The New Zito Collides With the Old Zito. Who Will Win?
16 wins in a row. I still marvel at that streak. I tried to find what the record is for most wins in a row by a team with the same starting pitcher. I found that over the course of 2 seasons, Carl Hubble won 24 in a row– obviously a much more impressive streak since those were all W’s for The Hubbster. I didn’t find out what the actual record is but it has to be at least 24, obviously. In my search I also found an interesting record that I have a hazy memory of: Greg Minton didn’t give up a home run between June 1st 1979 and May 1st, 1982–nearly 3 full years and 269.1 innings. Incredible that he stay that focused during a period of our history that was littered with losses, failures and Stennett’s.
But regardless, the Giants are going for their 17th win in a row today with Barry Zito on the hill. It reads almost as ridiculously as it types. But there is one snag in the plan. And thy name is Miller Park. And Miller Park is Barry Zito’s death-blow, black-hole of kryptonite. Many of his greatest pitching nightmare have come on that hill. Let’s take a look at the numbers, shall we? You can try squinting but it doesn’t help much. Looking at this list is like try to look straight at an unsightly BBOTD for 8 straight seconds. Speaking of that widget, I brought her back!
7 starts
0 wins
4 losses
31.2 innings/39 hits
7 HR’s
28 strikeouts/23 walks
His ERA is 7.57. His WHIP is 1.96
The Brewers tee off on him at a .302 clip.
Now, some good news. Big Fat Price Fielder is in Detroit. Also, Corey Hart and Aramis Ramirez, two guys who crush him, are on the DL. Zito can pitch around Braun if he wants to. But who knows, the man is walkin’ the earth with a newfound Zen-fueled pride that just might propel him to a well pitched game in Milwaukee today. He hasn’t given up a run yet this year. His teammates have all marveled at the way in which he’s throwing and mixing up his pitches. Today just might be the day Zito wins in Milwaukee. Come on, do you guys believe? Say you believe! All together now!
Nah, he’s gonna get crushed again. 🙂 🙂 🙂
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
His secret is clean living and marrying a former Miss Missouri. Good Zito will prevail.
“…during a period of our history that was littered with losses, failures and Stennett’s.”
Great line, Flav.
Loved that line, too.
yes, witty; wish it had a serial comma, though
I remember the minton era. He had that incredible sinker. when asked how he threw it he said he had no idea. it seems he got hurt at one point and when he came back, voila, there it was. so he has this no-homer streak, signs the big deal and promptly loses the sinker. Since he didn’t know how he threw it, was never able to fix it.
Great thread, Flavor. I was thinking this same thought last night and this morning (could the new improved Barry Zito get a win today in Miller Park).
WTF…I was checking out the BBOTD, and my eyesight has gone all blurry! Thanks!
Zito gets off the snide today. (At a minimum, a ND and Giant win!)
I remember the “Moon-man.” Dude had a stretch in the early 80s where he was awesome. Had no idea on his streak of no HRs…that is a cool bit of baseball knowledge.
I came home from my agility class last night to a very nice surprise…two copies of “One Common Goal” the official 2012 San Francisco Giants story (one for me, the other a birthday gift for my lovely daughter). Just flipped through it a bit last night…it is awesome. I ordered these when they came available back in November or December (had damned near forgot about them). I can guarantee you, you will want a copy.
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/ws_book_form.jsp
And a Happy Birthday to Mr. Bruce Bochy
More impressive than the 16 game deal, has been his April record in his last 3 injury free years. Unlike his performances in the “streak”, he’s pitched well in every April start in 2010, 2012, and 2013.He’s only given up more than 2 earned runs once, and that was just 3. He was 4-0 1.53 in 2010, 1-0 1.67 in 2012, 2-0 0.00 this year. The team has lost 2 of those 11 starts, but *his* performance in April has been better than that in the team winning streak when he’s been on the hill. That’s not to say he hasn’t pitched well during the streak, but his April performance has been far better.Today tests his stellar Aprils, the streak, and his poor record at Miller Park- as he hasn’t faced them in those Aprils or during the streak. These are definitely not the beltin’ Brew Crew we’re used to- they only have 7 dingers, same as our boys. Braun is the only guy with more than 1, and that’s 2.
So? How is the Zitman going to do? I have no frigging idea…
And ironically Zito used to be god awful in April…career 20-27 era 4.40
One thing that does stand out for me last year and this was that before he was excruciating to watch even when he pitched well. He stll mumbles like he’s getting the frequency from Kenneth but now he looks like he picked it up.
And he’s become a hitting machine, of course. “He can hit !!!!”
Alright, who are the jerks who wanted the BBOTD back?…
Agree Snarkk LMAO..
I’m ready to “HURL”
Craig gets his revenge!!!!
BBOTD Section should have remained closed!!!!
I’ll mix it up as I usually do. Gotta keep you guys on your toes!
