Not much to talk about tonight. Zito pitched, and the Giants lost. That's how it works. Barry did his thing -- allowing runs (4) and baserunners (9) while not eating many innings (4). He threw a bit harder than he has recently, and his breaking ball had some bite. But when you're a veteran and have your best stuff and are that unsuccessful, you have major issues.
On the postgame show, Mike Krukow made excuses for Zito, saying it was just nerves in the 1st inning, when he allowed 3 runs, that he settled down after that, and that his next start would be better. I'm sick of excuses for Zito -- now, he had "opening night jitters", next he's given extra rope because he's always been a slow starter. Then, before you know it, it'll be mid-season, and those same apologists are predicting a big 2nd half and getting all worked up for the random competant start. But down deep we all know what we have -- an albatross. The only question is whether is how soon the Giants come to terms with this and pull him form the rotation.
Zito wasn't the only thing wrong with the Giants on Friday night. The defense let him down a bit, and the offense was generally lethargic, save for a couple of stunted rallies with the Giants down 4-2. One ended on an Ishikawa GIDP with the bases loaded and none out and a pathetic K by Rowand, the other was dashed by a dazzling tying HR-saving catch by Scott Hairston on a drive by Molina to CF, followed by another flyout to the wall by Ishikawa. Hairston followed that with a 3-run HR to ice the game, and Pad's won 7-3.
Bright spots: Emanuel Burriss (his first two hits of the season, along with two walks), Fred Lewis (another hit and walk, hitting .500) and new call-up for the DL-ed Joe Martinez, Justin Miller (two scoreless innings).
TOMMOROW: Jonathan Sanchez has the unenviable task of taking on Jake Peavy. Hey, it could be worse, Jonathan -- you could have Barry Zito's stuff.
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