Barry Zito's Change of Scenery could be key

Barry Zito's change of Scenery could be key
By Pedro Pierzynski
2/4/2011

New York - The Yankees didn't waste time upon hearing of the official announcement of Andy Pettitte's retirement, as they went out and traded for a former Cy Young winning left handed.  Barry Zito, who still has three years and $57 million left on a deal he originally signed with the Giants, is now wearing pinstripes.

The Giants didn't include Zito on the 2010 playoff roster with the emergence of Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner.  The Giants signed major league starter Jeff Suppan to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training this off-season, so he would be expected to be the favorite to replace Zito.  Dan Runzler, who has been a relief pitcher for the Giants the last two seasons, is trying to become a starter as well.  Runzler could be a long term answer to replace the former Cy Young winner with the Athletics.

"A change of scenery is the only reason for this trade."  Zito's agent said via conference call.  "When we signed this contract in San Francisco, we had hoped to avoid the big lights of New York.  Many pitchers have been gobbled up by the pressures of pitching in the Big Apple.  Hopefully Z won't be destroyed here.  We think by using the cliche 'change of scenery' we might get the Baseball Gods to go easy on him."

The Yankees get a pitcher who has never been on the DL and is capable of eating up innings when he is right.  His curve ball has been one of the best pitches in baseball at times.   However, Zito has consistently struggled when in pressure situations while at China Basin.  He struggled when they needed him most in September last year.  He struggled as the #1 starter for the Giants when he began his career in the National League.  A change of scenery and a return to the American League could be good things for the zen pitcher.

"Z called me this morning and said after his meditation and yoga sessions, he felt this change of scenery angle was just the ticket for success." Zito's agent said. "Time will tell if we can take this cliche for a spin." 

In return, the Giants get two prospects from the Yankees minor league system.  The Yankees sent RHP Michael O'Brien and switch hitting SS Cito Culver, who played for the Staten Island Yankees last year.  O'Brien, who is only 5'11", is hoping to learn from his short hero, Tim Lincecum.  Culver said he grew up admiring a former Giants switch hitting shortstop in Omar Vizquel, and he hopes to emulate his career someday.

How will New York treat the poster child of Zen?