Photo by Eno Sarris
A's manager Bob Melvin made it happen. He announced that Barry Zito will start against his former teammate and friend Tim Hudson this Saturday during the Bay Bridge Series, a moment that will be special for both pitchers, the fans and anyone who is a fan of Bay Area baseball.
The rumors of a possible matchup began almost a week ago when Zito was called up from Triple-A Nashville last Wednesday. Saturday could be the final performance for both Zito and Huson, whose careers began at the same place where it'll end. Back then they were known as the "Big Three" along with pitcher Mark Mulder.
"I look forward to seeing him and its going to be a cool moment especially for he and Huddy [Hudson] who were part of the Big Three," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy when he heard the news about Zito. "I'm glad he was called up. It'd be a nice moment, but not sure it can happen? I got a few texts about it. If it works out its great but it'll still be special to see those two."
In the final home stand of the season, Zito will pitch his last game as an A's player. The lefty was Oakland's first-round draft pick in 1999. He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2002 and headed across the bridge in 2007 to play seven season with San Francisco.
Zito took off a year in 2014 then joined the A's once again. Despite the injuries that thwarted a comeback during the season, Zito never gave up. The biggest reward one could ask for is to pitch in the final series against his former team. The Giants gave both pitchers great memories and World Series championships. Zito won his in 2012 while Hudson did it last year in 2014.
"Very excited and for good reason," Melvin said. "It will be a terrific day with Hudson pitching on the other side. What he's meant to this organization and to get him out here one more time in our ballpark against the Giants with our fanbase. It's going to be a very exciting day."
"It's going to be a really great experience regardless of what happens, being out there part of Huddy's last few weeks," Zito said. "I think the fans deserve something like that, some closure from those early years, all that fun we had."
Zito hasn't pitched since Sept 29, 2013 when his contract ended with the Giants. He threw an extended side session since his call up and threw an inning relief Sunday in Houston. Zito got back on the mound on Tuesday for another session and that looks to be enough for his start this Saturday.
"We'll have him out there as long as we think he can handle it," said Melvin. "Today, I think close to 50 pitches."
"I don't know, man. I'm preparing for more," Zito said. "But obviously the game will dictate what happens. I'm just doing everything I can to prepare my body to go out there and give it a good showing."