San Francisco Giants Wiretap

Zito Says Giants Committed To Championship

Barry Zito was offered two more years and $50 million more by the Giants than the Mets, but he still thinks he would probably be in San Francisco had the offers been the same.

"I think it was primarily their honesty, and my instincts were telling me I was getting some standup guys who were up front," Zito said. "There weren't a lot of games being played, a lot of mind games. This was my first run at this. I haven't experienced much in my life that was similar. People who are standup guys and look you in the eyes, and you trust what they're saying, it goes a long way.

"Beyond that, it was just the commitment to winning and getting a championship this year, and if not this year, next year, and doing everything in line with that goal, seeing it through and getting after it, which is what I do on the field."

In Zito, the Giants saw a player whose "passion, professionalism and personality meet his talent," Sabean said. "This was a definite want and need on the part of our ballclub as a whole. Everybody I've talked to in the organization is beside themselves."

Via San Francisco Chronicle


Beane Happy Zito Didn't Stay In AL West

The Rangers and Mariners were both interested in Barry Zito, which are rivalries that trump the local one for the A's.

"Given the fact that there appeared to be interest within the division, it's nice to know he won't be pitching for one of our rivals,'' Oakland general manager Billy Beane said.

Via San Francisco Chronicle


Zito Press Conference Set For Friday

Barry Zito will be introduced as the newest member of the San Francisco Giants at a press conference Friday, the Chronicle has learned.

"This is a Bay Bridge free agency,'' said one person with knowledge of the negotiations. "I think Barry Zito will be the face of the Giants franchise for a long time.''

Zito will recieve $126 million for seven years, the largest contract ever for a pitcher.

Via San Francisco Chronicle


Giants Dec 2006 Archive