Zito Returns to Cy Young Form

Barry Zito will take the hill today against the Washington Nationals. The nationals have a fearsome lineup which includes third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman who is in the midst of a 30 game hit streak. As a team their wOBA is .351. That is good for fifth best in the majors, behind only the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Rangers, and Yankees.

For most of the past two seasons, this is a start you would expect Barry Zito to lose. But the former Cy Young award winner has shown signs of regaining his old form so far this season. He has increased his strikeout rate and decreased his walk rate, bringing his K/BB ratio to a healthy 2. His WHIP has dropped from last year's career high of 1.60 to a respectable 1.25.

What has led to this improvement? Zito's velocity has increased this season from an average of 84.9 MPG to 86.6 MPH. This improved velocity means that there is now a 12 MPH difference between his fastball and his change-up, a 2 MPH improvement over last seasons' split. It is possible that his increase in velocity has allowed Zito to keep hitters more off-balance this year.

Many people have also pointed to a change in Zito's attitude on the mound. They cite this newfound confidence as the reason for his improvement. If you watch Barry pitch, it is evident that he is way more into the game than in years past. I'm not really sure what caused this shift in demeanor or how much of a difference it really makes but, I won't argue with the results.

75 has been especially dominant of late, posting a 1.37 ERA in his last four starts. If the Giants are going to sweep the Nationals they will need a strong start from Zito. I refuse to believe that the Giants will be able to score more than 4 runs three games in a row.