For Zito and the Giants, It is All About the BB

I have three words that will be the key to the Giants' success in 2009 - base on balls. If Giants hitters can coax a few of these each game, they will put themselves in a position to score runs and win games. If Giants pitchers can avoid these, it is going to be very difficult to score runs off of these guys. I believe walks were the key to our 0-6 road trip, and subsequently the key to our 4-1 homestand.

But let's talk about Barry Zito. No article or re-cap of a Zito game fails to mention the ridiculous contract he is now in his third year of. Perhaps, Zito will never escape this, but it looks like the lefty has turned over a new leaf. Zito was electric yesterday afternoon. For a guy who typically struggles in April, struggles in the first, and struggles with walks, he put forth one of his best efforts ever as a Giant. For seven innings, Zito held the Padres scoreless, allowing just two hits. Most impressive, he allowed zero walks (but did hit one batter). He even struck out the side in the fourth, facing the heart of the Padres order.

Zito did knock his ERA down several notches, but couldn't improve on his 0-2 record, seeing as how the Giants were pretty much dominated by Chris Young, whose line was pretty much identical to zeros. Still, I felt something I have not felt in a very long time. Even though the game remained 0-0 through nine innings, there was an undeniable feeling that we would eventually win this game. The Giants have now made an entire trip through the rotation with each pitcher throwing a quality start. It has created that atmosphere where every game can be won behind strong pitching. More important, something special is also developing in the bullpen behind setup guys Bob Howry and Jeremy Affeldt and closer Brian Wilson. Those three combined for three scoreless innings, with Wilson pitching two for the win.

Strong pitching, both from starters and in relief will carry the Giants far. The key for Giants hitters is to create those opportunities to score runs. Some days, those opportunities may lead to a grand slam; others, it will simply lead to that one run needed to win.