As Barry Zito made his first Spring start on Monday and, true to form, Zito was completely off. You never know what you're going to get from Zito, and it seems to have been his persona since coming to the Giants after signing a 7 year / $128M deal.
The fans are tired of this guy, and in all respect, you can't blame them. When it comes to the extent of keeping a job, everything is serious, and is the case for Zito right now.
A source close to the team indicated Tuesday that there is "exasperation" with Zito, that his status as the No. 5 starter is "definitely not safe," and that the team would even consider buying out his expensive contract before opening day if that's what it takes to say farewell.
It seems as the Giants would have limited options at this point if they moved on from Zito, but either way, when effort and character are in question, a team has little to no other choices.
Look past the extensive money, and as a No. 5 starter, Zito has posted average numbers, while others would call his performance "dismal" at best.
The expectations were clearly at a level that Zito couldn't match for some particular reason, and because of that disappointment, won't ever be forgiven by the fans. It is apparent at this point that the main reason Zito and the Giants would part ways is due to a low production, high cost connection.
Zito's character and effort will always be taken into account on the discussion of a "breakdown" when he came over to the Giants, but to what level, if any, is not known.
Coming into Spring Training the Giants were willing to ride it out with Zito, despite the bitter taste of wasted money, which their is no argument about.
What may come as no surprise to Giants' fans, is that Zito has been questioned about whether or not he's been maintaining his physical conditioning, and if that's the case it likely had something to do with his performance on Monday which was all too similar to his last start in October 2nd against San Diego.
At some point, many started to give Zito some credit for the way he handled being left off the post-season roster, with a cool and collected mentality.
Barry Zito? Right...
Zito's self-acknowledged plan on Monday was to come out, throw strikes, and force the Brewers into getting hits, and not allowing free passes. Not only did that plan turn into a complete fold while giving up 5 walks, 3 hits, and 2 runs, while recording 5 outs, but his previous altercation with Prince Fielder arose once again, whether he'd admit it afterwards or not.
For someone deemed to handle situations with integrity and a collected attitude, Monday didn't show that. As a veteran, you have to move on from certain problems, whoever the antagonist may be.
That idea is extended to a level beyond understandable when you have the background of Zito, who has already done more than enough to disappoint everyone in San Francisco at this point.
Since Zito was brought to San Francisco, not only has he been a sub- .500 pitcher, but has been beyond poor in vital situations, has lost all faith from the fans, and whether they'll admit it or not, the good faith of the front office.
If not for a total $39M due through 2013, Zito would of been most likely cut faster than a Brian Wilson fastball.
What Zito needs to realize at this point in his career, is that beyond his tenure in San Francisco, if he wants to retain his job anywhere as a starting pitcher, he's going to have to regain the faith of not only his own team's fans, but the people who sign the paychecks, including those people from other teams.
It seems all to apparent that Zito's time in black and orange will be over after 2012, but with time left, Zito would be all more than respected if he could find some way to finish on a positive note.
The idea of a new scenery and team benefiting Zito has little to no relevance at this point, because no one, including the Yankees, are willing to make any sort of trade for the 32 year old south paw. It's just not logical, or idealistic.
There's no conclusive explanation for Zito's four seasons of let downs as a Giant, but something that comes to question is pressure. While with a small-market and small fan-based team in Oakland, Zito pitched along side the greats of Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson.
With a mighty contract, more pressure to meet expectations will always arise, and could have been the main problem with the Giants and Zito.
If Zito can't handle the pressure in San Francisco, best of luck to him in New York, where he'd simply be torched by the huge fan base along with the media.
If he won't do it for the regained faith and positive reaction from the fans, Zito should finish his tenure in San Francisco as strong as possible, and show the effort and determination of the post-season pitcher he was expected to be.
There was more than just performance that kept him off that roster in October, and it's starting to hit the surface.
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