Zito is a Giant

[justinevans]

Zito signs...126 mil for a pitcher.

[mikeford]

congratulations on failing to put the # of years in both your posts about this.

[justinevans]

Ha well the mystery is better.

Cause I didn't want people to read 7 years and have a heat attack from laughing so hard.

[ActorInThisPlay]

Zito is a great pickup for us since we lost Schmidt

[thejetstolehome]

oh shit. good job by the giants.

EDIT: nvm @ that seven years...wow. dumb.

[justinevans]

Zito is a great pickup for us since we lost Schmidt

WHO SIGNS A PITCHER FOR 7 YEARS?

[The Matt Kaufman]

7 years 126 million. Jesus.

Well there goes the Mets chances.

[The Matt Kaufman]

WHO SIGNS A PITCHER FOR 7 YEARS?

apparently the giants do

[justinevans]

Because of this signing, are the Phillies now the pick to win the NL East?

[Yankees' #1 Fan]

is it straight up 7 years?

not even 5 years with team options?

garunteed 7 years?!?!

[The Matt Kaufman]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2710389

heres the link. It doesnt say whether or not its straight up 7 years.

[The Matt Kaufman]

Because of this signing, are the Phillies now the pick to win the NL East?

They have enough starting pitching but its a matter of their bullpen.

[ActorInThisPlay]

WHO SIGNS A PITCHER FOR 7 YEARS?
yeah that's a little long of a deal but it was still a good pickup for them. The Giants need a good, dependable pitcher and that is what Zito is.

[The Matt Kaufman]

Its funny he went to the other Bay Area team. I wonder if A's fans will hate him now.

[justinevans]

Ha Pat Gillick's signing of Adam Eaton has literally fucked the market. I guess he got pissed off about not getting tubby and the man who no one knows the age of.

[The Matt Kaufman]

Ha Pat Gillick's signing of Adam Eaton has literally fucked the market. I guess he got pissed off about not getting tubby and the man who no one knows the age of.

who are "tubby and the man who no one knows the age of "

[mikeford]

no age man = soriano
tubby = carlos lee

[mat1419]

at least he's not a met...

[mat1419]

Because of this signing, are the Phillies now the pick to win the NL East?

maybe...but our outfield scares the shit out of me...

[livethesounds]

well at least he didint go to an NL Central team. and at least he didint go to the mets.

but that was an even worse than the carlos lee deal.

[LeftWideOpen]

"the deal includes an option for 2014 and a complete no trade clause".

you just fucked yourselves, san fransisco. good deal in the short term, but they'll be bending over backwards to unload this guy in the latter half of this deal.

do they really think they can contend? they should be rebuilding.

[The Matt Kaufman]

no age man = soriano
tubby = carlos lee

lol funny stuff

[justinevans]

maybe...but our outfield scares the shit out of me...

why?

Burrell, Rowand, Victorino isn't that bad.

[cantnokdahustle]

Ha Pat Gillick's signing of Adam Eaton has literally fucked the market. I guess he got pissed off about not getting tubby and the man who no one knows the age of.

I don't think that word means what you think it means.

[fromwithin]

makes oswalt a bargain.

[mat1419]

why?

Burrell, Rowand, Victorino isn't that bad.

well, if they use Rowand, I'm not sure Shane will be full time. Shane should be center no matter what because he covers a ton more ground and can bail out Burrell. I love Rowand, but if that puts him in right, that means our right fielder is a .262 hitter, our center fielder hit .287 which is awesome, but doesn't bring much power, and our left fielder hit .258 with moderate power.

We can live with Burrell in left, he doesn't help Howard as much as we want, but for now, we'll live. Shane OR Rowand (preferably Shane) is great in center. We then have some power and speed in the outfield. But Rowand, though he's awesome, doesn't really bring much to the table if we already have Shane. He doesn't hit for power or average, and he's solid in the field, but having a good fielding right fielder doesn't really put us over the top.

[Split2nd]

makes oswalt a bargain.

Oswalt was a bargain without this deal...

[Split2nd]

Ha Pat Gillick's signing of Adam Eaton has literally fucked the market. I guess he got pissed off about not getting tubby and the man who no one knows the age of.

