December 28, 2006
Zito Crosses the Bay
Although not yet officially announced, Barry Zito agreed to an $18 million a year deal with the Giants. The total contract of $126 million is the highest paid to a pitcher:
Zito's agreement, reached late Wednesday night, includes an $18 million option for 2014 with a $7 million buyout that could increase the value to $137 million. The option would become guaranteed if Zito pitches 200 innings in 2013, 400 combined over 2012 and 2013 or 600 combined from 2011-13.
The complaint about Zito was his falling K/9 numbers. Through the 2003 season, Zito averaged 7.2 K per 9 and 3.4 BB per 9. Since, the K per 9 fell to 6.6 with the walks rising to 3.7 per 9. His home runs are up, too.
And for top price, the Giants aren't even getting a top ERA. Over the last three years, Zito does not even rank in the top 20, despite toiling in a pitcher's park. On the bright side, the Giants are getting a local favorite, and a veteran to stabilize a young staff. Barry benefited from being only top line pitcher available this year. The Giants have to hope he lives up to his contract better than Mike Hampton did.
Santana should be able to buy a small country with the money he'll get.
Too much. They'll regret this contract.
A galactically stupid contract. Not only will they regret it, in ten years we may well be seriously debating whether this was worse than the Hampton deal. (I think Hampton'll still be the 'winner' -- but it won't remotely surprise me if it's up for debate.)
Hampton was bad, but so was Neagle's, though it wasn't for nearly as much. I think Zito will pitch fine, just not $126M fine. It seems like Sabean doesn't really have a clue on how to run a franchise. Have you seen their minor league system lately? Ouch! I don't think Zito will be enough for the Giants to compete in the anemic NL West.
At least, for the moment, the topic is not Barry.
Terrible signing. In many respects, Hampton actually was a better bet at the time.
18m a year is not crazy but i think they will regret the length.
18m is crazy, they will regret the length. Hampton was a much better pitcher at the time of the contract. If he is to earn his dough he needs to statr ingesting barry's cream and clear asap. the guy across the bay is laughing his ass off, rightfully so.
SO Glad the Mets and Minaya in particular passed on that deal. I mean 7 years thats crazy.
Hi K/9 numbers actually bounce up and down for his career, with only one season above 8. He is an inning eater, and if he stays healthy, there can be no doubt that, one day, his deal will look almost as good as Jeter's or even Ramirez's, which look like bargains campared to some of the money thrown around this year.
