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Is Zito Seattle's best option?

Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 7:18 pm EDT
Barry Zito

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The San Francisco Giants offered Barry Zito $126 million and seven years 10 months ago compared to the six years and $99 million the Seattle Mariners offered. Yes he had a bad year. But he's always been able to pitch in the American League West. And the Giants, who just unloaded Barry Bonds, are going to be rebuilding for a while.

To take on his contract, Seattle would be on the hook for $116 million over six years. But if the Giants can't compete short-term, it might be worth it to cough up some money to get the Mariners' obligation closer to the $99 million they offered just to unload Zito's monster contract. And the Giants could get some young talent they need in exchange.

Well, how much money did they blow on Batista, Weaver, and (earlier) Washburn? If it's a ton of cash, then, yeah, they should go for it. I saw many M's games this year (just came back from Seattle this morning actually), and if they can get some quality starting pitching, they're the team to beat in the AL West... better defense, and more balanced hitting than the Angels (and certainly the A's). Whether Zito represents quality starting pitching... now that I'm not sure about.