This was the idea that came up a few wees ago. What if the A’s called up Barry Zito and have him face former teammate Tim Hudson when the Giants and A’s meet later this month?

Well, at least they are one step closer. I have always agreed with the A’s initial assessment of the Zito situation in which they won’t bring him up and start him over a younger player that could benefit from the experience. But with the A’s out of the race and the opportunity to do one kind of celebration for both of the team’s best pitchers, maybe this is OK.

In a sense, it’s the A’s sacrificing one young player’s start for this potential occasion. Is it fair? Probably not. But at this point, it isn’t wrong.

But at least for now, we get to see Zito pitch in the green and gold at least one more time hopefully. With the expanded 40-man roster, the team can afford something like this. And the opportunity is too perfect not to go for it.

Wake up, Barry. You’re back in the show!