I call Hideki Matsui "Ichiro-san" and tell AROD that he is a choke artist and tell Barry Bonds that he is a cheater. Lookin' forward to it!

by eriklovestheathletics on Jan 4, 2007 8:27 PM PST reply actions