No, that was the Mets with their signing of Kris Benson. After that, EVERY mediocre pitcher demanded at least 8 million. It's just gotten worse since then.


If you're going to give a pitcher 7 years, a guy like Zito would be it. Doesn't throw very hard, hasn't had any injury problems in the past. 210 IP every year in his career... but the downside is he's not a true stud.

Oh well... Giants rotation could be nasty in a couple years. Zito, Cain, Lincecum, Lowry is a pretty nice pitching foundation.

[Split2nd]

I'm not even happy about this. The Mets are weakened for this year, but I'd rather have them sign Zito to an insane contract than get someone like Harden or Zambrano in a year or two.

[The Matt Kaufman]

I'm not even happy about this. The Mets are weakened for this year, but I'd rather have them sign Zito to an insane contract than get someone like Harden or Zambrano in a year or two.

Well this just means the Mets better figure something out...this is why signing Suppan would of been a nice coverup but so much for that. Minaya better figure something out or we are going to have a rotation of no namers. Im hoping Pelfrey and Humber make the rotation and somehow Minaya gets another starter.

[anishkabob]

i don't know why giants management decided to break the bank on zito.
i'm not sure how i feel about this deal yet. the giants don't have the bats to contend and the staff isn't there yet, but i guess we'll see

[ForlrnPerplxity]

If you're going to give a pitcher 7 years, a guy like Zito would be it. Doesn't throw very hard, hasn't had any injury problems in the past. 210 IP every year in his career... but the downside is he's not a true stud.
No, you cannot justify giving ANY pitcher a 7 year deal, let alone worth $18 million a year, complete with a full no trade clause. This is an awful deal even in this market.

But honestly, good for the Giants. It's nice to see them land somebody big after Schmidt left. It's also nice to see him go to an NL team.

[Dirty Ernie]

This deal is not only good for the Phils because Zito is not going to New York (where he would eat up our lefty heavy lineup), but because Texas didn't land him we can revisit Lieber for Otsuka talks.

[Split2nd]

This deal is not only good for the Phils because Zito is not going to New York (where he would eat up our lefty heavy lineup), but because Texas didn't land him we can revisit Lieber for Otsuka talks.
I think the acquisition of McCarthy filled the potential void of Zito.

[Dirty Ernie]

I think the acquisition of McCarthy filled the potential void of Zito.

But Robinson Tejada is their number 4, so they could still look to upgrade.

[mikeford]

can i just throw this out there?

Zito led the AL in walks the past 2 years.


yeah.

[YouMadeTheScene]

He's moving to the NL in a lefty pitcher friendly park. He won't win a Cy Young, but he automatically becomes a Top 10 Pitcher in the NL.

[Vincewithouthee]

Man. I hate baseball.

[livethesounds]

Looks like the blance of power is shifting to the NL now.

[fromwithin]

I see another Mike Hampton all over again.

[ultragabe]

Its funny he went to the other Bay Area team. I wonder if A's fans will hate him now.

I've been an A's fan all my life and I actually don't mind. He's a great pitcher and did a lot for our franchise. It's a common misconception that A's fans actually hate the Giants. True Bay Area baseball fans don't really mind. It's a fun rivalry (Raiders/Niners is another story). I'm happy that he got overpaid. I also hope that we shell him in interleague play.

[The Matt Kaufman]

I see another Mike Hampton all over again.

Hampton was good for the Mets and got screwed in Colorado. Hes apparently still ok in MLB06 the show though

Man. I hate baseball.

then dont post in baseball threads.

[mikeford]

Looks like the blance of power is shifting to the NL now.


UM

care to explain that?

did ANY NL team make themselves really any better?

the phillies maybe... i think thats it.

[livethesounds]

UM

care to explain that?

did ANY NL team make themselves really any better?

the phillies maybe... i think thats it.

the astros got about 10000000x better
two words

woody williams

haha dude im joking.

[YouMadeTheScene]

Looks like the blance of power is shifting to the NL now.


Wha, wha, whattttt?

