Barry Zito really did not have a good day. His control was off and he hung a few curveballs. Barry gave up 4 earned runs through 4 innings on 5 hits (infield single, single, 2 doubles and a HR) and 2 walks. Zito's 2nd run didn't have to happen, with 1 out in the 2nd inning a flyball was hit to Jason Ellison in RF. Ellison positioned himself properly and threw a perfect 1 hop throw to home. Bengie Molina was unable to handle the waist high throw and a runner scored on the SAC fly.I was shocked, when after he had throw 59 pitches through 3 innings, Zito came out for the 4th. He then pitched the entire 4th inning and ended up throwing 78 pitches on the day. I would think that was WAY too many for this early in Spring Training. Bochy took Ortiz out at the end of the 3rd after 32 pitches yesterday.....then today, he leaves Zito in after 59. I really don't understand it.
8 comments:
dr b, I wonder if his slow start reputation has earned him longer spring training starts. That may explain his 4 innings and 78 pitches today.
In this photo it looks like he is striding longer - and higher - than in the past. And I thought he had given that up.
frank - he did revert back to his old delivery but added some stride to take advantage of his stronger legs.
With Zito's start the Giants are now giving all their starters at least 4 days (instead of 3 days) rest and this is why the increase in pitch counts started with Zito. Tomorrow we should se the same with Cain against the Mariners and perhaps Hennessey as well against the A's. Both of these will also be pitching with now four days of rest.
Thanks, Anon. I didn't know that. About 3, 4 inches? Also looks to be a little higher stride as well, which could be either a timing thing or a power thing - or both.
GF9, I know lots of readers are thanking you prfusely, but you probably don't have a sense of how welcome and important your blog is to all of us who can't get to ST. You have the best reports as well as really good pictures that give us so much better idea of what is going on, how guys look, who's in shape. Lewis, and his new batting stance, is an example. A photo of that is priceless as far as giving us fans valuable information.
Thanks
It's true GF9, what allfrank said about your reports. They really are fantastic. I don't read anything else regarding ST now. There's no point. (All the rest just sound like press releases...just a bunch of crap.)
Your commentary and photos are REALLY appreciated. Next best thing to being there.
I love your updates... I've never been to Spring Training before & you're making me really want to plan to next year! Any chance you could give a bit of a report on any hitting you might have seen Zito doing? I'm just a tad curious on where he is on that. Thanks & please keep up the incredible reporting!
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