What Does Zito Really Want?

To say the Barry Zito signing by the Giants was a huge disaster would be putting it mildly. However, the Giants in order to justify their investment in Zito, obviously and rightfully so are going to do everything in their power to find a solution to get Zito's head & form back on track.

The question is, can Zito regain his former successful form, if his head never get's back on track? To put it another way, was his head ever on track?

Since Zito went 23 - 5 in 2002, his combined record, including this year is 66 - 65. After his Cy Young year in 2002, his single best year in 2006 was 16 - 10. Before that he had three years in a row of never winning more than 14 games, with a combined record of 39 - 36, barely a 500 record.

While still in Oakland in 2006, Zito had motivation with young pitchers looking to Zito to be thier ace and teacher, but there was another motivation for Zito. It was a contract year. He knew he would be leaving the Athletics, and Zito knew if he did not have a dominant year that he would not receive a rich contract that he obviously coveted.

Early in Zito's career, he developed a reputation for being a free spirit, a guy you might find hanging out on a street corner playing guitar. Arguably so, Zito became the most likebale of Oakland's big three, which also included Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson. Because the Athletics have never been a top draw in the Bay Area, logic dictated that Oakland ultimately would not be able to keep all three of their talented aces. It may be safe to assume that if a poll was taken as to whom the Oakland fans would rather see remain with the team it would have been Zito.

Cut to 2006, the contract year. Zito seemed to be a different guy. Almost business like. When asked questions regarding his future with Oakland, Zito never gave indications that he would like to remain in Oakland, possibly accepting less money.

Nobody can blame Zito for leaving Oakland, or for accepting the Giant's rediculous offer. Professional athletes have constantly rejected their original team's offers for greener pastures, and will continue to do so, to the detriment of fans and even their original team.

So, Zito signs with the Giants for $126 million. First, why did he choose the Giants? Obviously, it was not because he wanted to win. The Giants at the end of the 2006 season provided no hope for any free agent or their fans, that they would be a contender in the forseeable future. In addition, during the 2006 season, since Zito was pitching so well he commented that he would like to win 300 games in his career. And in order to help fulfill that hope he chose to not sign with any contending teams such as the Mets, the Cardinals, the Redsox, the Yankees, or God forbid the always surprising home team Oakland. No, Zito chose to pin his career hopes on the lackluster dreadful, no prospects, SF Giants.

Fast forward to 2007, where is the motivation for Zito to remain successful? There is always personal pride, but when you are guaranteed $126 million, maybe free spirits don't value pride as much as they once did?

During an interview with KNBR's Ralph Barbieri, before the start of this season, Zito became a bit indignant when Barbieri non threatenly suggested that Zito give back a small portion of his contract in light of last year's disastrous performance. Barbieri provided a scenario where it would only benefit Zito in the eyes of his fans. However, Zito responded by saying, "why don't you check back with me in June or at the midpoint of the season, and you can ask me your razor-like questions." Again, Barbieri was not attempting to attach Zito.

In light of Zito's start this season, he has only become less productive and there is absolutely no sign that he has the tools to regain his form, much less his career. Everyone agrees that his problems are in his head, but it is so painfully obvious that Zito does not have the mental makeup to support that contract. He is not a Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Kobi Bryant,or even Barry Bonds type of player that will allow a ton of money to affect his performance.

Another thing that Zito lacks that the before mentioned players have, and that is drive or even hunger. Again, after Zito won the Cy Young he went 39-36 before the contract year. Great athletes always find a way to motivate themselves to perform at a higher level, and money is not a motivating factor for these type of performers. They want to be the best, they want to win. Sadly, we really don't know if Zito does want to win.