[Vincewithouthee]

Hampton was good for the Mets and got screwed in Colorado. Hes apparently still ok in MLB06 the show though



then dont post in baseball threads.

Yeah. uh. You can't tell me to do that. I have interest in baseball and I follow it. I was just saying how I hate baseball because every player gets wayyy overpaid. Outrageous.

[The Matt Kaufman]

Yeah. uh. You can't tell me to do that. I have interest in baseball and I follow it. I was just saying how I hate baseball because every player gets wayyy overpaid. Outrageous.

my bad

[Vincewithouthee]

my bad

It's cool dude. No big deal.

[The Matt Kaufman]

It's cool dude. No big deal.

I thought you were one of those random people who would come in and be like "baseball sucks"

[ForlrnPerplxity]

Yeah. uh. You can't tell me to do that. I have interest in baseball and I follow it. I was just saying how I hate baseball because every player gets wayyy overpaid. Outrageous.
Overpaid in terms of what? It's an entertainment industry. The clubs still make huge profits and the players and their names get them that.

[Split2nd]

The only reason it's bad is that mid-level teams have to operate perfectly to have a chance to compete.

No balance of power change... the top teams who can do things financially--Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Angels--still reside in the AL.

Although I think the NL will be considerably better this year... Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Dodgers (haha), Giants, Astros, Cubs have all improved.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

The only reason it's bad is that mid-level teams have to operate perfectly to have a chance to compete.

No balance of power change... the top teams who can do things financially--Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Angels--still reside in the AL.

Although I think the NL will be considerably better this year... Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Dodgers (haha), Giants, Astros, Cubs have all improved.
Hey, teams like the Royals and Devil Rays get quite a bit in revenue sharing, and they're the ones who choose not to spend it. Unless they're doing it foolishly on Gil Meche. You can factor in that they're not desirable destinations for free agents, but look at what the Tigers did.

Also, I know the balance of power, but it's pretty cool how there have been like 8 different World Series champions in the past 8 years.

[Dirty Ernie]

The only reason it's bad is that mid-level teams have to operate perfectly to have a chance to compete.

No balance of power change... the top teams who can do things financially--Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Angels--still reside in the AL.

Although I think the NL will be considerably better this year... Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Dodgers (haha), Giants, Astros, Cubs have all improved.

Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers have improved.

Braves lost Giles and rumors will swirl all year around A. Jones, if they move him I don't see how they got better in the near term.

What did the Marlins do? They fired Joe Girardi.

The Giants replaced Schmidt with Zito, I don't see how big of an upgrade that is. Roberts, Aurilia, and Klesko provide depth I guess.

The Astros signed Carlos Lee but what about losing Clemens and Pettite and only adding Woody Williams?

[ActorInThisPlay]

can i just throw this out there?

Zito led the AL in walks the past 2 years.


yeah.
102-63 in a career is not bad by any stretch of the imagination...sure I think he is getting overpaid but this is a great way to help out the young Giant's pitching staff and get rid of some of the pressure that they would have had filling Schmidt's shoes.

[Split2nd]

Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers have improved.

Braves lost Giles and rumors will swirl all year around A. Jones, if they move him I don't see how they got better in the near term.

What did the Marlins do? They fired Joe Girardi.

The Giants replaced Schmidt with Zito, I don't see how big of an upgrade that is. Roberts, Aurilia, and Klesko provide depth I guess.

The Astros signed Carlos Lee but what about losing Clemens and Pettite and only adding Woody Williams?

I love Giles, but his production last year flat out sucked. I'd be extremely surprised if either Kelly Johnson or Aybar can't produce the same numbers as him.

Losing Andruw would suck, but it looks like the Braves aren't content with just getting great prospects out of him. If they lose him, they'll probably get Baldelli or someone similar somehow. I think Baldelli could be capable of producing a .900 OPS season. If not, no biggy--the offense still wasn't the problem.

The bullpen was the biggest difference between the Mets and Braves last year. They got Rafael Soriano, one of the best set-up men in the game, and have a dependable closer in Wickman for a full year. This alone is a MAJOR improvement. And then Boyer and Devine should be healthy at the start of next year, along with Will Startup potentially adding into the bullpen.