Uh, that would be ME! Hey, you have to take the bad with the good…Flavor threw us a curveball today. Never know…tomorrow may be a HOME RUN!
LONG LIVE BBOTD!
I greatly enjoy imagining your reactions as you guys carefully open the BBOTD page, unsure of whether to look with one eye closed or two eyes wide open.
And thus are the dark and gloomy days repelled.
Well, an ND looks likely, but all bet are off after seeing Zito throw a complete game shutout in Colorado. Sure it was last year, but still . . . . Let’s just hope the G’s keep hitting. They are on a roll . . .
Pitcher Eric King (Tigers) was credited with three complete games and three saves in his rookie season
and never had to look at today’s BBOTD
And you don’t need to Edd..
A bad start to the season for the Brewers’ scheduled starter on Thursday just got worse:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/brewers-gallardo-arrested-dui
He blew a .22.
That is blotto drunk.
Luckily he didn’t kill somebody…
I’m not allowed to comment on the Bitchin’ Babe of the Day so I don’t look. But I can tell from your reactions that that she’s a fine wife and mother, a community leader, and probably looks better with more clothes on. Am I close?
More clothes for sure Twin from her head to her toes.
Community leader in the tenderloin ,check.Hunter’s Point check.
Fine wife and mother????Well???
I shouldn’t have looked. That’s Sister Margaret.
She a repeat offender errr visitor.
Zito wins. I guarantee . . . Umm, he will show up to pitch. 🙂
New post on my blog. Tomorrow, I SCUBA dive in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time.
I’m jeaous as hell (diving the Mediterranean)…enjoy, Steve.
Thank you Chi. Frankly, I have no idea what to expect. The good news is that the cost is only 90 Euros (frickin’ cheap for a 2 tank dive). The dive master sounds like he knows what the hell he is doing too. It also sounds like I will be the only diver, also good (as often these dives can involve too many divers, what we call a cattle dive. Ha.). That being said, I have no idea about the quantity and diversity of the aquatic life and no idea about the water clarity. I am spoiled diving the Caribbean. I do know it is going to be cold as a witch’s tit and I’ll be sporting a 5 mil wet suit. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Will be interested to hear the results (will check your blog) re: critters and clarity. You ever dove in a dry suit?
Your not Scuba diving with our BBOTD are you Blade??((grin))
Hold on Kat. Let me check her out first and if she doesn’t require a paper bag, she can park her shoes under my bed and join me tomorrow. 🙂
Uh, I’m just “guessing” that you’ll pass (she would need a double-bagger)…
Gallardo checking in with a ,22 BAC last night. Jesus, I’ll never understand why these guys who have so much dough don’t just pay a guy 60K a year to drive them around at night.
Yeah, that’s stupid. By the by, .22 BAC is tying one on to the max, while still being conscious.
Baseball players will never be mistaken for geniuses. And, lots of them are cheap, too…
Zito is due for a stinker. Sorry.
Well Nip, just because you (and maybe others) feel like he is “due” is all the more reason to expect the unexpected, and for Barry to pitch a gem. Maybe not a win, but I stick to my original prediction…at the minimum an ND and Giant victory.
Goin’ out a limb with the gutsy “no decision” call, eh? 😉
Well, I’ve checked in with my bold “I dunno”..
So damn, I’ve changed my mind, call me crazy-I predicting he’ll do “OK”..
“Stinker” is pretty detailed, and gutsy…
Tonight’s line-up:
1. Pagan CF
2. Scutaro 2B
3. Sandoval 3B
4. Posey C
5. Pence RF
6. Belt 1B
7. Blanco LF
8. Crawford SS
9. Zito P
Wtf…Pull a LaRussa and bat Zito 8th.He’s 3-4 .750 ferchrissakes. Blanco 9th.
I looked up the below numbers for the first 12 of Zito’s magical starts several days ago, and didn’t post them, but what the hell. I’m not going to look ’em up again, so the numbers may not be entirely accurate, but they are close enough:
62 IP 74 Hits 29 runs
In other words, the streak is pure luck, and Barry has a long way to go before he proves there’s been any long term improvement.
I don’t know the stats, but it seems one major thing he has improved is reducing the walks. Zito used to just walk the world, then there would be a hit with an RBI or two, then another walk, then a killer hit or HR that basically torched the game at 5 to nothing, or similar. Knock on wood, he’s not doing that now…
This is true, but he also gave up more hits. The ERA and WHIP numbers were steady.
Zito seems to be pitching faster. Or maybe it’s just he’s not throwing 12 pitches per batter. Whatever it is, it’s what’s ailing Timmy. Every batter gets 8-10 pitches out of Timmy. Every count goes full. Every batter seems to foul off the close ones and get a crushable pitch to hit or a walk. Then the defense goes into a stupor and blows something. And it all goes back to his loss of control of his fastball.
