San Francisco Giants: Tim Lincecum Making Barry Zito an Afterthought

The San Francisco Giants have wasted roughly $130 million for the next eight seasons on one-time Cy Young winner Barry Zito as of his current winless record. (Note: Zito is in action today, May 23rd. It probably won't change, though). 

Zito was signed to a free agent contract prior to the 2007 season at the highest rate for a pitcher of all time. He and agent Scott Boras agreed to the Giants 'contract offer after a furious battle to acquire the left-hander between the Giants and New York Mets.

Upon arriving with the Giants, Zito was befriended by OF Barry Bonds, and the two were seen enjoying each other's company all of Spring Training.

Bonds made "Don't Ask Me, Ask Barry" t-shirts with arrows pointing at the other Barry, and the most media-hunted players in San Francisco wore them simultaneously.

All was beautiful. Then, the season started.

2007 for Barry Zito was like a light switch. On, off, on, off.

In his first game back in Oakland, Zito lost a 15-3 decision and gave up seven runs and seven walks. Zito finished the season 11-13 with a 4.53 ERA.

Part way during the 2007 season, another pitcher made his Giants' debut. On May 6, 2007 the young phenom and top Giants' pitching prospect made his first career start on ESPN. 

A year later, Tim Lincecum is one of the best pitchers in the majors and is helping Giants fans get over the waste of time that is, and eventually was, Barry Zito.

Linecum has it. Ask his teammates that call him "Franchise." Ask people, who pass him on the street and see a 5'11, 170 pound pitcher, with no idea who he is.

Lincecum, who wears #55, was fifth in the National League in strikeouts last season and is currently 6-1 with an ERA a shade over two runs.

He is also amongst the league leaders in strikeouts and is currently one of the top pitchers in the league—American or National.

Lincecum's pre-Giants life was filled with accolades. Leading his high school team to the 3A state title, being named Washington's High School Athlete of the Year, and being drafted by the Chicago Cubs right after his Senior year of High School.

Lincecum attended the University of Washington to sharpen his delivery and mound command.  Only 334 days after the Giants drafted him tenth overall in 2006, he took the mound and had earned a spot in a young rotation filled with promise.

Lincecum may be most recognizable for his unique delivery. A rear-back and hurl kind of repertoire adds more torque and momentum for the "small" Lincecum.  His delivery gives him the added technique of hiding the ball as long as possible so that the hitter can't read the pitch in time.

Tim Lincecum. Barry who?