Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: 1… More… Hit…; Two Old Horses
Sep 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Oakland Athletics teammates San Francisco Giants pitcher
Tim Hudson
and A’s pitcher
Barry Zito
were reunited for a press conference before they face each other in Saturday
Tim Hudson’s Last Dance
You gotta give these teams some credit. In terms of the standings, the game is meaningless. But for all of us as Braves’ fans who wanted – somehow – to bring Tim Hudson home to pitch his final frames, this ending is just a notch better.
The Giants face the Athletics tonight at the place where it all began for him: the Oakland Alameda County Colesium. The Giants arranged it for Huddy to start – probably one last time. Meanwhile, the A’s called up Barry Zito to be his mound opponent… for his last go as well.
It’s hardly likely to be a battle between warriors going toe-to-toe, pitch-for-pitch – throwing bullets and getting punchouts in return. In fact, fangraphs lampooned Zito recently based on his “fastball” velocity – averaging under 83 mph. Meanwhile, Hudson recently noted that he’d be fine continuing to pitch – so long as he could start once every 2 weeks or so.
But this is a lot more about nostalgia… okay, sorry – it’s entirely about that… than it is about pitching. Both broke into the majors with Oakland: Hudson in 1999, Zito in 2000. After the 2004 season, Huddy was traded to the Braves while Zito continued with the A’s through 2006 before moving on to the Giants.
Hudson continued to thrive in Atlanta while Zito stalled, though overall, Zito still has a lifetime 3.97 ERA and 165 wins. Hudson is at 3.48 and 222. While some want to see Hudson get some Hall of Fame consideration, it’s more probable that he’ll be considered a “very good” pitcher with a pedigree that is still quite a bit short.
Zito… won’t even enter that conversation. His Scott Boras-influenced contract proved to be something he couldn’t live up to in San Francisco, and that remains a part of his legacy.
Still, they have combined to throw over 5,600 innings in 911 games over the last 17 years and 82 fWAR. 15 times, they exceeded 200 innings (plus 3 more times over 190). Until last year’s 9-13 record, Hudson had never known a season with more L’s than W’s. Each won 20 games once, Zito getting the AL Cy Young Award in 2002 with a 23-5 record. Hudson was in the Top 5 for that award 3 times, finishing 2nd in 2000.
It will be good to see these former teammates throwing again. Truthfully, it’s a surprise that Zito is throwing at all. Last week, he threw his first major league inning since 2013 (with the Giants). That inning saw him walk 1, give up 2 hits (one a homer) and 2 runs.
Thus this throwback night may not last long. Wouldn’t be surprised if Oakland has the bullpen on standby in the first inning. But it’s still good to see it happen as we say our goodbyes to a pair of old horses.