San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Hudson, World Series, Lincecum
Oct 22, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) reacts after suffering an apparent injury against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning during game two of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
@MaggiePilloton hmmmm I'd like to hear your thoughts on the fifth starter slot
— sean (@seanyouidiot) January 10, 2015
@MaggiePilloton okay, how about do you think it's Tim Lincecum's job to lose?
— sean (@seanyouidiot) January 10, 2015
Right now, the fifth starter spot in the rotation belongs to Tim Lincecum. Yusmeiro Petit is an extremely valuable long reliever, and even though he pitched well as a starter at times, he provides more value to the Giants as the long reliever.
Back to Lincecum. Despite a change in hair style and in preparation for his starts (more of a focus on scouting reports) in recent years, Lincecum has continued to struggle with consistency. He’s thrown two no-hitters in the last two seasons, but he finished the 2012 season with a 5.18 ERA, the 2013 season with a 4.37 ERA, and the 2014 season with a 4.74 ERA.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
Lincecum has accepted the fact that he’s not the same pitcher that won two Cy Young Awards in 2008 and 2009 and that was named an All-Star in 2008-2011. However, he has still struggled with finding a new identity as a pitcher, sticking to it, and excelling at it. It’s frustrating and sad to see as a Giants fan, and unfortunately, I don’t see him finding more consistency this upcoming season.
However, the Giants don’t currently have any other options for their fifth starter. They could start Petit, but they then lack a consistent and reliable long reliever, which is extremely valuable and which Petit has proven that he can be.
The Giants have attempted to acquire Jon Lester and James Shields in free agency this offseason, but neither one has panned out. As mentioned earlier, the Giants have also been linked to Haren this offseason, but nothing has happened yet and it’s unclear if anything will happen in the near future.
The Giants could possibly decide to bring back Ryan Vogelsong, but it’s not clear if he would be a much better option than Lincecum would be.
Lincecum is currently the Giants’ fifth starter, and it’ll be his job in 2015 to prove that he deserves that spot and that he consistently contribute.