Before Yankees fans could even debate the validity of signing Barry Zito, the San Francisco Giants inked the 28-year-old lefty to a 7 year, $126 million contract on Thursday.

This off-season continues to amaze.

Yes, Zito has a career 102-63 record.  Yes, he has won a Cy Young Award (2002).  Yes, he takes the ball every fifth day and has never been on the DL.  But, does he deserve the largest contract ever given to a pitcher?

Negative.

Also, check out these numbers against AL East teams:

Zito's career ERA against the Yankees is 5.20.  And not surprising to any Yankee fan, his ERA this past season was 8.16.

His career ERA against the Red Sox is 4.78.  He's also 2-3 against the BoSox since 2004.  You can rip Randy Johnson all you want, but he went 7-1 against Boston during his stint in pinstripes.

His best ERA is against the Blue Jays at 3.52, but in 2006 it ballooned to 5.40.  Not a good sign.

So, with everyone calling for Johnson's head (and perhaps, deservedly so), with those numbers, Zito would have most likely taken his place as whipping boy.  Throw in that ridiculous contract and well -- I don't need to tell you what happens to guys who don't live up to expectations.

Keep yourself seated right there at the Dock of the Bay, Barry.  New York would have eaten you alive.

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