No Plan B

John Delcos at Lo Hud, writes about the Mets and how it seems they have no plan B after Zito went to the Giants:

The question has been raised, and rightfully so: Did the Mets have a Plan B or was it all about Zito?

It's hard to believe Omar Minaya would have gone into the offseason that shortsighted. Yeah, they talked trade for Freddy Garcia. Yeah, they talked trade with Oakland. Yeah, they looked at Jeff Suppan. Yeah, they inquired into a few others.So, I can't say it was all Zito. However, all their passion was for Zito. They never really went after anybody with intensity. If they had, it stands to reason with their resources they would have come away with another pitcher.

If there was a miscalculation by the Mets, it was the market price for Zito, but that only puts them in the same boat as everybody else. The Mets' gamble was to let the market come to them, figuring they had more to offer than Texas.

Nobody, the Mets included, thought Zito would get $126 million over seven years. Considering the limit they wanted to spend, with the benefit of hindsight, they should have been more aggressive early in the market and signed a replacement for Steve Trachsel (they needed to replace 15 wins) and perhaps put more pressure on Tom Glavine.

Even so, they are better off going into the season with inexperience at the back end of their rotation than to be saddled with a bad contract.

My plan B is Pelfrey and Humber.

How about you?

What New York fans would have expected from Zito

Gary Peterson at Contra Costa Times, in San Francisco, writes about New York and what the fans would have expected from Zito:

Playing there and earning that money, Zito would have been expected to be Roger Clemens multiplied by Pedro Martinez. He would have been expected to add 25 mph to his fastball, to spit broken teeth at opposing batters when his arm gave out and, what the heck, to grow a pencil-thin mustache for dramatic effect.

New Yawkers are funny that way. They like their heroes larger than life. Sometimes even that isn't enough. Randy Johnson -- 6-foot-10, 225 pounds -- joined the Yankees two years ago. In his first day on the mean streets, he stiff-armed a cameraman while burying the poor fellow in a hailstorm of unpleasantries. You may have read about it -- the incident made all 237 daily newspapers in the greater New York area.

Now Johnson wants out of the Bronx Zoo. His desire to be traded back to the Arizona Diamondbacks is driven in part by family concerns, but you can bet he won't look back should it come to pass.

It is highly unlikely that Zito -- decidedly life-sized at a Zen-like 6-foot-4, 205 pounds -- would have been what New York wanted him to be. You may recall reading somewhere just a few days ago -- OK, it was here -- that Zito's free agent odyssey would end A. with him signing with the Mets, and B. unhappily.

It's pretty funny. But there are seeds of truth in every lie. I can't deny that we, as fans, demand the best from our players. Look at what they are paid!

Can you blame us?

Didn't think so.

Expecting anything less is just nonsense. If they don't want to be treated like that, than they should take a substantial pay cut. End of story.

Metstradamus's letter to Santa

At Metstradamus, he writes a pretty funny story about his wish for a lefty ace:

Dear Santa,

When you drop by the house on December 25th, please drop off a lefthanded ace. Preferably the one from Oakland.

Milk and cookies are on the counter top,

Metstradamus

So December 25th comes and goes, no Santa.

Finally today, at about noon today, I hear a faint noise at the door. Not a knock, more like somebody trying to pick the lock. So I open the door (baseball bat in hand)...and wouldn't you know it, it's Santa Claus!

"Ooh ooh Santa! You're finally here! Where's that pitcher I asked for" I exclaim.

Santa proceeded to kick me square in the #*!$.

Then he said that he had to relieve himself. And he did...all over the couch.

I tried to introduce Santa to my cat...and he kicked her.

He slapped my wife.He broke my phone.

He ate my meat loaf, then threw up on my television.

He threw my Christmas tree out the window.

Then Santa handed me a note...

Metstradamus,

You can't have your pitcher because you've been a bad Mets fan.

-Mr. Scott Boras

With that, Santa let loose a 10 second belch which reeked of bourbon and vomit and he was on his way.

