This is perplexing. ______________ "A source close to the team indicated Tuesday that there is "exasperation" with Zito, that his status as the No. 5 starter is "definitely not safe," and that the team would even consider buying out his expensive contract before Opening Day if that's what it takes to say farewell.... [H]is contract: $18.5 million owed this season, $39 million more through 2013 and a $7 million buyout for 2014."