Tim Lincecum is showing signs that he is ready to be the same pitcher of old. So far in the playoffs he has made relief appearances and dominated out of the bullpen. 

Lincecum struggled during the regular season, but so far in the postseason he has pitched 8.2 innings allowing just one run on three hits and a walk. Lincecum also has eight strikeouts in his three 2012 postseason appearances.

Last night, he came in to pitch the fifth and sixth innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in a losing effort. Lincecum fanned one and walked one, but he did not give up any hits in two innings pitched. 

Bruce Bochy needs a starter for Game 4 of the NLDS. Many wonder if Lincecum will get the call.

"We still have our options there," Bochy said. "[Lincecum] did a great job. We got within two, and he kept us there. He gave us a chance to come back. He's still available if we want in Game 4." 

Lincecum was the Giants' ace coming into the season, but a weak 2012 performance throughout the season made Matt Cain the ace and Lincecum just another starter. 

He went 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA. Lincecum also surrendered 23 home runs this season. 

If the Cardinals were to start Lincecum, it would be an advantage for the Giants since St. Louis' lineup is mostly right handed. Matt Holliday, Allen Craig, David Freese and now the emerging star, Pete Kozma, are all right handed hitters. 

In the meantime, the Giants will worry about tying up the series Monday night as the red birds have taken a 1-0 lead. 

Oh, and by the way, the Cardinals already have Adam Wainwright lined up for the Game 4 start. The Giants might want to win today and ensure that Lincecum is not needed out of the bullpen in Game 2.