Anyone watching Zito pitch tonight? Can you say Steve Avery?

DavidPuddy

I'm just sitting here watching Zito lob 87 mph fastballs at the Nats, and I'm thinking that he may just be the next Steve Avery. He's already had a better career than Avery, but he seems to be falling off just like Avery did. He's very average these days. 10 million for a 5+ ERA, does not seem like a very good investment.

Connecticoin

He will be back. Most of the top all-time good/great starters have had a bad year or two, and, frankly, Zito probably picked a good year to have his.

markj111

Zito's peripheral numbers have been going down for a while. I doubt he will ever be the pitcher he was. His contract will be an albatross for the Giants for years to come. Almost no one liked this signing-except, of course, the Zitos.

His last really good season was four years ago.

Connecticoin

<< <i>He will be back. Most of the top all-time good/great starters have had a bad year or two, and, frankly, Zito probably picked a good year to have his. >>



Of course, he may end up being the next Mike Hampton. At least there is no Colorado air to ruin his curveball!

DeutscherGeist

You mention Steve Avery and I had to chime in. What promise that pitcher had. I remember more than 10 years ago how people were telling me to forget about collecting Tom Glavine, that Avery is much younger and on a better pace. Yeah....unfortunately Avery never approached his true potential. He could have been a top notch pitcher, but injuries brought him down.

TomGshotput

Avery never won a Cy Young, and Zito's decline is not as rapid. Jack McDowell might be the perfect comparison (even if there was no way he deserved his Cy Young award)