A Look Back: Barry Zito, Year 1

Two Words: FRIGGIN FLEECE!

Last winter, Barry Zito signed a 7 year contract with the San Francisco Giants worth $126 million, with an 8th year option worth $16 million. In his first year with the Giants, he went 11-13 while posting a 4.53 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. And yes, this was in the National League. He also failed to reach the 200 inning mark, while giving up 24 long balls. As a result of this contract alone, Zito and his agent, Scott Boras, set a bench mark for premier starting pitchers. Johan Santana is going to most likely cite this contract alone in his quest to make $20 million per season as he becomes a free agent next off season.

His lack of dominance is no suprise. His lack of effectiveness, at times, was the major shocker. His primary pitch is a wicked 12-6 curveball when on..it’s a gopher ball when it’s off. He lacks a commanding fastball, clocking in at 86-88 MPH most of the time. When a pitcher relies so heavily on the curveball, it can spell elbow and shoulder issues later in their careers. With youngsters like Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum on the rise, the pressure might not be on Zito to be the “ace” of the staff. Unfortunatly for San Francisco, however, he’s being paid like one.

This pretty much sums up how Brian Sabean and the Giants organization made out in the deal…