Good stuff on Giants pitcher and former all-star Barry Zito, who has been left off the 1st round playoff roster for their ALDS matchup with the Atlanta Braves:Zito held his own this season. He went 7-4 with a 3.76 E.R.A before the All-Star break, then 2-10 with a 4.70 afterward.
In his final 12 games, he went 1-8 with a 6.14 E.R.A. The Giants started him last Saturday, when they would have clinched the NL West with a victory; he walked home two runs and lasted three innings.
Five days later, the playoffs started without him. Manager Bruce Bochy said that the first thing Zito did after being told he would not be on the playoff roster was to throw a bullpen session, so he could stay sharp if the Giants should need him, in the next round or in case of injury.
"He hasn't blamed anybody", said Giants president Larry Baer, "He hasn't offered sour grapes about anything. People respect that."