Zito's 2007 stats with Giants

Dan Szymborski at the Baseball Think Factory, writes about the deal between the Giants and Barry Zito. Also they give a projection for Zito next year:

When I see the "7-year, $126 million contract" I think that I'm looking at some NFL contract in which a team gives this amount to their QB but it consists of like $3 million a year, an $8 million signing bonus, and a $80 million roster bonus if the player's on the roster in 2050 or something that everyone knows will never come to pass. But this is a real money contract. For Barry Zito. A pitcher who, after his big K rate drop following 3 years with ERA+s of 174, 125, and 169 has put up 105, 116, 116 and that's with generally a really nice outfield defense behind him (though the Giants are much improved over the last few years in that department).

It'd be hard, but I could justify this if I were the Mets. The Mets, see, are a team with an actual future in which it's worth playing a nice payroll chunk out for a dependable, good, non-elite pitcher. The Giants, on the other hand, have no future. You can't pay Barry Zito $18 million a year if you have to pay retail for practically every single member of the team. Paying this much retail for nearly a decade of Barry Zito, for the Giants, is about as practical as paying $900 for a PlayStation 3 on eBay to give to Ariel Sharon for his birthday. Except in this case, with $126 million, I'd have enough to buy a PlayStation 3 for every person in baseball who has more brain activity than Brian Sabean, a category which includes, coincidentally, the aforementioned Israeli politician.

Did Jason Schmidt simply refuse to deal with the Giants or something? I'd give Schmidt 3-years, $60 million long before I would give Zito this contract. Look for the Giants to join the Yankees as the only team in baseball history to pay more than $2 million per win, and I'm not talking about the Giants spending $160 million anytime soon...

2007 ZiPS Projection - Barry Zito

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W L G GS IP H ER HR BB SO ERA

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14 11 34 34 216 196 96 25 96 165 4.00

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Opt. (15%) 18 9 34 34 225 189 82 20 90 178 3.28

Pes. (15%) 9 12 28 28 175 172 95 26 87 128 4.89

--------------------------------------------------------------

Giants sign Zito

Gary Grund at Hotfoot, writes about Barry Zito:

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, the Giants and Barry Zito have agreed to a seven-year deal worth about $18 million per year.

Well if you do the math that adds up to a 7 year contract worth roughly 126 million. Zito doesn't know what he gave up...Sigh...

And over at Mets Blog, D.J. Short writes about the deal as well:

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports that LHP Barry Zito has agreed to a seven-year contract with the Giants. The deal is believed to be worth over $120 million. The Associated Press reports an option for an eighth year which would make the deal worth $144 million.

...what's next omar...you know, i hear Steve Trachsel is available...

Rangers expect Zito to sign with Giants

T.R. Sullivan at MLB.com, writes about Barry Zito and the Rangers:

The Rangers have been told that Barry Zito is signing elsewhere. One source said that the Rangers expect Zito to sign with the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers offered Zito a six-year deal worth approximately $80 million. But apparently it wasn't enough to lure him to Texas.

Mets should put a deadline on Zito

John Delcos at Lo Hud, writes about the Mets and how they should start thinking about giving Boras a deadline on Barry Zito:

The more I think about it, and the more I read, the less I am inclined to think the Yankees are interested in Barry Zito, even if they unload Randy Johnson. Again, if the Yankees really want him, they have the money to get this done right now.

Meanwhile, the Mets are either dragging their feet or playing chicken with Scott Boras.

Jeff Suppan is off the market, which takes away an option, but even without that, the Mets seem to hold most of the leverage. Reportedly, the Giants and Seattle are interested, but neither has made an offer, and neither want to give six years for a pitcher. No other teams have been mentioned, but then again do a roll call and see what teams are willing to pay that much.

Right, not many.

If I'm the Mets, I put my best offer on the table now and say ``take it or leave it.'' If Zito really wants the Mets, he'll come. As of now, Boras hasn't been able to play one team against another, and there's no guarantee he'll be able to entice the Yankees. If the market is coming to the Mets, they should push the envelope now.

