Article: Sticker shock: Giants to pay Barry Zito.

Byline: Daniel Brown

Dec. 29--With Barry Bonds poised for his final season in San Francisco, the Giants splurged on a heck of a going-away present.

They lured starting pitcher Barry Zito from across the bay, landing the A's left-hander with a seven-year, $126 million free-agent contract that is the most lucrative deal in Giants history.

It is also the richest deal ever given to a pitcher -- by any team -- but the Giants decided to bust their budget after concluding that Zito is their choice to inherit the role as the face of the franchise when Bonds retires.

Owner Peter Magowan declined to comment until today, when the move will be ...

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