The rotation is a little iffy, but Hudson has nowhere to go but up, James is in for a full season, and Hampton is back. Even if he's a league average starter, that's better than what they were running out there last year.

The Braves have improved a whole lot..

The Marlins still have a load of talent without Girardi, and it's all young, meaning player progression will be high among that group.

Giants probably haven't gotten better, but I expect better production from Cain and Lowry next year.

Agreed on the Astros...

[livethesounds]

Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers have improved.

Braves lost Giles and rumors will swirl all year around A. Jones, if they move him I don't see how they got better in the near term.

What did the Marlins do? They fired Joe Girardi.

The Giants replaced Schmidt with Zito, I don't see how big of an upgrade that is. Roberts, Aurilia, and Klesko provide depth I guess.

The Astros signed Carlos Lee but what about losing Clemens and Pettite and only adding Woody Williams?

jason jennings?

[Dirty Ernie]

[/b]

jason jennings?

Good call. I forgot about him and the souls of every breathing child they gave up to get him.

[livethesounds]

Good call. I forgot about him and the souls of every breathing child they gave up to get him.

hahah i wouldnt go that far, but yea.

[Broken Parachute]

fuck this dude

[StandMyBrothers]

at least he's not a met...
I'm with you 100 percent on that.

[mikeford]

102-63 in a career is not bad by any stretch of the imagination...sure I think he is getting overpaid but this is a great way to help out the young Giant's pitching staff and get rid of some of the pressure that they would have had filling Schmidt's shoes.

yeah he been good but hes fallin off. he hasnt been able to control his curve in like 2 years.

[cantnokdahustle]

yeah he been good but hes fallin off. he hasnt been able to control his curve in like 2 years.

and now he doesn't have to.

[mikeford]

also a good point.

[justinevans]

I think the acquisition of McCarthy filled the potential void of Zito.

Texas got McCarthy? no.

Nevermind. Wow. Why is Chicago stupid?

[Dirty Ernie]

Texas got McCarthy? no.

Nevermind. Wow. Why is Chicago stupid?

I would consider Kenny Williams an above average GM, so there must be something more to the story. One would have thought he would move Garland or Vasquez before McCarthy though.

[StandMyBrothers]

I would consider Kenny Williams an above average GM, so there must be something more to the story. One would have thought he would move Garland or Vasquez before McCarthy though.
The Rangers originally were going to do Danks for Garland but the Rangers backed out and got lucky and got McCarthy

[bigmike]

I like the move for the Giants. But the years seem excessive. But I guess it's something they had to do to land him? That's the only reason I can rationalize it.

Oh wait, it makes sense. These are the giants. With one of the 2 worst GMs in baseball.

[bigmike]

Texas got McCarthy? no.

Nevermind. Wow. Why is Chicago stupid?
Clearly Kenny Williams wanted to make room in the rotation for the Cy Young award winner that will be Gavin Floyd. Duh.

[Broken Parachute]

Seven years is ridiculous, left handed stud or not. Signing a pitcher for more than 4 years is absurd.

[Scott Weber]

what a ridiculous deal. I love Zito but he's overrated.

[Dirty Ernie]

I just heard it is a full no trade clause? Wow. I guess it doesn't matter to Sabean, he won't be there to untangle that mess in a few years anyways.

[bigmike]

I just heard it is a full no trade clause? Wow. I guess it doesn't matter to Sabean, he won't be there to untangle that mess in a few years anyways.
It's honestly like a terrible game of "who can make the worst move?" between Coletti and Sabean.

"I just signed Juan Pierre and gave him $44 Million Dollars. Top that!"
"I just paid a pitcher $126 million, gave him a 7 year deal, and a full no trade clause.

Oh, he's the only guy under the age of 30 that will be in the lineup. Yeah, I win."

[justinevans]

Clearly Kenny Williams wanted to make room in the rotation for the Cy Young award winner that will be Gavin Floyd. Duh.

hahah, but I mean I thought the point of them trading Garcia or any pitchers was to get McCarthy in the rotation.

