Zito takes out ad thanking Giants fans

Barry Zito gave one more hat tip to Giants fans on Monday, taking out a full-page ad in the San Francisco Chronicle to thank fans for their support during his seven-year tenure with the Giants.

The ad features "Let's go Giants" three times before Zito writes:

"These words will live with me forever. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you, the dedicated fans of San Francisco and the fire in your hearts for Giants baseball. …

"It has been an experience that has shaped the lens that I will see life through for the rest of my time. I feel so very blessed to have been part of it all.

"Thank you San Francisco."

Zito inked a seven-year, $126 million deal with San Francisco before the 2007 season. The contract includes an $18 million club option for 2014, but the Giants are expected to buy it out for $7 million.

The 35-year-old mostly struggled in San Francisco -- going 63-80 with a 4.62 ERA in seven seasons -- but he was a part of two World Series-winning teams.

Zito was especially instrumental during the 2012 title run, going going 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in three postseason starts -- including tossing 7 2/3 shutout innings in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the Cardinals.