Stark's Latest: Zito, Anthony Reyes, Varitek, Inoa

ESPN's Jayson Stark has been working the phones, and the result is his latest Rumblings and Grumblings column. Stark talked to an official from a "pitching-starved" team. This person said the Giants would have to eat at least $80MM of Barry Zito's remaining $112.5MM if they want to trade him. One scout suggested Zito's only chance at revival is a reunion with Rick Peterson. The Cards' Anthony Reyes is "eminently available." Problem is, John Mozeliak has a high asking price for the 26 year-old hurler. Edwin Jackson remains a hot commodity, but there's no reason for the Rays to move...

Odds and Ends: Bonds, Zito, Bush

Today's link compilation. Dusty Baker spoke to Barry Bonds on the phone a few weeks ago, and came away feeling that Bonds does not miss baseball. A mere ten million bucks, a team can eat that. But, as Andrew Baggarly says, "They don't make mouths big enough to eat the roughly $112.5 million that Barry Zito is guaranteed." Zito could be exiled to the bullpen. Dave Bush went unclaimed by the other 29 teams because with option waivers, the team can pull the player back if claimed. Jim Callis tosses out some options for the Astros with the 10th pick,...

Sabathia's Future Value Remains Strong

Jon Heyman weighs in on C.C. Sabathia, his early season struggles and his impending free agency. Heyman notes that Sabathia and his 13.50 ERA are "costing himself millions by the pitch", even going so far as to say that CC could stand for "Complete Choke." Heyman lists four players that had huge walk-years (Adrian Beltre, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, B.J. Ryan) and four players that struggled in their walk year (Andruw Jones, Jason Jennings, Jermaine Dye, Jeff Weaver). The problem with this list, is that there is not a single player similar to Sabathia. That is, there is not one...