Lincecum's struggles in 6-2 loss prompt rotation discussion

[yuiyoshida]

Washington --

Say this for Tim Lincecum: He's an honest man when breaking down his performance.

"It's pretty horse-. Yeah, just horse-."

And ...

"I kind of screwed us over. I mean, really screwed us over."

The Giants will be discussing Lincecum's status in the rotation. After the two-time Cy Young Award winner was pulled in the third inning of Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Nationals, manager Bruce Bochy wouldn't commit to Lincecum making his next start.

"This is something we need to talk about internally, what our best option is," Bochy said. "We'll look at it and see what the best thing is for Timmy and for us the next time around."

One alternative is Yusmeiro Petit, who replaced Lincecum and was perfect for 4 1/3 innings. Somewhat quietly, Petit has retired 38 straight batters - the equivalent of one perfect game plus 3 2/3 bonus perfectos.

http://www.sfgate.com/giants/shea/article/Lincecum-struggles-in-6-2-loss-rotation-change-5708338.php

[malthaussen]

1. Three years in a row.

Tim Lincecum has been pretty bad since 2012 inclusive. There is no reason to think he will ever regain his Cy Young form. His control has worsened and his strikeouts dropped consistently since 2009. (Granted that he still led the league in ks in 2010, it was a lower rate than 2009)

If he wasn't making 17 mil, there would be no excuse for him being in the rotation. He is not performing at all above replacement value. (OTOH, he is better than last year)

Having said that, I do get so tired of wishy-washy non-statements like Bochy's. Manager-speak is so irritating. I much prefer Tim's candor.

-- Mal

[Kingofalldems]

2. The guy who relieved Lincecum should be starting.

Send Tim to the pen.