April 30, 2008...12:21 am
Another Bad Barry By The Bay
What’s the best thing that happened in Oakland this baseball season, besides its 17-11 record, of course? Try Barry Zito heading to the bullpen across the bay.
Is it possible the once reliable Zito is out of bullets in his left arm? Well, considering Barry has thrown no less than 213 innings since his first full year in the Bigs’ (2001), it’s definitely possible.
Plus, in four of Zito’s seven years in Oakland he eclipsed more than 220 innings pitched. Now, that’s a lot of bullets.
Still, were the Giants crazy to sign a pitcher who averaged 16 wins and 35 starts per year during his first six full seasons in the majors?
I don’t think so, however, it’s the price at which the team paid for him that’s disturbing, seven-years $126 million. So, now what should the Giants do with Zito’s ridiculous 7.53 ERA?
Obviously, the bullpen is one option, although, most likely temporary for a starter making Zito-like dough. I’d say, skip Zito once in the rotation, then put him back on the mound on the road - distancing him from the disgruntled bay fans - in say the upcoming Pittsburgh series (May 6-8).
Furthermore, another theory to Zito’s slow start may be a mental struggle to perform to the standards of his mega deal.
Let’s face it, in Oakland Zito was always surrounded by quality pitching: Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, Aaron Harang, Corey Lidle, and Ted Lilly - but, while Zito always had the stuff to be the ace his contract never reflected it.
Of course, that’s not the case anymore now pitching in San Fran. And worse, Zito isn’t even the best pitcher on the Giants, Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum are the real aces of the rotation. So, you can bet Zito is feeling some extra pressure to perform.
On the flip side, if I’m a National League GM I’m keeping my eye on Zito. If the Giants’ vision is to eventually replace Zito in the rotation entirely, which is possible during its rebuilding efforts, they may also be willing to eat some of Zito’s huge contract in a trade.
And, because Zito’s stock is down (0-6) the Giants won’t have as much leverage in what they can ask for players in return.
And more, at just 30-years-old, Zito may have another three to four good years left in him, which, could go a long way for a contender in need of a fifth starter. Not to mention, Zito would again be without the pressures of being the staff ace.
Morris' 9.67 ERA could be headed to the Rockies
One thing the Giants got right was trading the aging Matt Morris last year. I’m not entirely sure why the Pirates went after Morris, but I think it had something to do with its young rotation and Morris’ familiarity of the NL Central.
Either way, Morris was shelled so heavily this April even the lowly Swashbucklers decided they had seen enough and released Matt (0-4, 9.67 ERA) after his last start.
Back to my N.L. GM mode…would I go after Morris?
Let’s see, Morris is 33-years-old with an overall record of 44-51 in his last three seasons. In that same time span, Morris has only passed 200 innings once while averaging 32 starts per year.
So, nah, I think I’ll pass. However, because so many clubs are desperate for good pitching Morris will undoubtedly end up somewhere, except San Francisco, right?
While we’re on aging stars, Carlos Delgado is taking some heat for refusing a curtain call after his two-homer game in New York this past week.
While I respect Delgado’s appreciation of the game, I disagree with his decision to avoid the top step at Shea’s dugout.
When someone offers a compliment I believe you should at least acknowledge the kind gesture, even if they did boo you out of town yesterday.
Besides, at 36-years-old, Delgado’s “special occasions” appear to be limited (.205 avg, 3 HR, 12 RBIs).
At this rate, the next time Delgado tips his cap will be at the press conference announcing his retirement.
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