Who can Oakland get for Zito

[BronXBombers51]

I don't see them getting much for him. As everyone said he's planning on testing the FA waters next year, so it makes giving away the farm for him a very bad idea.

As for him going to the Yankees, i'd rather him not. None of the other big 3 are doing well after leaving the A's, makes me a tad worried about him.

I wouldn't use Hudson or Mulder as a barometer for Zito. I think there's a reason why Beane held on to Zito for this long, and said goodbye to the other two a couple years before their contracts expired.

[Lofunzo]

the statement that no GM in their right mind would trade for him is quite the stupid statement. there are teams who acquire half season rentals all the time just for the playoff push

This is exactly what I was about to say until I read your post. It happens every year. Owners have proven more than willing to spend the money (and even give away top minor leagers) if they think it will increase their world series chances.

Adding one more top-notch SP to the Mets would be brutal to the other NL teams and could give any AL team big problems in the WS.

However, I do agree that the A's would be crazy to deal Zito as long as they are in the AL West race.

That is true but most of those deals don't involve someone that is getting ready for their first big payday.

[BritSox]

I don't see them getting much for him. As everyone said he's planning on testing the FA waters next year, so it makes giving away the farm for him a very bad idea.

As for him going to the Yankees, i'd rather him not. None of the other big 3 are doing well after leaving the A's, makes me a tad worried about him.

I wouldn't use Hudson or Mulder as a barometer for Zito. I think there's a reason why Beane held on to Zito for this long, and said goodbye to the other two a couple years before their contracts expired.

That being, Zito's value had gone badly downhill after 04, so he had more value in keeping him in oakland and seeing if he righted himself rather than selling low.

[Lofunzo]

I would also be really pissed if I was an A's fan, they were in the race, and they traded their horse.

[RynMan]

Zito will probably stay until the end of the season unless the A's crash and burn. If he stays, Beane will offer him a contract way under his value and make it look as though Zito rejected it and is the bad guy.

He'll end up with the Mets in 2007, I'd say.

[tinfoilxtouch]

In all honesty, with the A's new ownership and Zito's being a California boy, I could MAYBE see him resigning. I don't think it's going to happen right away... he's going to see what other teams will offer. But, if Oakland comes within maybe 15%, I can see it.

[brandnew]

Well, they should hold out for Milledge, or a prospect of his calibur. People often say "they risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season," but neglect the great draft picks they get for him when he leaves. Not worth trading someone for decent prospects when you can take your picking at someone with more upside in the draft if that player leaves. I didn't like the Beltran/Teahen trade because I think a first rounder would've been better for them.

[1337_Dude]

I don't see them getting much for him. As everyone said he's planning on testing the FA waters next year, so it makes giving away the farm for him a very bad idea.

As for him going to the Yankees, i'd rather him not. None of the other big 3 are doing well after leaving the A's, makes me a tad worried about him.

I wouldn't use Hudson or Mulder as a barometer for Zito. I think there's a reason why Beane held on to Zito for this long, and said goodbye to the other two a couple years before their contracts expired.

It's kind of hard not to really. I mean two very good pitchers leave Oakland and basically turn into major disappointments. As well he wasn't pitching very well two years ago and It isn't like he isn't trying to trade him, it just seems from everything i've been reading that BB's asking price is too high.

[Half Massed]

the A's love to keep their expiring contracts and get the draft picks that are compensation at the end of the year. unless they can pry milledge or some young pitching from the dodgers or whoever, i doubt they'll trade him.....

In the past this has definitely been the case, but judging by the last two offseasons for the A's, I'm not so sure anymore. Beane will certaintly entertain offers and it would make plenty of sense for a team to try and trade for Zito for the playoff push, especially if they're one of the teams who will likely pursue him in the market next year, (Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox). All of them are in the playoff hunt and could use the push Zito would bring.

Also by having Zito, they get a head start to try and negotiate a contract with him. They may save money by signing him during that window before other teams get a crack at him.

It would have to be a favorable offer of course, as the A's are very much in the playoff hunt, but if one of those teams offers a young replacement for Zito and some offense, who knows... Beane won't actively pursue a Zito trade, but if something comes his way, you never know.