2012 has not been a fun year for Tim Lincecum. Entering Saturday, he’s posted a 3-10 record and his ERA has ballooned to 6.42. Totally uncharacteristic stats from the two-time Cy Young winner. Those are even worse numbers than the ones being put up by the Giants’ perennial barometer for mediocre-at-best pitching, Barry Zito.
Lincecum’s struggles go back to last season, when he put up less-than-stellar numbers. But Giants skipper Bruce Bochy could finally be saying enough’s enough, meaning the one-time Giants ace could be pitching to keep his spot in the starting rotation. Here’s Giants beat reporter Alex Pavlovic:
Bochy was asked if it’s possible the Giants could skip Tim Lincecum’s second start of the second half if his first one goes poorly. For the first time, Bochy didn’t exactly shoot down the suggestion.
“I don’t want to put added pressure on him,” Bochy said. “But you have to do what’s right.” […]
By all indications Thursday, Lincecum needs a decent start on Saturday to keep his spot in the rotation.
Luckily for Big Time Timmy Jim, he’s facing the Astros, who statistically have one of worst lineups this season. And if Lincecum gets rocked again? The Giants could seriously consider demoting him to either the bullpen or Triple A. For a two-time Cy Young winner who’s barely 28! Either way, he’d probably be replaced in the rotation by … Brad Penny. Oof. Talk about adding insult to injury for Timmy.
Superstitious types would suggest Lincecum cut that trademark long dirty mop of hair. But that already blew up in his face this season. Perhaps next he should attempt to grow a mustache, because if nothing else, it would look hilarious on him.
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
