by Clive Dahlton [Athletics beat writer]
Phoenix, AZ -- Fans have taken to the streets outside the Athletics spring training complex, lining up down East Van Buren Street, stretching for what seems like miles just to get a glimpse of Athletics ace lefty Barry Zito. Zito has established a bit of a fan following in Oakland, as a strike-throwing lefty with an eccentric personality.
Zito pulled up in a brand new Cadillac Escalade, donning aviator sunglasses. Zito signed autographs for about 10 minutes before heading into the complex to greet teammates old and new. The big story this spring will be the departure of team leader and slugging first basemen Jason Giambi, who signed with the New York Yankees during the offseason.
Newly aquired Eric Graham spoke to the media briefly before heading into the facility for a pre-workout meeting with the new team. "I'm absolutely thrilled about this season. We're playing in one of the toughest division's in baseball this year and it's going to be a dogfight from start to finish, but we're gonna be ready. I love the young core of pitcher's we have in camp and our lineup is probably just as balanced as any team out there." Graham expressed enthusiasm more than once over the pitching staff which includes Barry Zito, Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder. "I think when you can say your number four pitcher [Corey Lidle], is capable of putting up numbers that would make him a number two starter on a lot of other teams, that's saying something about our depth. If your going to make an extended run in the post-season you need pitching, and depth, and we have both."
The Athletics are due for a full-squad workout on the 25th, open to media and fans.
Graham is expected to follow formalities and be available for an introductory press conference/manager interview. The full press conference will be available online shortly.
The Athletics will open up their spring training schedule against the Milwaukee Brewers (68-94), last season.
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