The MLB postseason is underway, and 25-man rosters are set to inflict maximum damage within the cause of victory. For the San Francisco Giants, the final roster decision for manager Bruce Bochy was difficult, and quite stunning. Pitcher Barry Zito did not earn a spot on the Giants’ playoff roster. The National League West champions will go with a three-pitcher beginning rotation of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Barry Zito can be shut down for the rest of 2010, probably. But his $ 126 million contract will continue to pay. That’s a huge financial hit for the Giants, but when it comes to giving the team the best possible chance to win, it is the right decision.
Giants’ playoff roster keeps previous ace on the sidelines!
The Giants’ playoff roster consists of 11 pitchers, none of whom earned as much as Barry Zito throughout the 2010 season. Zito’s $ 18.5 million salary was the highest on the team. The 29 year old is left handed and having some troubles this season. He can’t seem to throw a fastball that makes it into the strike zone or doesn’t get hit at least. The San Diego Padres were the first to show up Zito. This was in a game on October 2. Unfortunately, a title had been on the line. The National League West had been the title. Zito made walks when bases were loaded. This had been a sad performance. The loss also went to him. The season ended with a 9-14 record for him. The San Jose Mercury News called Zito’s performance “one of the least extraordinary efforts of his four unimpressive seasons with the team.”
Long-term guaranteed contracts are dangerous business
It might seem like a long-term deal is a fantastic one to make. Of course, there is usually way too much money put into a guaranteed deal. Beginning with the 2007 season, Barry Zito’s free agent contract with the San Francisco Giants called for seven years and $ 126 million. Zito had turned in one outstanding season before – 2002 for the Oakland Athletics, when he went 23-5 – but outside of that year, Zito’s pitching had been not dominant.
A highly competitive free-agent market forced the Giants to overpay for the pitching they needed, but seven years at $ 126 million is money only a dominant pitcher deserves in the current market. Zito would be set for life even if he gets injured and can’t play. The Giants would be out of luck and out of money.
Articles cited
Baseball Reference
baseball-reference.com/players/z/zitoba01.shtml
San Jose Mercury News
mercurynews.com/giants/ci_16239259?nclick_check=1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
stltoday.com/sports/baseball/article_fb8663dd-6c64-5030-8b2d-3b549f4d90cc.html
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