Who is Barry Zito?

I don't know about you but it seems like Barry Zito has been in the league for much longer than 10 years. He seems older than 31 to me, but that is likely because he started pitching in the majors at age 20. His big league debut took place in 200o and during that first season he had a not too shabby 7-4 record. What was eye catching was his ERA as a rookie which was just 2.72

The next season of 2001 Zito began his streak of 9+ wins seasons with a very impressive 17-8 record an averaged close to a K/inning. His ERA went up a bit at 3.50 but the A's knew that they had someone who was very special. He was the number three starter on the team which featured Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder. He ended that season with hopes for a great season in 2002.

Then came the dream season for Zito. He was the best pitcher in the AL and won the Cy Young award. His numbers were very impressive as he put up a record of 23-5 and his ERA dropped once again into the 2.75 zone. He was dominant as he led his team to an AL West 103 win season good enough for first place. The A's lost to the Twins that year in the playoffs (3-2) despite Zito winning game 3 for the A's. He only got the one start as Hudson and Mulder each got two starts.

Then mediocrity settled in for Zito, and that level has continued for the last 7 years. Zito has a won-lost record over the last 7 years of just 86-89. It has been a struggle for consistency. The talent is still there as no one has a better curveball than Zito. Now the question is what will he do in 2010 and the years ahead.

If last night was any indication he is in for a good year. Last night he pitched six solid innings of shutout baseball allowing just three hits and striking out five. With the first win of the season under his belt, he now has a career win total of 134 wins. If he has a good season along with Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, the Giants will be tough to beat. Maybe it will be like the glory days for Zito of being on a staff with three dominant pitchers.

Could he pitch 10 more years until he is 41, sure he could. Could he win 12 games a year during that time, I think that would be possible too. Just project those numbers and and Zito has a chance to win 250+ games. If he could average 15 wins he would have close to 280+ wins. What does all this mean? Not much if he sinks back to mediocrity. I say go Barry go!