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Monday, June 24, 2002

By Rob Rossi, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

He doesn't look like a big-shot superstar, not with his lanky stature and blond highlights.

	Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito prepares to throw against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a game this month. The Athletics won, 10-4. (Ben Margot, Associated Press)

He doesn't act like one, though reviews of his performance in an off-season production of "The Nutcracker" were favorable. And, he certainly doesn't play guitar like one, ... well, not loud enough to pass for Guns n'Roses circa when they rocked. But make no mistake, Barry Zito is a big-shot superstar. He has won 23 of 27 starts dating to July 1, 2001, including nine of his past 10 this season; and with his curveball, he has experts labeling him a modern-day Sandy Koufax. But forget that old-timer; Zito, 24, is now, and his Oakland A's are young California fun on their way to another meaningful September (wouldn't it be niiicccccee?). And, to help Zito prepare for more pennant race pressure, we've made him go "Out Of Bounds" with the Angry Young Man.

AYM: I have got to ask about "The Nutcracker"?

BZ: It was a charity event that we did, me and a bunch of other Bay Area celebrities -- Shawn Estes, Terrell Owens. And, we were in just one scene. We were the soldiers; we didn't do any pirouettes or anything like that. We did, uh ... our thing. And, all the proceeds went to charity, so it was a good thing.

AYM: Do you own any nutcrackers?

BZ: [Glaring] No!

AYM: Sorry, didn't know that was a touchy subject. Was that your first acting experience?

BZ: That was in 2000. Last year, I took some classes and I'm going to try and get some little acting things going in the off-season because I live in L.A.

AYM: Can you cry on command?

BZ: I don't know. But ... I can act emotional.

AYM: So, you want to be a serious actor?

BZ: Yeah, no sitcoms. Funny stuff is stupid.

AYM: Then, you should love some of these questions.

BZ: Not stupid, but I don't want to act in a sitcom. I'd like to do something that will take me completely out of who I really am.

AYM: Who's your Scooby Snack: Velma or Daphne?

BZ: Buffy plays one of them, right?

AYM: Yeah, Sara Michelle Gellar plays Daphne.

BZ: Then, the other one because I'm not a Buffy fan at all.

AYM: OK, but in their cartoon form?

BZ: Who is the tall skinny one?

AYM: Daphne ... in the cartoon.

BZ: And she's not Buffy?

AYM: Not in the cartoon, no.

BZ: Then ... Daphne, for sure.

AYM: Something people might be surprised to find in your suitcase?

BZ: K-Y Jelly.

AYM: Mark McGwire or Jose Canseco?

BZ: Neither, I was a Tony Gwynn fan because I grew up in San Diego.

AYM: Which came first: the chicken or the egg?

BZ: I would say the chicken evolved out of something else, some other type of bird.

AYM: Best opening riff in rock?

BZ: Slash on Sweet Child O'Mine is right up there.

AYM: [Singing] She's got eyes of the bluest sky, and if they thought of rain. ... Worst pick-up line you have used or have heard used on a Miss Pretty?

BZ: I don't use lines, they're stupid. As far as ones I've heard ... I've never heard one used, honestly. That's cheesy crap, man.

AYM: Wow, the Miss Pretties must be different out there?

BZ: Oh, really? Well, girls out there, if you use a line, they just laugh and say, "Get out of here."

AYM: Well, here too -- for me at least.

BZ: Yeah, I figured.

AYM: Weirdest question you have been asked by the legitimate media?

BZ: "What's your favorite position?"

AYM: And the answer?

BZ: Uh, whatever she likes.

AYM: Sounds like a pick-up line right there. Think it would work?

BZ: Well, I'll try it and let you know.

AYM: Might I recommend the Miss Pretties at Atria's, especially Nichole.

AYM: How do you eat a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup?

BZ: I stay away from all sugar.

AYM: Sweet!

AYM: Best way to pitch the Pirate Parrot?

BZ: Throw that crap right down the middle.

AYM: He crowds the plate.

BZ: I'm not intimidated.

AYM: Who is going to the Super Bowl?

BZ: [Pauses] The Oakland Raiders and ... who does Michael Vick play for?

AYM: The Atlanta Falcons?

BZ: Yeah, them and Oakland.

AYM: You've gone mad. Steelers, hello!

BZ: We'll see, dude.

AYM: Toughest city in which to find good eats?

BZ: Minnesota is not a fun town. There's not much going on there. It's OK, but Minnesota and Baltimore aren't ...

AYM: A happening place like Pittsburgh?

BZ: I like Pittsburgh a lot. I like Hi-Tops. I love the park, it's one of the top three I've been to -- Seattle's and Yankee Stadium being the others.

Angry is headed back to one of Zito's top three this week. And before they literally go out, he'll try to get one of the Expos to go "Out Of Bounds." Well, maybe not. E-mail suggestions to names@post-gazette.com.