It wasn’t long ago at all that Barry Zito was the butt of jokes; recipient of one of the most lucrative contracts in baseball history when he came to the Giants from the Athletics in 2007, he proceeded to go 21-30 his first two seasons there, including 10-17 in 2008. That was the year that Zito’s Fathead wall poster was slashed 80 percent at Fathead.com; the most accurate indicator of on-field baseball performance we currently possess. Although showing signs of improvement in ’09, a run support-challenged Zito went still went 10-13. Perhaps because of this, or, as he claims, because he was simply bored, Zito shut down his Twitter account in August of ’09. Frankly, that had been the only entertaining thing about having him with the Giants. Remember the obscene Gingerbread Twitter photos? Sure, we all do.
Cut to May 5, 2010. Zito takes a 3-0 lead into the eighth, and the Giants eventually escape with a 3-2 win over the Marlins … Zito improving to 5-0, the best start of his career. With a 1.49 ERA, he’s considered the Giants’ ace over Tim Lincecum (4-0, 1.70), believe it or not. Zito’s Fathead is even trading at $39.99 … up from $19.99 a year ago. Although Lincecum’s is at a robust $99.99.
But all is not perfect in Zitoland. When one goes to his Twitter page these days, there is a rude surprise in store. Bugs and Cranks has the details here. WTF? Could this be the secret good-luck talisman that has rejuvenated Zito’s career? We may never know. Just nobody mess with this guy’s Twitter page. It could send the Giants to the playoffs.
Ah, Thursday. I knew you’d figure out my little plan.
ABOUT LAST NIGHT …
What you missed while searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift …
* Buffalo’s pro soccer team needs a nickname, and you can vote. But you won’t be thrilled with your choices.
* Willie Mays spoke disrespectfully to Henry Aaron? Oh my! I do believe I have the vapors.
* Well, in Popovich’s defense, it was a dumb question.
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TODAY IN MARK TRAIL …
Ironically, Rusty himself has not bathed since January …