Bingo. It’s Zito disease. Except Zito could control the fastball location fairly often, but didn’t want to throw it over the plate because of the hit me sign on it. Now, he throws the cutter or slider instead, per BFs analysis…
From Baggs: Affeldt heading to DL with right oblique strain. Machi will be recalled once he arrives, but might not make it to Milwaukee in time today.
Just saw that too. Surprised Runzler isn’t getting the call.
I’d bet Runzler is surprised and/or PO’d, too…
Yeah, probably. I remember reading he took it hard being left off the roster when the club headed north.
Mijares’ elbow is still either funky or he’s just not throwing well, and Lopez has been fairly ineffective. Now you lose supposedly your best left handed Pen guy in Affeldt. So, you bring up another righty? I don’t get it…
Before Affeldt’s injury, I had thought Mijares was on thin ice with Runzler pitching so well. I don’t get this, either.
Yep…surprising. Looking at their stats, they have very similar numbers (IP, ERA (both at 0.00), but Runzler had the lower WHIP).
Another rough beginning for Dirrty. I doubt he gets another start if he doesn’t settle dowm here.Damn.
No Runzler? That makes zero sense, he’s pitching very well in Fresno. He’s only pitched 4.2 innings but he hasn’t allowed a run and he’s only walked 1 guy.
I joked around at the end of the thread I wrote today but I really do think Zito is going to pitch well tonight. I believe he’s clearly pitching differently than he did prior to 2012 and the stats show this with his huge increase in using the cutter and decrease in the fastball (4 and 2 seam).
Zito doesn’t have to prove anything to me, he’s completely off probation in my book. Not only that, he’s got a 10 year exemption of me talking shit about anything he does. I love Barry Zito.
not a bad POTD candidate, albeit one day late I’m seeing it
Dirrty could try and pitch RH,couldn’t be much worse at this time.
Well, Dirrrty deserves a littlte “no talking shit exemption” himself for Game 162 in 2010..
Actually that’s true
Now I have to give Timmy many many years. How many does Benitez get? Minutes, that is…TIME’S UP!!!
I’m calling that Zito gets the win, final Giants 5-3..
The scoreless streak ends. Might as well end on a homer to make it feel like old times
Mudbug gets a hit,the master Zen drops down another excellent bunt,Pagan basehit,text book run,followed by the Panda big-time double and the boys drop a nice 3 spot.Gotta love their moxie.
My goodness, how time flies…ten years seems like yesterday 😉
Kinda wish I went with my first prediction
Zito can’t seem to get #42 out.
POTD.
clever
Man, that’s rough. 0.00 ERA to 4.86.
THAT is a bad day at the office.
Just checked the score after thawing out from ice-cold rain and did I say COLD rain at a lacrosse game. The Fan Who Came in From the Cold — Only to Find More Coldness.
When Crawford hits a big fly i watch it go and I don’t understand why he doesn’t hit 25 a year…….
I think he’s our 2 week MVP
And that’s a pretty easy call.
Hey, I just checked the score again. Maybe Zito won’t get tagged with the loss. It’s not impossible. #hope #change #delusion
“Scutaro, our most patient hitter.” Embarrassing.
Didn’t see yours..
Really, Kruk, Do your homework.
Kruk: “Scutaro is their most patient hitter”. Kruk- he’s a total hacker, pal. Only Hector and Arias were harder to walk last year,
Hey, looks like Zito gave his team a chance to win again..
Twin, I would not have been surprised to see your Dad’s name show up here, in this very entertaining Bob Wolff story: http://nyti.ms/11fwqW8
Wollf and my Pop were the play-by-play guys in the Twin’s first year. Bob left after the first year. I’m sure that ‘Ive mentioned that Maury Povich was Wollf’s lackey. Carried his briefcase, sat next to him the booth, When Bob made a call, Maury wouldgo like “Good one, Bob”…. “Great insight, Bob”…
Very cool. Then, your Pop must be in these archives somewhere.
He’s in quite a few archives, no doubt. He’s stiil considered one of the best, if not the best football play-play announcers ever.
“Scott was twice named National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, was given regional awards by that organization 12 times in four different states, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1982. Posthumous honors include the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, and induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame as a contributor in July 2001.”
http://www.americansportscastersonline.com/scotthalloffame.html
Z might take a look at a couple very good books about sports announcers:
“Of Mikes and Men: From Ray Scott to Curt Gowdy: Tales from the Pro Football Booth”
“Voices of the Game: The Acclaimed Chronicle of Baseball Radio and Television Broadcasting — from 1921 to the Present”
The latter is especially good.
The #42 thing got a little zany for Mets-Rox doubleheader. The players wore #42 for Game 1, but are now back to wearing their regular numbers for the nightcap.
Well, when I get a prediction wrong, I get it wrong, HUGE.
