Barry Zito

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #2 prospect in 2000
  Even the Athletics were stunned by Zito’s rapid rise. He started his college career at UC Santa Barbara and transferred to Los Angeles Pierce Junior College for 1998 so he could be eligible for the draft. The Rangers picked him in the third round, but Zito didn’t sign and went to Southern California instead, where he had three 16-strikeout starts. Zito is a student of pitching, which helped him rise quickly through the system last year. He displayed his polish with a win in the Triple-A World Series. Zito throws a devastating curveball. His fastball, 89-91 mph with movement, is enough to complement his curve. Much work remains to develop a satisfactory changeup. Zito still slows his body too much and telegraphs the pitch. Zito will start the season at Triple-A Sacramento. The A’s believe he is close to the majors and could develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pacific Coast League #2 prospect in 2000
  Zito went ninth overall in the 1999 draft in part because he was expected to reach the major leagues quickly. He exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, finishing his first pro season in the Triple-A World Series and making it to Oakland in July. After giving up a total of one run in his last five Pacific Coast League starts, he was one of the American League’s top pitchers down the stretch. Zito pitches at 89 mph and doesn’t have nearly the fastball that PCL No. 1 prospect Ryan Anderson has. But that’s still good velocity for a lefthander, and Zito has everything else he needs to succeed. Though he has very good command of his pitches, he needs to cut down on his walks somewhat, but his refusal to give in makes him very difficult to hit.
• 
  Ranked California League #4 prospect in 1999
  Fresh from a dominant college season, Zito was one of the few phenoms quickly ushered in and out of the California League. Zito spent less than two months with Visalia after signing with Oakland in June, and eventually helped Vancouver win the Triple-A World Series. Zito continued his confident ways by piling up strikeouts and missing bats--opponents hit .156 against him--relying on his big-moving curveball and good command. "If you fell behind in the count against him, it was over," San Jose manager Lenn Sakata said. "Attitude and makeup, that's why he'll make it," Visalia manager Juan Navarette said. "He's a fierce competitor, loves to challenge hitters and is one of the smartest, most dedicated players I've ever come across. When I see that kind of desire with those kind of tools, all I can think is can't-miss."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #41 prospect in 2000

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Even the Athletics were stunned by Zito’s rapid rise. He started his college career at UC Santa Barbara and transferred to Los Angeles Pierce Junior College for 1998 so he could be eligible for the draft. The Rangers picked him in the third round, but Zito didn’t sign and went to Southern California instead, where he had three 16-strikeout starts. Zito is a student of pitching, which helped him rise quickly through the system last year. He displayed his polish with a win in the Triple-A World Series. Zito throws a devastating curveball. His fastball, 89-91 mph with movement, is enough to complement his curve. Much work remains to develop a satisfactory changeup. Zito still slows his body too much and telegraphs the pitch. Zito will start the season at Triple-A Sacramento. The A’s believe he is close to the majors and could develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter.
• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Zito went ninth overall in the 1999 draft in part because he was expected to reach the major leagues quickly. He exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, finishing his first pro season in the Triple-A World Series and making it to Oakland in July. After giving up a total of one run in his last five Pacific Coast League starts, he was one of the American League’s top pitchers down the stretch. Zito pitches at 89 mph and doesn’t have nearly the fastball that PCL No. 1 prospect Ryan Anderson has. But that’s still good velocity for a lefthander, and Zito has everything else he needs to succeed. Though he has very good command of his pitches, he needs to cut down on his walks somewhat, but his refusal to give in makes him very difficult to hit.
• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Fresh from a dominant college season, Zito was one of the few phenoms quickly ushered in and out of the California League. Zito spent less than two months with Visalia after signing with Oakland in June, and eventually helped Vancouver win the Triple-A World Series. Zito continued his confident ways by piling up strikeouts and missing bats--opponents hit .156 against him--relying on his big-moving curveball and good command. "If you fell behind in the count against him, it was over," San Jose manager Lenn Sakata said. "Attitude and makeup, that's why he'll make it," Visalia manager Juan Navarette said. "He's a fierce competitor, loves to challenge hitters and is one of the smartest, most dedicated players I've ever come across. When I see that kind of desire with those kind of tools, all I can think is can't-miss."