Beane still doesn't sound optimistic about being able to sign Barry Zito to a contract extension. "When you look at last year's free-agent market, you'll see the going rate for a pitcher is prohibitive, and Barry would have been the best guy out there. ... The fact is, if Barry's contract comes to an end, he's going to be an attractive free agent and it's going to be a challenge for anyone to sign him, let alone the A's.''