Why didn't the Giants go after Matsuzaka in the preseason?

Question

I don't understand why they spent 126 million on Zito while Boston picked up Matsuzaka for 20 million dollars less. It seems likes a stupid move by the team to go after Zito instead.

Answer 1

B/c they did a private bid in which each team got to throw out there number and the Boston Red Sox outbid the next highest team (which wasnt realeased but i would guess the Yanks) by over 10-15 million. Its not like the Giants had a chance to look and see how much they had to bid.

But i dont think Dice K is going to have the same impact on the league in his career that Barry Zito will retire with. I think Dice K is great but if you remember Hideo Nomo had almost as much hype to him and he started off ok, and then he sucked balls and isnt eve in the league anymore. I mean Zitos career numbers are beautiful, he is a top 10 pitcher in the league:

Zito: 102 wins, 64 losses, 9 CG, 4 SHO, 2:1 K to BB ratio, 3.55 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and .232 BA (players hitting against him)

Those numbers are SICK, here are some more tidbits for you. Remember he has been in the league 7 yrs (this is his 8th) and 6 as a full time starter. He has thrown over 200 innings in each of his last 6 seasons (which is every yr as a full time starter). Ask any SP the most important thing is IP's b/c then ur saving ur bullpen and that means ur doing well. He has only had 1 season with an ERA of over 4 (6 seasons of an ERA 3.86 or lower). Note that this is in the AL, a league that statistically has alot higher ERA. Only 2 seasons of 7 has the opponents BA been over .250 (highest is .263), thats awesome. He has NEVER walked over 100 ppl in a single season. He has had at least 34 starts in each of his last 6 seasons (health). He has NEVER had a losing season. Only 1 time has he given up over 100 ER's (only 106). He averages 6 2/3 IP per start, a guy who gets deep into games and eats up innings, and does it extremely effectively.

Barry Zito is a proven winner and his numbers back him up alot more than Daisuke Matsuzaka, although i think DiceK is going to be a stellar pitcher, no one right now has a scouting report on him (not much of one) therefore hitters are really seeing him for the first time which is going to help him be successful this season. There are always questions about guys health, about handling pressure, about withstanding a full season and not wearing down. Zito has proven everything above and then more. He is going to be a hell of a pickup for the San Fran Giants and he will help these young guys (Lowry, Cain) to become successful and help them learn the game. He is a seasoned vet and he is one of the best in the game. How can you be upset about getting him over a guy no one has ever seen hardly? Yes again DiceK is great, but he is not a top 10 pitcher (at least not now and wont be for another 2-3 years AT LEAST). I think before its all said and done DiceK will be lucky to have a 4.50 ERA this season and he is used to pitching in a 6 man rotation not a 5 man rotation which could hurt when you start hitting that 26th and 27th start and above. Right now you cannot compare the two b/c there is absolutely no comparison, Zito is much better at this point in time. Oh and the fact that Zito is just 2 years older than Matsuzaka and he's had 223 more starts in Major League Baseball.

Answer 2

Barry Zito was a proven commodity, whereas no one really knew what Boston was getting on Matusaka. For every great Japanese player in the last ten years, there have been three of four who never realy panned out. WIth Zito, you can bank on fifteen wins a year.

Answer 3

They had to invest the money into Bonds, (Barry not financial) Think of all the ticket sales and press and merchandise theyre gonna sell when hes approaching the homerun record. The laid back liberal fans of San Fran will gladly spend money to see Bonds break the record that he doesnt deserve. He could never play anywhere else because the fans would tear him up. Bonds was able to demand a huge amount of money but Giants know that his name will make money back for the team. Red Sox paying Matsuzaka 51 million just to talk sounds insane. Imagaine how much money theyre gonna make back with Japanese business and media.

Answer 4

They had no chance to land Dice-K. The ground work was done by the Red Sox, and if he pitched at all he was going to be in Boston.

I am glad too because the Giants are losers as long as they stick with, protect, and cater to Barry "Steroid" Bonds. He is like an infection that rots the team because he is NOT a team player, but is obviously, a Bonds fan club unto himself.

Chow!!

Answer 5

They picked up Zito and they lost the bid to the red sox at 50 something million dollars. Also they dont have that much money like the Mets,Yankees,Red Sox,Braves,and ect.....
They just didnt want to waste all that money for only one pitcher.

Answer 6

2 reasons: The rights to talk to him and Zito has been the best pitcher in baseball since '01.

Answer 7

for sure.. does in no way bypass over a Giants sport. i did not watch the completed element although sans the first quarter b/c the starter performed. I watched in and out yet I did see the finest outstanding Giants turnover/TD that gained them the game.

Answer 8

Maybe it's because the Red Sox outbidded us the Giants and Angels and won the right to speak to him.

Answer 9

they paid 51 just for rights to talk to him, then something like another 52 mil for the contract. besides i think the giants are a little weary of asian players ever since shinjo was a bust.

Answer 10

Well they had to sign Bonds you know. Why keep a man so he can break an individual record. Should be looking out for the team more. Poor management is the reason they didn't go after him.