[bigmike]

hahah, but I mean I thought the point of them trading Garcia or any pitchers was to get McCarthy in the rotation.
Haha, I know man. I don't understand that trade for the white sox AT ALL. They're built to win now so getting someone who's ceiling is equal, or slightly higher, than the pitcher you just dealt but is still 1-2 years away from helping was befuddling to me.

[Dirty Ernie]

Haha, I know man. I don't understand that trade for the white sox AT ALL. They're built to win now so getting someone who's ceiling is equal, or slightly higher, than the pitcher you just dealt but is still 1-2 years away from helping was befuddling to me.

Yeah I thought they were going to go into full rebuilding mode with the Garcia trade and all the Garland/Vasquez rumors (which didn't make sense in the first place to do), but now I am just confused.

[shoemile]

I really don't understand what Kenny Williams is doing either. My friend (HUGE white sox fan) told me all last summer that he was looking forward to '07 more than this past season (and this was when the sox looked like they had the wild card in July). The greatest asset that team had in '05 was their pitching staff, whose ERA went up a whole run in '06. Having a question mark in the five spot is not what this team needs, especially with both the tigers and twins not losing much, if any.

Also, I thought the point of trading Freddy was because pitching was gonna be so expensive in the coming years? (Zito, Schmidt, Lilly, Meche etc.) Trading away a PROVEN McCarthy who wouldn't be a free agent for a few years for prospects seems like a really bad idea. I guess we'll see.

[MrMet]

Barry Zito is a bum.

[Adeniz19]

glad to have zito on board. 7 years is long but zito is still young enough and isnt a power pitcher so hopefully no major injuries. a little shocked they actually spent this much money.

[Adeniz19]

102-63 in a career is not bad by any stretch of the imagination...sure I think he is getting overpaid but this is a great way to help out the young Giant's pitching staff and get rid of some of the pressure that they would have had filling Schmidt's shoes.ya i think thats the big thing.

[bigmike]

I really don't understand what Kenny Williams is doing either. My friend (HUGE white sox fan) told me all last summer that he was looking forward to '07 more than this past season (and this was when the sox looked like they had the wild card in July). The greatest asset that team had in '05 was their pitching staff, whose ERA went up a whole run in '06. Having a question mark in the five spot is not what this team needs, especially with both the tigers and twins not losing much, if any.

Also, I thought the point of trading Freddy was because pitching was gonna be so expensive in the coming years? (Zito, Schmidt, Lilly, Meche etc.) Trading away a PROVEN McCarthy who wouldn't be a free agent for a few years for prospects seems like a really bad idea. I guess we'll see.
Twins lost Liriano. That's a pretty big loss. Dude's on the shelf for the year.

The indians will be better because the bullpen cannot possibly be as bad as it was last year in terms of keeping leads.

And trading McCarthy makes sense if you're not an offense built around winning right now. But the White Sox are built to win now, so trading for guys that will max out as slightly better than McCarthy, but won't see the majors until 08 or possibly 09 is stupid. I just don't get their trade AT ALL.

I liked the Garcia move because it opened up a spot for McCarthy and the pitiful Gavin Floyd could be stuck in the bullpen. The McCarthy trade will be fine in a year or two, but for this season it just didn't make sense.

[shoemile]

bottom line: zito is not a #1 and he's getting getting #1+ money. Everyone has to overpay though. I'm a cubs fan and the money soriano's gonna get in 5 years makes me cry.

[bigmike]

bottom line: zito is not a #1 and he's getting getting #1+ money. Everyone has to overpay though. I'm a cubs fan and the money soriano's gonna get in 5 years makes me cry.
Could be worse. They could've outbid the disAstro's for Carlos Lee.

[Dirty Ernie]

Barry Zito is a bum.

You would be first in line to suck him off if he was a Met.

[The Matt Kaufman]

You would be first in line to suck him off if he was a Met.

:appl:

[Talib Scottie]

The Giants need a hell of a lot more than just Zito right now.

[bigmike]

The Giants need a hell of a lot more than just Zito right now.
Yes. Like a new GM, for starters.

[LeftWideOpen]

It's honestly like a terrible game of "who can make the worst move?" between Coletti and Sabean.

