[Lefty Noob]

In fact, not only did Barry Zito of the Athletics claim victory #100 last night, he almost did it in spectacular fashion - barely missing on a no-hitter. According to the AP, "The Oakland lefty took his no-hit bid into the eighth inning before Mark DeRosa led off with a single, and earned his 100th career victory as the Athletics beat the Texas Rangers 9-3 Friday night."

Granted, 100 victories is a minor milestone, but Zito becomes just the fourth A's pitcher to reach the mark, with Catfish Hunter (131), Vida Blue (124) and Dave Stewart (119) being the others. What do you think of Zito's performance last night, and what do you predict for the rest of the southpaw's career?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I have always liked the big left hander...but he is erratic at times...a bit too erratic for a top tier pither...his season really is no better than 2005 14-13 (he is giving up a .250 avg compare to .221 for last year) and he walks a lot of batters...and still he is at 14-8...I like the fact that he has kept hittiers batting below .230 for 5 of his 7 years in the league...Like him even better when the A's still had Hudson and Mulder...

[legend]

All three of those pitchers, with so much promise, have become so-so hurlers. I always thought Hudson was the best of the bunch, but he is nothing special now.

[MJHMarc]

I always like Mark Mulder the best out of the triplets. Tim Hudson was also a great pitcher and Barry Zito had the most potential. None of them ever went on to have Hall Of Fame careers as expected. I guess you can throw them into the bunch of Average Joe's. Except their big contracts worth millions of dollars, they aren't that much different than Tom Glavine or Kris Benson.

[EmpireWF]

I think it's very strange the way Hudson and Mulder went to the National League and have been nothing short of average or very good at best. Either way, Zito will cash in this off-season as he's the biggest starter slated to be on the market.

Pretty amazing feat nonetheless. Zito is one of the best lefty's of our generation.

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I think it's very strange the way Hudson and Mulder went to the National League and have been nothing short of average or very good at best. Either way, Zito will cash in this off-season as he's the biggest starter slated to be on the market.

Pretty amazing feat nonetheless. Zito is one of the best lefty's of our generation.

I'd be shocked if he's not a NY Met next year.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Wow...you guys have pronounced the big three dead on arrival...guys, there is still life left in those arms...

Marc buddy...waaay to early to say "they didn't go on to Hall of Fame careers...They are still active for gosh sake!"...

Hudson still has an out of this workd winning percentage in lifetime 116 wins to 58 losses...that's two wins for every lose boys and girls...an amazing .666 percent...hard ot find too many Hall of Famers with higher percentages...

And he is all of 31...say he gets himself an average of 15 wins a year over the next 10 years...that puts him at an outside shot at the Hall easy...

So can we wait until its over to call it over?

[MJHMarc]

I guess I will have to listen to the wise Yogi Berra quote.

"It's not over 'til it's over!"

But it is always fun to predict the future, even though I might not be anywheres correct. What do you guys think about their futures in the MLB?

[EmpireWF]

Hudson's win percentage is insane. It's right up there with Pedro Martinez's among active pitchers.

With Mulder, he's spent the majority of 2006 injured. With an off-season of rest and whatever else, he should be back to his normal self next year.

[MJHMarc]

Pedro Martinez is an outstanding pitcher who should make Cooperstown as long as he stays clean and well, good. Mark Mulder hasn't made a big impact with the Cardinals, yet. How many years are left in his contract?