Mets to visit Zito in California

mets2k · 12-18-2006, 10:04 PM

sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

Quote:

NEW YORK (AP) -- Mets executives planned to visit Barry Zito in California on Tuesday for a recruiting visit designed to persuade the free-agent pitcher to sign with New York.

Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Omar Minaya were to head the team's delegation, which was to leave New York on Tuesday morning and meet with Zito later in the day in the Los Angeles area.

Zito's agent, Scott Boras, said during the winter meetings that he envisions a six- or seven-year contract for Zito, the top available starting pitcher on the free-agent market. The Mets appear likely to balk at a deal of that length.

Boras and Minaya did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

Zito also has been sought by the Rangers, and he and Boras traveled to Texas on Nov. 30 to meet with owner Tom Hicks, general manager Jon Daniels and other club officials.

With Barry Bonds agreeing to defer some of the $16 million he will be owed in his one-year contract with the Giants, San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean has said he has the financial resources to sign a top pitcher -- though he hasn't confirmed how much his club would be willing to spend on Zito.

The Giants, who have missed the playoffs the past three seasons, are looking for someone to fill the void left when ace Jason Schmidt departed this month for the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

Zito, a 28-year-old left-hander, was 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA for the Athletics last season and has a 102-63 record with a 3.55 ERA in seven major league seasons with Oakland. He is 4-3 with a 3.25 ERA in seven postseason starts.

Pasch · 12-18-2006, 10:15 PM

I have always suspected it would come down to us and the Rangers. Go bring him home Omar!

Cajunfears · 12-19-2006, 10:55 AM

Theirs no way if Omar wants someone that he loes out on them, except Delgado in 05. We have the money we have the need and we have the want. Zito is all but in a Mets uni IMO, but he wont be our best pitcher thats Oliver Perez

Shea Hey Kid · 12-21-2006, 11:23 AM

Sheesh, they're all rep'd by Bor-ass.

12-18-2006, 10:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Pasch Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 16	I have always suspected it would come down to us and the Rangers. Go bring him home Omar!

12-19-2006, 10:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cajunfears New Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2	Theirs no way if Omar wants someone that he loes out on them, except Delgado in 05. We have the money we have the need and we have the want. Zito is all but in a Mets uni IMO, but he wont be our best pitcher thats Oliver Perez

12-21-2006, 11:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Shea Hey Kid Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central Jersey Posts: 17	Sheesh, they're all rep'd by Bor-ass.