The post below was originally posted March 3, 2011. I didn’t realize that I was a year off—that Zito’s year was going to be 2012. I am really pleased for Zito. He didn’t let what happened in 2010 take control. Instead, in 2012, he learned how to really pitch. It was interesting last night on MLB that it was said that Zito was the “epitome of pitching”. No surprise to me. He learned how to craft what he has to out guess the hitter. He learned how to make pitching a game—like a chess match. It was impressive. And how humble is he? What a game. What a Pitcher he is…whether you non-believers like it or not. Barry Zito just pitched the World Series Opener and out pitched Justin Verlander. Because as the game went on…he became Just-in the dugout. Nice job, Zito, nice job!
Photo by Leah King
The Recipe
A very non-traditional recipe composed of some very difficult to find ingredients that not all can afford to prepare at a cost of 126 million dollars. One of the highest in history for any pitcher. Yet, if these ingredients are prepared correctly the SF Giants could have enough Baked Zito to feed a frenzy of forty thousand starving fans. These fans crave great pitching. Alas, the Zito can be a recipe for disaster if people rush to fry this dish too soon.
Ingredients
1 head of good hair
1 nasty curveball
1 dash of charm
1 pair of knee socks
1 Cy Young Award
3 All-star appearances
1 fastball
1 changeup
1 Two-seam fastball (cutter or cut fastball)
1 slider
Measurements
One of the greatest second half pitchers with a 110-6 with 4 runs of support
Fastball between 85-89 mph
Curveball goes from 12 to 6
Lefty
11 Years on the mound
Start of 2010 6-1 2.15 ERA
End of 2010 1-8 6.80 ERA
2010 4.15 ERA
Prep Time
Some people do not want to give much time to prep the Baked Zito. Others find that
the results of Spring (Seasoning) Training could be enough time to marinate and cultivate
the savory aspects of the Zito. And it could be worth the wait. Instead of filing this
recipe away with Grandma’s classics…it should be considered seriously as one of the other four food groups in the Pitching Pyramid. You know, the Lincecum and Get It, Sugar Cain, Hot Salsa Sanchez, and Blazing Bumgarner Sliders.
Cooking Instructions
To heat up this dish for the 2011 season, much care and patience needs
be given. These ingredients can generate a fantastic fifth starter to any
consumption at The Yard. Some people leave out the prep time during the 2010
season when he was the only pitcher serving it up.
Comment –
I tried this recipe and I was ready to toss it but decided that all good things are worth the wait. Give the Baked Zito a chance to soak overnight to remove the bitter aftertaste of the 2010 season.
I’ll wait to do my taste testing until the 2011 season begins. Let there be a Baked Zito cook-off. Until then, let’s wait and judge the Zito before we decided to make toast instead.
Caught Looking 