[EmpireWF]

Newsday today reports that the Mets are the favorite to land free-agent LHP Barry Zito. Although Zito began his (official) off-season wooing yesterday with a personal trip to Texas, friends of Zito say he prefers New York City over Chicago and Texas.

Ken Davidoff also writes the Yankees, Angels and Dodgers have shown "zero to little interest in Zito."


Interesting tidbit as we go along. Of course, as with anything it will likely come down to money. I can see the Mets going as high as needbe to get Zito...something like 5-years, $90 Million give or take a year and some millions.

[MVB]

The Yankees have no interest in Zito???

*bangs head against wall*

I guess since they're signing Igawa, they think they're rotation is set.

-Chien Ming Wang
-MIke Mussina
- Kei Igawa
- Carl Pavano
- Randy Johnson

Well, that just depresses me...

But to the Mets: The Amazin's really do need some strong, healthy starting pitching, just remember what happened in the postseason. Zito has been very successful over the past three years in the American League, and a transition to the NL will probably make him even more effective. If I were Zito, I'd definitely go to the Mets.

[firefrozen]

Thats great and i think that the mets may even consider putting another year on and going to somewhere around 107 million. Depending on what Zito wants i think they should lock him up for as long as possible.

[Trashed]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Newsday today reports that the Mets are the favorite to land free-agent LHP Barry Zito. Although Zito began his (official) off-season wooing yesterday with a personal trip to Texas, friends of Zito say he prefers New York City over Chicago and Texas.

Ken Davidoff also writes the Yankees, Angels and Dodgers have shown "zero to little interest in Zito."


Interesting tidbit as we go along. Of course, as with anything it will likely come down to money. I can see the Mets going as high as needbe to get Zito...something like 5-years, $90 Million give or take a year and some millions.

No way the Mets give Zito who was a third starter and not as good as he used to be 90 mil. It's just not gonna happen.

[EmpireWF]

Zito's going to end up getting at least $90 Mil from someone.

Only a third starter? He as Oakland's ace.

[Trashed]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Zito's going to end up getting at least $90 Mil from someone.

Only a third starter? He as Oakland's ace.

I meant when they had Hudson, Mulder along with Zito. Granted being a third starter behind those two is not too shabby.

[Trashed]

Could be as early as next week that we see a Met uniform with #75 on it! The Mets are going all out to win the National League this year that's clear. Still I do so hope they manage to hold on to Lastings Milledge. I really think he's gonna be a superstar but I understand their need for a pitcher.

[MJHMarc]

Don't jump the gun, guys.

Lets see how this edges out.

[EmpireWF]

It's going to come down to whether or not Zito wants to pitch in NY or whether he wants the money. He's suppose to visit NY sometime next week.

Texas will likely offer him what he wants as far as 6-years and $100 Million. The Mets won't give him that. They may give him 5-years and $85 million max but no way they're going to a sixth year and closer to the century mark. It's either going to Arlington in the AL and a hitters friendly ballpark. Or with the Mets in the NL and a pitchers friendly ballpark along with Rick Peterson. And oh yeah, it's New York

Hopefully, he's not thinking like Gil Meche

[Trashed]

Mets won't give him the money but the Mets can give him a ring maybe, a better park to pitch in and a lot of attention for a great pitcher. Texas can't give him any of that. We'll see what he chooses and why he chooses the team to go to.

[mervinout]

is his agent boras?

[MJHMarc]

I'm not sure, but I would think so.

Boras represent prestigious, legendary and expensive athletes.

[EmpireWF]

Yes, Zito's agent is Boras.

I think Zito will be in town sometime this week for a tour of the city.

[MJHMarc]

Tour of the city?

...like he's never been in New York, before.

[mervinout]

boras uses the new york teams better then anyone, he knows not to go to another team without a bid from either the yankees or mets. my guess is the mets are being used to increase the texas bid.