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Odds And Ends: Zito, Red Sox, Pedro

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 16, 2009 at 11:50am CST]

Some links for the morning...

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says the Giants have to think about releasing Barry Zito after the season because he's weighing them down.
ESPN.com's Rob Neyer says the Giants can't afford to release Zito just yet.
Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe says the Red Sox could use another lefty specialist in the 'pen.
Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Pirates are confident Miguel Angel Sano is a 16 years old, like he says.
Jamey Newberg updates us on the top 20 Rangers prospects at MLB.com. You have to think the Blue Jays are looking at a version of this list.
Bruce Jenkins of the San Francisco Chronicle says no one will be watching Matt Holliday more closely than the Giants.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post wonders if Pedro Martinez can have a David Cone-like late career renaissance in Philadelphia.
And check out the final part of my discussion over at NESN.com for a look at the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays and an under-the-radar trade candidate.

Comments

I saw the name Zito next to the Red Sox and I shuddered a little.

Posted by: start_wearing_purple | July 16, 2009 at 11:56 AM

Lefty specialist for the Red Sox - B.J. Ryan, compliments of Toronto.

Posted by: aclbosox | July 16, 2009 at 12:04 PM

I said this 2 weeks ago, that Sox could use a Lefty, I would like them to get Ron Mahay.

Posted by: Cyyoung | July 16, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Hey If the Giants are really planning on Unloading Zito then they should talk to the Jays. A Possible Zito-Rios or Zito-Wells can happen for sure.

Posted by: MetsMCR | July 16, 2009 at 12:16 PM

Zito has full NTC

Wells has full NTC

Rios has full NTC in '09 and '10. Limited NTC to 6 clubs in '11

Not saying they wouldn't waive them for a few extra Washington's. :o)

Posted by: Peter Gammons | July 16, 2009 at 12:26 PM

haha Zito-Rios? Keep dreaming... Zito-Wells? Matches up well but i'd still take Wells in a heartbeat...I still think he has some talent, hes having an off year this year but last year he had some pretty decent offensive numbers

Posted by: s17 | July 16, 2009 at 12:27 PM

If the giants do release Zito next year, I hope my White Sox sign him.

Posted by: kcatlantis | July 16, 2009 at 12:31 PM

Releasing him would be VERY interesting, as they would still be on the hook for the remainder of his entire contract (have to LOVE guaranteed contracts) and would still lack financial flexibility until 2013. If he pitches 200+ in 2013, then an additional $18m option for 2014 gets tacked on.

That would be a HUGE weight, for the next 3+ seasons, to be hanging around SF's neck.

Posted by: xlazox | July 16, 2009 at 12:38 PM

Zito for Wells BAD!!!

Wells contract is WORSE at this point!!

Stop the insanity!!!!

Posted by: 55saveslives | July 16, 2009 at 12:40 PM

if Pedro is like David Cone at the end of his career then WS for my phillies

Posted by: EagleFan1 | July 16, 2009 at 01:13 PM

If Zito gets released I think quite a few teams would be interested in him in a bullpen role but I see little to no interest in him as a starter.

Posted by: BucSox | July 16, 2009 at 02:54 PM

How 'bout Vernon Wells for Barry Zito?

Posted by: Nine Buck | July 16, 2009 at 03:32 PM

1. Pedro in Philly...I think he still has some bullets left, but I can't think of many worse parks for him to pitch in at this stage of his game. I'm thinking his ERA won't be pretty.

2. Massorotti is an idiot if he believes the Sox need a "lefty specialist" for their pen.
Lefties against the Sox pen:
Okajima - .155 AVG
Ramirez -.172 AVG
Saito - .194 AVG
Bard - .200 AVG (16k/12.2IP)
Delcarmen- .239 AVG but just 1 ER in 18IP

In fact, the only Sox pitcher who isn't holding lefties to a lower AVG then Righties is Masterson. Ramirez is probably the worst option (outside of Masterson) for a lefty situation given the 4HR's he has allowed; but....to say the Sox should consider a "lefty specialist" for their pen (which results in another pen arm having to be lost to make room) is just ridiculous. As noted above, Masterson has struggled the most, but he is also the 1 pitcher who boasts better stats against Righties and he is their long arm anyways which they can't lose.

Posted by: baxter4218 | July 16, 2009 at 03:54 PM

I'm a firm believer in change in scenery as a good thing. I would have to say as a Giant fan, I'm defianatly not happy about Zito's progress or his contract since joining the club. I'd prefer to let a young pitcher take his place and grow with the club. So what I'm saying is, If the Blue Jays wanted to trade Wells straight up for Zito, I'm all for it. At least I wouldn't feel as bad paying an everyday player that kind of money instead of a bad starting pitcher.

Posted by: bigmike23 | July 16, 2009 at 05:17 PM

Shut up 9!!

Posted by: 55saveslives | July 16, 2009 at 06:13 PM

No way the Giants release Zito when he is still owed 80+ million dollars!

Posted by: optionn | July 16, 2009 at 08:59 PM

Zito is getting the worst run support in baseball right now.

If this talk was last yr I'd be all for dumping him... But this yr I dont think he has been that bad as a #4 in that rotation..

Posted by: giantNINER | July 19, 2009 at 01:40 PM

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Odds And Ends: Zito, Red Sox, Pedro

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