2008 Woodie Awards
Barry is a very big failure; no runs in my first game!
Peter Fournier
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Sports
When the Oakland Athletics didn't re-sign so-called pitching ace Barry Zito after the 2006 season, there was no sense of panic, sadness or regret. The bay-neighboring San Francisco Giants signed Zito to a record contract: seven years and $126 million, and A's fans couldn't be happier.
Zito went on to be the opening day starter for the Giants in 2007, and pitched only five innings allowing two runs in a 7-0 loss to the San Diego Padres. Last year was the only season other than his rookie year that Zito didn't pitch 200 innings, and only the second time in his career that he's had an ERA of over 4.00.
So yes, I have joined the legion of Barry bashers in the form of Zito, not Bonds, this season. Even though I'm not a Giants fan, I'm angry at the fact that a so-called major league ace could be paid so much to fail miserably at his profession.
Let's compare with the A's ace last season, Dan Haren. He was 15-9, pitching over 200 innings with an ERA of 3.07. And in typical A's fashion, the team traded him to Arizona for a bunch of prospects to start "rebuilding" yet again this year.
For the A's, their season opening series' (Japan series and Opening day) starters Joe Blanton and Rich Harden, both combined to give up only two runs combined, both of which were charged to Blanton during Tuesday's 2-1 loss while Harden pitched five innings of shutout ball, only to have the bullpen blow the lead yet again.
In this year's season opener, Zito gave up four runs in five innings on the road in a 5-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
So here comes the question: which is the better investment? A pair of young starters with some proven experience or the Cy Young Award winner that has a fastball which is lucky to reach 88 miles per hour on a hot day? Though the A's didn't make the playoffs last season, I think the choice is obviously clear.
Even though the A's were shut out when I was in attendance today, it didn't take a moron to tell that Harden would be a better choice as an opening day starter than a $126 million former Cy Young award winner.
FYI: it stunk that the A's didn't even score a single run at the first game I've ever attended. Though David Ortiz/Big Papi belted a homer for the Boston "we just really started buying our victories" Red Sox to right field, I missed it as I stood in line for a dollar hot dog, only to find out that they didn't accept credit cards. Other than that, the game was an experience, and I can't wait to attend another game. Hopefully, that's without a sea of Red Sox fans in the crowd.
Zito went on to be the opening day starter for the Giants in 2007, and pitched only five innings allowing two runs in a 7-0 loss to the San Diego Padres. Last year was the only season other than his rookie year that Zito didn't pitch 200 innings, and only the second time in his career that he's had an ERA of over 4.00.
So yes, I have joined the legion of Barry bashers in the form of Zito, not Bonds, this season. Even though I'm not a Giants fan, I'm angry at the fact that a so-called major league ace could be paid so much to fail miserably at his profession.
Let's compare with the A's ace last season, Dan Haren. He was 15-9, pitching over 200 innings with an ERA of 3.07. And in typical A's fashion, the team traded him to Arizona for a bunch of prospects to start "rebuilding" yet again this year.
For the A's, their season opening series' (Japan series and Opening day) starters Joe Blanton and Rich Harden, both combined to give up only two runs combined, both of which were charged to Blanton during Tuesday's 2-1 loss while Harden pitched five innings of shutout ball, only to have the bullpen blow the lead yet again.
In this year's season opener, Zito gave up four runs in five innings on the road in a 5-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
So here comes the question: which is the better investment? A pair of young starters with some proven experience or the Cy Young Award winner that has a fastball which is lucky to reach 88 miles per hour on a hot day? Though the A's didn't make the playoffs last season, I think the choice is obviously clear.
Even though the A's were shut out when I was in attendance today, it didn't take a moron to tell that Harden would be a better choice as an opening day starter than a $126 million former Cy Young award winner.
FYI: it stunk that the A's didn't even score a single run at the first game I've ever attended. Though David Ortiz/Big Papi belted a homer for the Boston "we just really started buying our victories" Red Sox to right field, I missed it as I stood in line for a dollar hot dog, only to find out that they didn't accept credit cards. Other than that, the game was an experience, and I can't wait to attend another game. Hopefully, that's without a sea of Red Sox fans in the crowd.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Joe Price
posted 4/08/08 @ 9:34 AM NA
This article bothers me on a couple of levels. Why are you so quick to throw Barry Zito under the bus? He's been with the Giants for a season. Sure it was a rough season, but it was his first with the club and he's facing National League batters. (Continued…)
Charger Fan
posted 4/15/08 @ 12:56 AM NA
I vote standing in line for a $1 dollar hot dog any day..that's a huge savings over the regular price..
Joe Price
posted 4/15/08 @ 1:29 AM NA
My point with the National League batters was that he isn't as familiar with them as he is with American League batters, in that he hasn't had to face them with the regularity he now does. (Continued…)
Dwight K. Schrute
posted 4/26/08 @ 12:37 PM NA
I'm upset because Team A won and I was rooting for Team B
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