"I just signed Juan Pierre and gave him $44 Million Dollars. Top that!"
"I just paid a pitcher $126 million, gave him a 7 year deal, and a full no trade clause.

Oh, he's the only guy under the age of 30 that will be in the lineup. Yeah, I win."

zito will never waive that no trade clause, either. he loves the bay area and it was one of the deciding factors in his decision to sign with the Giants.

bottom line: zito is not a #1 and he's getting getting #1+ money. Everyone has to overpay though. I'm a cubs fan and the money soriano's gonna get in 5 years makes me cry.

do we have a new, knowledgeable poster? welcome!

[justinevans]

zito will never waive that no trade clause, either. he loves the bay area and it was one of the deciding factors in his decision to sign with the Giants.



do we have a new, knowledgeable poster? welcome!

yeah, shocking.

[The Matt Kaufman]

hooray

[StandMyBrothers]

well, going to the NL West, Zito may dominate?

[The Matt Kaufman]

he very well could

[livethesounds]

Could be worse. They could've outbid the disAstro's for Carlos Lee.

:hitself:

[Split2nd]

Brandon McCarthy is not that good. I don't understand the hype he gets. He's more of a sure thing than Danks, but Danks' ceiling is definitely higher. And how is McCarthy proven at all?

[youkwalks]

SF had a better defense than the A's did last year. Zito will be in the top 10 in the NL. Especially in the NL West.

agree with the contract though.

[youkwalks]

Brandon McCarthy is not that good. I don't understand the hype he gets. He's more of a sure thing than Danks, but Danks' ceiling is definitely higher. And how is McCarthy proven at all?
He wont be as good as people think. Hasn't even touched 40% gb rate.

[Split2nd]

He wont be as good as people think. Hasn't even touched 40% gb rate.
talking about Danks or McCarthy?

[StandMyBrothers]

Giants spent a shitload of money this offseason, good luck to Bochy though. love that dude's stache

[bigmike]

Brandon McCarthy is not that good. I don't understand the hype he gets. He's more of a sure thing than Danks, but Danks' ceiling is definitely higher. And how is McCarthy proven at all?
I think McCarthy tops out as a #3 starter and I'm not as high on Danks as some are. I think he tops out as a #2, but he's definitely better than McCarthy -- that's not why the trade was weird. It's just weird that they traded Garcia to clear way for McCarthy to get into the rotation, and Danks won't even be up until 2008 at the soonest (i think) and now Gavin Floyd is in the running for the 5th rotation spot. That's a dude you bury as a long reliever, not someone you run out there every 5 days.

[Split2nd]

Yeah, well Kenny Williams is an odd man.

[whatitishoe]

I think getting Zito for around 17 mill a year, and the dodgers getting schmidt for a 15 mill a year makes this a better deal for the giants. The dude is like Greg Maddux, he wont miss a start and he will give you all he has.

i would like to add the comparing the dodgers moves against the giants...

D. Roberts> Jpierre
Zito>schmidt

[cantnokdahustle]

I think getting Zito for around 17 mill a year, and the dodgers getting schmidt for a 15 mill a year makes this a better deal for the giants. The dude is like Greg Maddux, he wont miss a start and he will give you all he has.

i would like to add the comparing the dodgers moves against the giants...

D. Roberts> Jpierre
Zito>schmidt

both organizations paid far too much for the talent they are receiving.

The Barry's: 33 million next year. :-|

the dodgers trapped themselves with Pierre and Gonzo, and all it would have taken was a penny/rios trade to make that outfield amazing for the next 5 years.

[bigmike]

I think getting Zito for around 17 mill a year, and the dodgers getting schmidt for a 15 mill a year makes this a better deal for the giants. The dude is like Greg Maddux, he wont miss a start and he will give you all he has.

i would like to add the comparing the dodgers moves against the giants...

D. Roberts> Jpierre
Zito>schmidt
Awesome. Both pitchers are overpaid.

And saying you made better moves than the Dodgers is essentially saying you've got the prettier stickers on your helmet you wear to the mall.

[StandMyBrothers]

Sabean and Colletti are probably two of the worst GM's ever.

