Tim Lincecum's season has certainly been an interesting one. The San Francisco Giants pitcher has gone from starter to reliever to starter to no-hit throwing stud. Giants' fans thanked the right hander on Monday with a standing ovation after he threw his first career no-hitter. Then he was promptly met with trade discussions. However, now the Giants appear contend on holding on to Lincecum for the time being. Maybe the no-hitter helped?
During an interview on KNBR, general manager Brian Sabean shot down all trade rumors surrounding Lincecum.
"I expect Timmy to be in a Giants uniform," Sabean said. "I find it hard to believe that he'd pitch elsewhere this year."
While Lincecum stresses he has never been approached by management about a trade, he has to have heard the rumors flying around. Playing on an expiring contract, the right-hander is a valuable addition to any roster looking for either a starter or reliever.
The Detroit Tigers have shown some interest in Lincecum. Leading the AL Central, they were aiming to put the pitcher in the bullpen for the remainder of the season. Prior to his no-hitter in San Diego, Lincecum had lowered his ERA to 4.26, looking much improved. He has also raised his strikeout percentage to over one per inning. A two-time National League Cy Young winner and World Series champ, Lincecum has the resume to make plenty of teams interested.
Whether or not Lincecum remains a Giant at the end of the year is still a good question, but for the moment the pitcher is happy right where he is.
"I've always had a great time here and I hope to see it go further," Lincecum said during a workout.
Without the All-Star break, Lincecum would have been scheduled to pitch on Thursday, something he said he would have been able to handle. Manager Bruce Bochy was just glad to see his arm still attached to his body.The pitcher threw 148 total pitches in his no-hit bid, leaving many to wonder just how his arm was feeling. Having gotten amble amount of time to rest it, Lincecum says he feeling fine and healthy.
