The San Francisco Giants and Barry Zito have a preliminary agreement on a $126 million, seven-year deal.  Zito, who was the 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner, heads up a rotation featuring Noah Lowry, Matt Morris and Matt Cain - who had a good rookie season. 

The agreement includes an $18 million option for 2014 and a $7 million buyout that could push the value up toe $137 million.  There is also a full no-trade clause.  Although the option is not guaranteed, it will be if Zito pitches 200 innings in 2013, 400 combined over 2012 and 2013 or 600 from 2011-13.

Although the deal is the largest for a pitcher, it ties for sixth largest overall.  According to the Giants general manager Brian Sabean, the team had money to spend for a top pitcher, and the other OTHER Barry agreed to derer money from his new contract to allow the team flexibility to improve the roster.

For the last seven seasons, Zito has been pitching with the Oakland A's.  For six straight seasons he has made 34 or more starts and thrown 210 or more innings.  He had a record of 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA last season, and has a career 102-63 record and a 3.55 ERA.