San Francisco Giants

Yet another frightful article about Tim Lincecum. OOOOHHHH Tim Lincecum is thinking about leaving. But he’s not. He’s already said he’d take a 8 year deal with the Giants. So no, he doesn’t WANT to leave. He’s just doing the wise thing and has said he wants a 1, 2, or 8 year contract. Doesn’t mean he gives two whits about where he plays, San Francisco or elsewhere. Just means he wants to be paid.

When he is an FA in 2103, the $20 million being paid to Barry Zito will be freed up. As will the $12 million thrown away on Aaron Rowand. The Giants will have more than enough cash to be players in the Tim Lincecum sweepstakes after 2013. No reason whatsoever to bid against yourself now by signing Tim to an overpriced long-term contract.

The Giants are playing it smart. Tim’s last two years, 2010 and 2011, were not as good as his 2008 and 2009. So sign Tim for two years, see how it goes, and then spend the money to keep him if that’s what his performance says you should do.

And if the Giants lose the Lincecum sweepstakes after 2013, they have Lincecum $20 million, Zito $20 million and Rowand $12 million to buy other talent. You can buy some pretty good pitching for $52 million. Don’t have to overpay one guy by bidding against yourself.