Zito to O's???

[AcidRock23]

"Jul 8 The Baltimore Sun's Roch Kubatko and Joe Christensen report Oakland Athletics SP Barry Zito could be traded to the Orioles for either 2B Jerry Hairston Jr. or 2B Brian Roberts and a relief pitcher according to ESPN's Peter Gammons Tuesday, July 6."

http://bigleaguers.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6394/news

This seems to make a bit more sense than some of the other rumors but I have to wonder if the Os would really want Zito as he has been even less effective against the Bosox and Yankees than the rest of the league. Plus, given his 'groovy' reputation, I'm not sure that he would really even provide much veteran mojo on the bench. Still though, interesting move for the As, to make them more competitive.

[CubsFan7724]

I wouldn't put much faith in Peter Gammons trade rumors; most of them are laughed at by the front offices of the teams (see Nomar for Clement)

[TheAbreu]

Although Zito has struggled, he still should command more trade value than simple Brian Roberts or Jerry Hairston and a reliever.

[G-Man]

that would be great for the O's....they desperately want to move one of the 2 2b's (probably roberts at this point) and if they can land an ace in return that would be fantastic. ponson is such an unreliable disappointment and zito would give them a cornerstone for the rotation for the next 10 years.

please update on this if anything else comes up!

[G-Man]

another thought --

being that he now endorses Under Armour maybe he likes the stuff so much that he wants to come to b'more to be closer to the UA headquarters!

[G-Man]

found the official comments in the Sun:

Zito in orange?

The Orioles' clubhouse was stirring yesterday with rumors that the club may try to acquire former Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito from the Oakland Athletics.

ESPN's Peter Gammons reported Tuesday that the A's would listen to offers for Zito, especially from teams that could offer an offensive-minded second baseman and a top setup man.

With two qualified second basemen (Jerry Hairston and Brian Roberts) and a host of relievers with high trade value (B.J. Ryan, Jorge Julio and Jason Grimsley) the Orioles would appear to be a logical fit. But major league officials pretty much shot down the possibility of the Orioles acquiring Zito yesterday.

According to those sources, Oakland has expressed interest in Hairston and Roberts while it looks to replace injured second baseman Mark Ellis.

But with Oakland fighting for the American League West lead, the A's want to keep their starting rotation intact and acquire a second baseman for prospects.

An Orioles official said they aren't looking to trade Hairston or Roberts for prospects. They want major league talent in return. So far, Oakland hasn't mentioned Zito as a possibility

[stumpak]

I read in Sporting News a couple weeks back that the Os want to deal for an established starter before the deadline, so it could be valid.

[GSes]

stupid rumor

not going to happen, thats a horrible trade.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

Although Zito has struggled, he still should command more trade value than simple Brian Roberts or Jerry Hairston and a reliever.

stupid rumor

not going to happen, thats a horrible trade.

That was my intial reaction, Even if it was a fluke, the guy won a Cy Young, he's worth way more than that.

[mocabeenow]

O's need a pitcher. Zito's a pitcher. I like it. i haven't been excited about a lefty in Baltimore since Jimmy Key!

~Moc