Zito stats

John Delcos at Lo Hud, writes about Barry Zito's wins, losses record over the past four years:

Here's something the Mets should consider before throwing millions of dollars at Barry Zito.

His career record is 102-63, which is 39 games over .500. Pretty good.

However, his record over the past four years is only nine games over .500, which you'd take from a No. 4 or No. 5 pitcher. It is not what you would expect from a supposed ace.

San Francisco's interest in Zito

Joel Sherman at the NY Post, writes about the Giants interest in Barry Zito:

The Giants, despite reports, have no interest in Randy Johnson. However, they are very, very interested in a left-hander who could impact a New York team's plans.

The Yankees did contact San Francisco about Johnson. The conversation lasted long enough for San Francisco to explain it had no interest in a 43-year-old due $16 million coming off back surgery. Besides, San Francisco currently is allocating its money elsewhere, signaling to Scott Boras a willingness to exceed the magical $100 million barrier for Barry Zito, an official involved in Zito negotiations said.

Rangers set a deadline

Evan Grant at the Dallas Morning News, writes about the deadline they set for Barry Zito:

Rangers GM Jon Daniels confirmed Wednesday that the team had placed a weekend deadline on its current offer to Zito and his representative Scott Boras.

The Rangers made Zito a six-year contract offer nearly 10 days ago on a contract that is believed to be worth a little more than $80 million.

What Omar has to say about Zito

At Inside Pitch Magazine, writes about Omar Minayaand his views on how the Barry Zito deal is going:

"We have discussed Barry with Scott," Minaya said. "We will continue to talk to him, and we'll see how it plays out. ... He is one of the guys we are still considering. Barry Zito has been a proven winner."

Minaya said at the winter meetings the Mets have the resources it takes to compete for Zito, but the team doesn't want to go much higher than five years and $75 million, which is what it was willing to give Roy Oswalt last summer.

Texas is the only team to put an offer on the table.

If the Mets aren't able to land Zito or make an addition before spring training, their rotation looks like this: 40-somethings Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez at the front end; John Maine, who showed promise in half a season last summer, at No. 3; question mark lefty Oliver Perez at No. 4; and journeyman lefty Dave Williams, rookie Mike Pelfrey and Alay Soler.

Zito talks about his hype

Susan Slusser at the San Francisco Chronicle, writes about Barry Zito and what he thinks about all the rumor swirling around him:

"Everyone wants to talk about how I'm not a No. 1 starter or how I'm getting worse, just so they can save some money," Zito said with a laugh, in response to reports out of New York the past several months. "I'd expect all that. I wouldn't be surprised if teams are putting this out to their media to create a collective consciousness, saying why should he get this or that? Everyone wants to buy low and sell high. But all we want is market value, and that's been set the past six-eight weeks.

"When you look at value, what's more valuable -- keeping another $20 million in the bank when you already have hundreds of millions of dollars, or getting a player of value? But let people panic, let them talk about me, say I suck. We'll see where the chips land."

He says he has one priority that trumps the others: He wants to win titles. More than one.

"They're all good teams and they're all good locations, but what I'm looking for is an owner who sees eye-to-eye with me in my goal to lead a team to multiple World Series championships," Zito said. "I want to raise the bar. It's great to get to the playoffs, but I think this year, we were too satisfied with getting past the first round, myself included. I was so fired up to face (Johan) Santana at Minnesota that coming back against Detroit, I don't think I had that same fire.

"So I'm working on some mental stuff. I'm not going to be satisfied with anything else except getting a ring at this point in my career. I'm trying to lead a team like Sandy Koufax did, and I need an owner who shares that desire."

ESPN Message Board

Anthony De Rosa at Hotfoot, posts one of the funniest notes I've ever seen on a message board from ESPN:

I had to pass along this hysterical comment on the Texas Rangers ESPN board...

