The Overhyped, Overrated, and Overpaid Barry Zito

Barry Zito, the man whom the San Francisco Giants signed for 7 years and $126 million dollars, is currently sporting a 4.65 ERA and a record of 6-8. Not exactly the kind of performance you want from a player who is collecting that much money from your organization. But, unlike some people, I can't say I didn't see this coming. Let's look back on what Zito accomplished prior to his free agent singing with the Giants. As a rookie in 2000 Zito started 14 games for the Athletics and compiled a record of 7-4 to go along with a 2.72 ERA. Many saw a bright future for the 22 year old lefty and he didn't disappoint the following year. In 2001 Zito won 17 games while losing 8 and held a 3.49 ERA. But the following year was going to be a breakout season for him. During his 2002 season, Zito went on to win the American League Cy Young award after going 23 and 5 while having a 2.75 ERA. After that season experts and fans alike thought he was going to be the next big thing. The quirky kid with the NASTY 12-6 curve ball was going to win a couple more of those Cy Young awards and become the ace of the Oakland Athletics. The perfect ending however was never written as the wheels on the Zito hype bus fell off and were never replaced. Barry Zito, after his Cy Young season, never lost less than 10 games, never had more than 16 wins, never held an ERA under 3, never had his K/9 spike above 7, and has yet to record a shutout or a complete game since 2003. What happened? Was the pressure of becoming the staff ace with the departure of Hudson to Atlanta and Mulder to St. Louis after the 2004 season to much for the young lefty to take? Since the breakup of the Big 3 in Oakland after 2004, Zito has struggled mightily with his control. His K/9 ratio has decreased each season from 6.89 in 2004 to a staggering 5.63 this 2007 season and not only that, his K/BB ratio has dropped each season from 2.01 in 2004 to a paltry 1.31 this 2007 season. Maybe he relished in the role as a #2 or #3 starter and enjoyed being mentored by guys like Hudson and Mulder who had leadership qualities. So what did the Giants see in Zito that made them decide to pay such an exorbitant amount of money to get him? His Cy Young season had been 4 years prior and he never showed that he could duplicate that kind of season again. His statistics and even his demeanor on the mound exuded a lack of confidence in his abilities. Not only that, it just looks like he doesn't have fun anymore playing baseball. This used to be the same guy who admitted being a Halo nut and loved having fun with his teammates. It looks like that playfulness and happiness has been sucked out of him along with his pitching talents. Just 2 days ago against the Cincinnati Reds, Zito was pitching a masterful game. Going into the bottom of the 4th inning, Zito had a no-hitter going and was cruising. But he then lost confidence in his ability and walked 5 of the next 8 batters, and consequently walked in 2 runs. As soon as he walked Brandon Phillips he began to try locating instead of just pitching to contact. Zito then went on to give up 1 more in the bottom of the 5th before being relieved the following inning. He finished the game with the line 5IP 2H 3R 3ER 6BB and 5SO. The curve ball kid who was once heralded as one of the most extraordinary young pitchers in the Majors became one of the most extraordinarily mediocre pitchers in the Majors very quickly.