San Francisco Giants: Which Free Agents Should They Bring Back This Offseason?

Tim Lincecum

Sep 4, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) throws during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Lincecum has had a pretty up-and-down year this season. Many believed he would be traded before the non-waiver trade deadline this year, but the Giants chose to keep him on their roster.

There are undoubtedly those who thought Lincecum should’ve been traded if he wasn’t going to be consistent, and to a point, I’d have to agree.

After all, the bullpen for the Giants definitely needs improvement. Lincecum, however, has showed signs of improvement. For instance, he’s walking fewer batters than he has in the past. The no-hitter he threw against the Padres also showed what he is capable of.

The statistics also say something interesting. Lincecum has actually improved since last season. His WHIP is lower (1.47 in 2012 vs. 1.34 in 2013), his ERA is lower (5.18 in 2012 vs. 4.5 in 2013), his wild pitches are down (17 in 2012 vs. 8 in 2013), and he has given up 20 fewer runs in 2013 than in 2012. Oh, and he’s only pitched 16 fewer innings than in 2012 (186 vs. 170). This disproves any theory that the Giants can’t win a World Series if Lincecum pitches like he did this year; he’s pitching better than when they did win.

If the Giants want to make a change to their rotation, they should start with Barry Zito, who has a disappointing record of 4-11 while earning a $20 million salary.