Seeing as it appears the Mets brass has already left town, you are the one who is in denial. Hurry Rangers fans, go check my blog. I just got a call from GW, who was talking to Doug Melvin, who played golf with John Hart, who passed a note to Hicks in home room class. Apparently Zito really wants Jd to ask him to the winter ball. Now the thing is that JD called up Mulder and told him he was a little creeped out by Zito. Boras dropped by JD's locker and assured him that Barry wanted the two to go stag together because he thought they could pick up a ton of chicks. Unforunately Omar showed up and pushed JD ino the lockers and challenged him to a fight, because apparently all NY guys have to act superior and tough. Well Ron Washington stepped up with Art Howe behind him and told Omar that him and his latino budies were barking up the wrong tree. Michael Young ran to get the principal, but he didn't get very far until Carlos Beltran tripped him and laughed as Michael went head over heels to the ground. Things were looking really bad, but all of a sudden the ghost of Johnny Oates showed up and talked sense into everyone. They all went to the dance together an laughed at A-Rod, who spent the entire night in the boys room telling himself that everyone really liked him. At least that's what i read on this blog last night.

Why is Boras Evil?

Mike Steffanos at Mike's Mets, posts an interesting article asking why super agent Scott Boras is evil:

If you've been following the Barry Zito situation, you know that the only thing that might keep Barry from signing with the Mets is the supreme avarice of one of the most hated men in sports. Zito desperately wants to pitch in Shea Stadium next year, but Boras' Svengali-like influence over the young pitcher may literally force him to sign a lucrative contract to ply his trade somewhere else.

You would think that all these ballplayers who insist on signing with Boras would have learned by now that money can't buy happiness. Sadly, this is not the case. They continually allow him to score them contracts larger than the gross national product of many countries. It looks like that lovable lefty from California is heading down that same gloomy road. In his heart, he wishes to reunite with his beloved former pitching coach and pursue his acting career in the media capitol of the world, but Boras is whispering in his ear and hypnotizing him by waving wads of Tom Hicks' cash before his eyes. Can Barry resist his agent's wickedness and bring this fairy tale to a happy conclusion? Only time will tell...

Zito update

John Delcos at Lo Hud, gives an update on the Barry Zito situation:

The Mets and agent Scott Boras are talking today in LA. The Giants and Seattle are believed to have had discussions with Boras at the winter meetings, but nothing formal since. It stands to reason if they have interest they'll be some sort of meeting, which means it doesn't get done this week.

After that come the offers.

As of now, the Mets haven't made one but are discussing parameters. They like five years and $73 million; Boras is thinking six and $100 million.

Please, don't say anything about having the best chance to win. That's a lot of smoke. If that were the case, he'd stay in Oakland, which has been pretty much a playoff fixture, with more October appearances over the past five years than any of the other teams interested, including the Mets.

Remember: IN THE END IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY.

Interesting point of view and more true than most Mets fans would like to believe.

Could Zito be the next Mike Hampton?

Christopher Reina at Real GM Baseball, writes about the comparason of Mike Hampton and Barry Zito:

28 year-old southpaw pitcher. Known as an innings eater. Will strikeout about 150 batters per season. Mid three ERA. Gives managers about 25 quality starts per season. Postseason pedigree, coming off an impressive performance in most recent playoffs.

Sounds like Barry Zito?

It is Barry Zito.

But it was also Mike Hampton on December 9th, 2000.

"We added a horse," said Rockies' GM Dan O'Dowd when the club announced the signing back in 2000. "His leadership in the clubhouse will be very important for us in the next eight years."

After just two seasons in Colorado, Hampton was traded to the Marlins, who then traded him to Atlanta.

"There's no doubt it's the toughest place to pitch," Hampton said when he signed the contract. "It's a test I look forward to and something that I think will make me a better pitcher in the long run."

As Hampton correctly predicted, pitching at Coors Field was very difficult, as he posted a 5.77 ERA there in 2001 and a 5.68 ERA in 2002. What is especially startling, however, was the 6.44 ERA he posted on the road in that 2002 season.

