Bay Area Buzz 4/5: Good Morning
By Eric He
Happy Friday, Bay Area sports fanatics. Here is the latest buzz this morning:
Oct 24, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito (75) tips his hat to the fans as he comes out of the game in the sixth inning of game one of the 2012 World Series at AT
Barry Zito Gears Up for Another Strong Year
"With San Francisco facing elimination down 3-1 in the best-of-seven NLCS, Zito beat the Cardinals in St. Louis to send the series back to the Bay Area. The Giants won two more to reach the World Series, then Zito beat Justin Verlander and the well-rested Detroit Tigers in Game 1 to help lead a stunning 4-0 sweep.And, to think only two years earlier, the high-priced lefty was left off the postseason roster for all three rounds as San Francisco won it all. Now, Zito begins the seventh year of his $126 million, seven-year contract with something to prove again.– Janie McCauley, Modesto Bee"
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Oakland Raiders Select Shariff Floyd
"There is no big need for an offensive tackle, there is no sure-fire quarterback or wide receiver, and taking a linebacker, tight end, or corner this early would be a reach. Floyd is quick off the line and powerful. He is strong enough to take on multiple blockers and quick enough to get to the passer. He will be able to generate a pass rush and provide a threat against opposing quarterbacks. With two top defensive players gone, the Raiders must take Floyd to avoid missing the best defensive lineman left.– Behind the Steel Curtain"
San Francisco 49ers Played Nnamdi Asomugha Contract Perfectly
"The 49ers played this one to perfection. There is absolutely no risk for them in this signing, and if Asomugha does perform up to his previous 2008-2010 level, they will have gotten themselves a top flight corner at a bargain price–well, for at least one season. If he flops, the Niners aren’t out one bit of money, and can send him on his way without damaging the bottom line at all.– Michael Collins, Rant Sports"
Mitty’s Aaron Gordon Named Chronicle’s Top Prep Player
"He shot 60 percent from the floor for a team that had four new starters but went 28-5 and won the NorCal Open Division title, before losing in the state final to two-time defending Division I champion Mater Dei-Santa Ana (Orange County).Those numbers boosted his four-year career marks to 18.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, and he has forged a legacy that compares with Bay Area and Northern California greats like Jason Kidd, Bill Cartwright, Paul Silas and Gary Payton (to name a few).– Mitch Stephens, San Francisco Chronicle"