It was recently reported that free agent starting pitcher Tim Lincecum would pitch in a showcase for Major League teams at some point within the month of February. The two-time Cy Young winner has struggled throughout his last few seasons with the San Francisco Giants. Many teams seem to be interested in the veteran right-hander, however, Pittsburgh could be a convenient landing spot for Lincecum.
In 2006, the Giants took Lincecum with the No. 10 overall pick out of the University of Washington. Less than a year after being drafted, Lincecum made his debut, instantly becoming a fan favorite in the Bay area. Known for his trademark long hair and nicknamed “The Freak”, the young right-hander dominated opposing hitters, leading the National League in strikeouts from 2008-2010. Within that time period, Lincecum also won two Cy Young awards, was voted to three consecutive All-Star games, and won a World Series Championship in 2010.
Since 2010, Lincecum has been a part of two World Series Championship teams (2012 and 2014), but he has endured individual struggles on the mound. Since 2012, the 31-year old has failed to pitch at least 200 innings and post an ERA under 4.00 in a season, two feats in which he had accomplished each year from 2008-2011.
Though he posted a 7-4 record in 2015, Lincecum struggled with a 4.13 ERA in 15 starts, but had his season shortened due to various injury issues. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm contusion in early July and his season officially ended when he was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to a hip injury that required season ending surgery.
That surgery has caused Lincecum to overcome many odds to get back to the top. The combination of his recovery and his lackluster statistics throughout the past four years may scare some teams a bit. However, teams remain interested and are willing to see what he can do at his showcase.
The Pirates in particular seem like a good fit for Lincecum. Now, I know the organization has an abundance of reclamation projects within the major league rotation and bullpen, but it could be a good landing spot for Lincecum to regain his form. Despite his struggles, it’s hard to pass up on a guy who has won various awards and is a proven winner. Not to mention he is one of only two players in major league history to win multiple Cy Young awards, win multiple World Series championships, throw multiple no hitters and be elected into multiple All-Star games. The other guy happens to be Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax.
The fact of the matter is that regardless of the Pirates having other pitchers that may be considered reclamation projects, Lincecum could find success under the tutelage of Pirates’ pitching coach Ray Searage. If he could find that form that made him such a dominant force in baseball from 2008-2011, the Pirates, if they would be willing to sign him, could find themselves with a legitimate number three starter.
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