[Split2nd]

haha... every organization can say "we made better moves than the Dodgers." Not really an accomplishment.

[Mula225]

D. Roberts> Jpierre


I'd rather have Pierre

[bigmike]

I'd rather have Pierre
I'd rather have some dude in a wheel chair.

[Split2nd]

I'd rather have some dude in a wheel chair.
HAHA

[looksthatkillbn]

I'd rather have some dude in a wheel chair.

he could certainly hit better

[cantnokdahustle]

Sabean and Colletti are probably two of the worst GM's ever.


I'm positive that the qualifier in that statement is unnecessary.

[icyeyes26]

i miss having him pitch for the A's already.

[LeftWideOpen]

the A's can still win that division without him. They need a big year out of Crosby though. Somebody has to replace the production Thomas gave them.

[thejetstolehome]

the A's can still win that division without him. They need a big year out of Crosby though. Somebody has to replace the production Thomas gave them.

piazza? :shrug: that's an incredibly big if, though.

[Split2nd]

I still can't believe they didn't re-sign Thomas.

[LeftWideOpen]

I still can't believe they didn't re-sign Thomas.

yep ..retarded move. But Oakland is still the most well rounded team in the division.

[mikeford]

yeah maybe if crosby actually plays.

[LeftWideOpen]

anaheim is having such a dumb offseason. they had no use for hillebrand and they overpaid for a decent, at best, OF. Losing Donnelly will hurt the bullpen, too.

i wouldnt be surprised if they finish in 3rd place. Texas can slug their way to 2nd.

[StandMyBrothers]

I still can't believe they didn't re-sign Thomas.
Piazza is a hell of a lot cheaper though....(not saying he's going to have a good year though)

[Split2nd]

Piazza is a hell of a lot cheaper though....(not saying he's going to have a good year though)
Thomas is also 50x better than Piazza at this point in their careers.

[Split2nd]

anaheim is having such a dumb offseason. they had no use for hillebrand and they overpaid for a decent, at best, OF. Losing Donnelly will hurt the bullpen, too.

i wouldnt be surprised if they finish in 3rd place. Texas can slug their way to 2nd.

The Angels are the worst run franchise in the league. That team should be perennial WS contenders. Large payroll, loaded farm system, attractive FA location, and a recent history of winning a WS. It boggles my mind how horrible the combo of Mike Scoscia and Bill Stoneman are. Smallball didn't win you the World Series you dolts, stop trying to build your team around that. It IS possible to have pitching and defense AND power bats. It's not one or the other, especially with that kind of team.

[StandMyBrothers]

Anaheim won it without Vlad too...the fuck?!

[bigmike]

The Angels are the worst run franchise in the league. That team should be perennial WS contenders. Large payroll, loaded farm system, attractive FA location, and a recent history of winning a WS. It boggles my mind how horrible the combo of Mike Scoscia and Bill Stoneman are. Smallball didn't win you the World Series you dolts, stop trying to build your team around that. It IS possible to have pitching and defense AND power bats. It's not one or the other, especially with that kind of team.
Bingo.

[whatitishoe]

In 108 career starts with at least four runs of support, Zito is 85-4

[bigmike]

In 108 career starts with at least four runs of support, Zito is 85-4
Tim Hudson had pretty much the same numbers for that exact stat as well.

But I wouldn't put a lot of stock in it. Basically, if you're a top 3 starter you should be able to win a game when you're given 4 runs. Doesn't justify the length or amount of money he got.

[justinevans]

In 108 career starts with at least four runs of support, Zito is 85-4

too bad the team he plays for barely averages 4.5

[The Matt Kaufman]

Zito should still win at least 15 games in the weak league.

[ForlrnPerplxity]

lol the NL isn't THAT weak.

[The Matt Kaufman]

I hope its better this year

[ForlrnPerplxity]

I think it will be. I mean, it's obvious that Zito's stats will most likely improve, but too many people classify it as it's because the NL is weak.

[whatitishoe]

too bad the team he plays for barely averages 4.5
thats more than fours runs...

[justinevans]

thats more than fours runs...

It's one of the lowest run supports in baseball.

Also, your bullpen is not as good as Oakland's.