The Giants can still win this thing.
I say they will. Somehow.
Noonan batting a cool .538.
they’ve already come back tonight, just not all the way. Regardless, down 9-3 in the 3rd and they close it to 9-7? Gaudin was huge today……
This team will have to win with offense again, even more so than last year’s did.
absolutely. Besides Bum, With their 4 other starting pitchers sporting ERA’s of 5.94, 5.63, 7.15 and now Zito at 4.86 (leading the 4 I might add), I’d say you’re 8:04pm is rather obvious…..
You have no Room B’s here, Craig. I think we all know 4.86 is the lowest.
Well, I have been quietly pointing out that the Giants pitching is overrated for a while now. I hadn’t yet noticed that it’s exactly become received wisdom.
looks like the team that might have come together after the altercation was the Padres, who knocked out Capuano and lead LA 5-1. Marquis just struck out Kemp with two on to end an inning. Last night they the SP homered off Barbs and after LA tied it up they won it late vs. the pen. Tonite Guerrier was already in there in the 3rd inning.
They don’t seem to miss Quentin’s .174.
Crap.
Fuck, that was one too many ropes that didn’t fall.
talk about gallows humor
Gotta string the metaphors up straight!
Well that sucked.
Get ’em tomorrow, Giants!
A valiant comeback falls short.
Fuck it. It happens. Good effort
Zito, Prince of Darkness that he is (and I’m sure he held some kinda hoodoo voodoo freaky Friday thang with Madam Acapucco, the spritual Goddess of Trinidad, to trade his over aged talent with Lincecum) only gave up 8 ERs in an inning. Stud boy Cain gave up 9 a coupla weeks ago.
So…he’s only had the second worse inning this season so far.
Alyssa Milano needs to re-connect with Zito and…topless hand jobs with nasty dirty talk including positive references to size despite the fact he’s hung like a light switch (according to some sources) come to mind…
If for nothing else…morale, people, morale
Melky 1 extra basehit, 2 RBI…
revret
Dodgers getting booed by their “crowd.” Their team is losing 8-1, and they have to hear annoying techno-noise from the sound system.
Ahhhhhh….but they’re all making, on average, $13,000,000 a year.
Not too much…sadness or chagrin on their selfish, entitled asses
“Z might take a look at a couple very good books about sports announcers:
“Of Mikes and Men: From Ray Scott to Curt Gowdy: Tales from the Pro Football Booth”
“Voices of the Game: The Acclaimed Chronicle of Baseball Radio and Television Broadcasting — from 1921 to the Present”
The latter is especially good.”
—–
I’ll give a look for them. Thanks.
I suggested you because Craig said you were handling the “Good Reads”. They’re both available at Amazon.
I don’t recall if Summerall was one of the announcers contributing to Of Mikes and Men…
Pat Summerall has passed away. Before working with Brookshier and Madden, he was the color guy paired with my father on the top CBS game of week. Pat was a fine announcer and a very nice man,
I actually liked Summerall better than Madden. Did you get to meet him twin?
I worked in the booth with Pat and my Dad several times in the early 70’s. I was usually the “spotter”- the guy who keeps track of the tackler, blockers, etc. It’s tougher than it sounds- and the announcers don’t always trust you. I was adamant (non-verbally) if I knew I had it, though. I forget what game -, but a guy blocked a FG, and I was pointing at the chart to the name of the kick blocker, My Dad and assistant dunderhead Summerall both IDed the wrong guy despite my jumping up and down and throwing their chairs out of the booth- (kidding)- anyway, they saw it on the replay- Pop corrected it- and get this- told me I should have been more adamant..I got paid 50 bucks by CBS- which I usually got like 6 months later…
Anyway, I liked Pat a lot, and he was one of the few jocks who really learned his craft as an announcer.
http://tinyurl.com/colx7lq
I was in LA over the weekend to visit the college kid. We saw two pretty good B movies as part of the Noir film festival. “Chicago Calling,” is among other things, an ironically titled and startling document of early 50s downtown LA. Dan Duryea doesn’t beat any women in this one. He plays a simpatico loser amidst a plot that would be insufferable in any picture made nowadays. It’s a bustling, working class city, and the shots of the gritty hillside apartments are just stunning. One good thing in Dan’s life is the free tix he scores to the Hollywood Stars games. The scene inside Gilmore stadium is only a few minutes long, but far more evocative than a dozen mediocre baseball themed flicks you care to name.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Stars
Maybe the demon jumped temporarily back to Zito from Timmeh?…
A demon I’m always ready to welcome in:
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/le-demon-vert
On a (sorta) good note, Belt batted better, despite the fly-ball to Braun.
Zito zaid ziss (claiming he felt like he was pitching well):
“They hit my pitches tonight, so I have to tip my hat. I think they got five hits in a row, and every one of them _I’d_throw_again_.”