The San Francisco Giants clinched the National League West title on Saturday night, which means it's time for manager Bruce Bochy to begin sorting out his plans for the playoffs. With pitching such a strength for the Giants, Bochy expects all five starters to make the postseason roster.
"The best way you can do this is the way you've been doing it," Bochy said. "You never stop trying to win games."
Barry Zito may be the most excited to hear that news. The veteran has performed well in September and likely played his way onto the roster. Zito was not with the team during the 2010 posteason and missed out on San Francisco's run to the World Series win. Whatever his role, Zito is just happy to have a chance at postseason success. He hasn't made a playoff appearance since the 2006 American League Championship Series with the Oakland Athletics.
"It's outstanding," Zito said when told of Bochy's playoff preview. "It's tough to process right now because I've got to be ready for (my final two starts), but it feels really good right now.
"It's been a great ride. I feel blessed to be able to still have a body healthy enough to contribute and to still be having fun playing baseball at the age of 34."
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