Would Barry Zito be a good fit as a Ranger?
Reports out of San Francisco are that the Giants are looking to unload left-hander Barry Zito. Although the Giants are having a good season and are pushing for a playoff berth, they have been able to keep up without Zito.
When the Giants signed Barry Zito in 2006, they thought they had just locked up their ace for the next seven years. They gave him a huge contract, but Zito has not delivered for them. This year, the Giants have been carried by their young arms and really do not need Zito in their rotation. They keep him there because of that huge contract.
San Francisco would be more than happy to part ways with Zito, but the obstacle is that horrendous contract. The Giants are in the hook for 4 more years at $76 million bucks. Add to that the no-trade clause included in his contract and they have a tougher situation. The contract has become a nightmare for the Giants and will really limit them in the coming years in terms of signing other players.
Could the Rangers get involved here? Back in '06, the Rangers made a strong push for Zito, but the Giants just over-paid. Since Zito knows the Rangers well, that could work to our advantage with him signing off on the deal. The problem is the money, but then again that might be an advantage. The Giants know that no team will take on that contract with the numbers Zito has produced, but they might be able to just aliviate some of that contract. The Rangers have experience with over-paid players (remember ARod? how about Chan-Ho?). They could work out a deal to pay part of the contract with the desperate Giants.
There's no doubt that Zito is a good pitcher. Granted, he has under-performed, but a change of scenery might motivate him. The Rangers have been successful with turning around Padilla and Millwood. The run-support that the Rangers could him would also boost up his confidence.
It might be worth taking a chance if the price is right.
