SF Examiner: Giants' Barry Zito dodges curveballs amid constant scrutiny

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

You realize all you can be is yourself. Barry Zito said that. The world swirls about him, the debate goes on, the arguments continue. But all Barry Zito can do is be himself.

“I definitely have something to prove,” Zito conceded.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2011 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Barry Zito: Giants' Expensive Spectator

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

SAN FRANCISCO — This was another reminder about the improbability of sport. A few hours after Roy Halladay of the Phillies had his no-hitter, Barry Zito of the Giants in effect became no pitcher, removed from the playoff roster.

Everyone knew Halladay would be dominant, but no one suspected he would throw two no-hitters, including one a perfect game, in a matter of months.

Everyone believed Barry Zito would be dominant. To the contrary, he's been a disappointment. And a very expensive one, if that is of consequence.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2010

SF Examiner: Hitting woes leave no room for error

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

SAN FRANCISCO — So Barry Zito pitches his best game in weeks. And the Giants still lose. So Zito, Santiago Casilla, Ramon Ramirez, Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo combine for a one-hitter. And the Giants still lose. It’s going to be a long winter.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Zito Loses Command - and 1st Game

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- The money was the problem. It was what everyone thought about every time Barry Zito pitched. It was what Barry Zito thought about.

A man gets paid $126 million to pitch a baseball, and he has to pay for unmet expectations.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2010

SF Examiner: Zito anxious to reclaim top role

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — The Z Man. That’s the label. At least the most positive one. Barry Zito has been called a lot of things the last three years, many of them unpleasant, which is the nature of failed expectations.

But in this, his fourth season with the Giants, who knows what to expect from Zito?

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2010 SF Newspaper Company