Hampton was able to become an effective pitcher during his first two seasons in Atlanta, but has struggled with elbow injuries since 2005, missing the entire 2006 campaign.

Is the Met way in effect for Zito?

Marty Noble at Mets.com, writes about the Mets, how in the past few years they have been willing to do what it takes to bring their off season focus to the Mets and if that translates into a guarantee that Barry Zito will be in Shea next year:

The Mets afforded Tom Glavine what he wanted in December, 2002. The following year, the offer of fourth year under contract persuaded Pedro Martinez to move to Flushing, and a late-in-game increase in money brought Carlos Beltran to the Mets. Last year, it was a final push, fourth-year offer that convinced Billy Wagner to decline the Phillies' offer and move to Shea Stadium.

Whether that type of persistent dedication is a component of the Mets' pursuit of Barry Zito remains to be seen. To this point, their approach has been one of spoken restraint. Until flying to California and meeting with Zito and his representative Tuesday, they had moved forward as if tethered to reluctance by a short elastic band. Whether their appearance of reservation is not merely appearance or part of a strategy -- or both -- is left to agent Scott Boras to measure.

"I think the Mets liked how last season went," the agent said. "What's not to like? With the talent they have, they have a chance to turn one year into the first year of a run. With the new park and the new network, that makes sense. If Omar is convinced that signing Zito assures them of that -- or at least makes them the favorite, he'll probably go into passing gear."

How the Scouts view Zito

Michael Morrissey at The NY Post, writes about how the scouts view Zito:

Interestingly, Met pitching coach Rick Peterson, Zito's guru, left Oakland for Shea in 2004. Zito's supporters will say that Peterson can get Zito back to his prime. But is that a $90 million bet worth taking for the Mets?

"I think he's slipped," one major-league scout told The Post. "The last two times I've seen him the last couple years, he wasn't on at all. He struggled getting his breaking ball over for strikes, and when he does that, he's in trouble. He can't get by on a power arm."

The scout allowed that Zito might not be slipping, per se, but at the very least he's getting by with less exertion, getting by because he knows how to pitch. And that could be the cumulative effect of his workload.

Zito is a workhorse, first in the American League in starts in four of his six full years. He has thrown at least 213 innings every year since 2001. Whether he can go another five or six years without a serious injury is what the Mets and Rangers must factor into the equation.

Asked whether they would give Zito a six-year deal, both a major-league scout and a major-league GM guessed they wouldn't. If the Mets don't offer a sixth year, it could prevent a deal from getting done.

"Can you think of a guy who's gone a six-year period without being hurt?" the scout said. "There's not a ton of guys."

I can already tell this is going to be the day of Zito.

Zito Rumors...

There have been numerous rumors floating around that Omar and company have offered Barry Zito 6 years and close to 100 million dollars and that a deal is in the works for him to come to New York.

If in fact these rumors are true and the Mets did offer him a deal in the neighborhood of 100 million dollars, it would seem to stand it is the 5 year deal with the 6th year team option that is in play:

5 years

78 million

6th year team option at 17 million

Of course these are just rumors and no official report has come out yet. The reports do, however, say that this morning the two sides will be talking money and years.

All we can do is sit and wait to see how this whole thing pans out. With the Rangers throwing around their usual stupid money to any Boras agent and the newly in the mix Giants, nothing is wrapped up until we see Zito in a mets uniform on the roster page.

Mets believe Zito wants it bad

Ken Davidoff at Newsday, writes about Barry Zito, the Mets and how they feel that Zito wants to play in New York badly:

A Mets contingent convened with Barry Zito and agent Scott Boras Tuesday in Southern California, furthering the Mets' effort to sign the free-agent lefthander. While it wasn't clear whether the Mets made their first offer, they entered the meeting determined to keep their bid reasonable.

The Mets believe that if Zito wants to pitch for them badly enough -- and it's no secret that the Mets' large media market, National League status and pitching coach Rick Peterson all appeal to the 28-year-old -- he will come to Shea Stadium even if the Texas Rangers offer more money.