Barry Zito Back in Rotation for Giants
May 6, 2008 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under News, Stats and Analysis
Well, Barry Zito’s demotion didn’t last too long. About a week ago, the San Francisco Giants announced that Zito would be moving to the bullpen in an effort to increase his effectiveness.
Today, before Zito ever made an appearance out of the bullpen, it was announced that he’d return to the starting rotation. The Giants are pointing to a pair of practice sessions that they hope will solve some of the issues Zito has been having.
On the season, Zito has a 7.53 ERA and is 0-6 on the season. Overall, he has been a major disappointment since signing a seven-year, $126 million before the beginning of the 2007 season. After starring for the Oakland A’s, Zito has been unable to find the same magic with the Giants.
Last season, Zito posted a career-high ERA of 4.53 and failed to pitch 200 innings for the first time since he became a full-time starter. Now with the Giants 14-19 on the season, Giants fans have routinely booed Zito for his poor play.
It’s a bit early to call Zito a bust of epic proportions – but it sure is looking like that will be the case. The 30-year-old needs to turn it around ASAP or else the Giants could send him back to the bullpen – and for real this time.
Photo: Newscom
Barry Zito is terrible! There is no reason why the Giants shouldn’t trade him
0-7 in early May… impressive.
to be fair , he didnt completely suck in his latest outting. just that the Giants as a team did.
When do I stop the laughter?? You can HIDE Zito on a good team. You might even hide that 126M on a team like the BOSOX, Yankees etc… But lets be honest… You can’t hide him on the Giants. But that would now seem like it’s the Giants that look bad. While true, Zito makes them worse. There is nothing about this guy that one can look at and say he’s good for…….What? Mop up, left handed hitters only? He walks more guys then a crossing guard, he throws pus, his change up and fast ball (Oh which by the way he once said was his “bread & butter”) are nearly the same speed. Your not fooling anyone. That “bread” is looking pretty stale since 2003. You have been liv’n more on hype the results. Step up be a man.. LEAVE! Make room for someone making a fraction and can go 7, 8 inn. That would be merciful but staying is down right immoral. Take your cut. I’m sure you’ll show up on ESPN “surf the wave” contest some day