Ten Reasons Why I'm Not Worried About Lincecum
by Grant on Apr 13, 2009 10:32 AM PDT
87 comments
Numbered list style:
- His strikeout rate is still high. Eight innings, ten strikeouts. I’d be worried if teams were knocking the ball around the park and not swinging through pitches. Last year, Linecum struck out 29% of the batters he faced; this year he’s struck out 22%. It’s a drop, but the sample size is waaaaay too small to worry.
- The fastball velocity is there, even if the location was quite wonky the first start.
- Even though hitters are swinging at a ton of pitches out of the strike zone, they’re making better contact against Lincecum. Maybe that’s a red flag to you, but it’s six pints of fluke to me.
- The fielding behind him has been atrocious. There’s no guarantee that the fielding will get better, mind you, but it seems like every miscue this season has led to runs. There will be at least some margin for error.
- In a sample size of eight-plus innings, freaky things can happen. Jeff Suppan knocking in runs freaky.
- Though people are saying, "We haven’t seen the Lincecum of last year yet," that’s not quite accurate. The Lincecum who started the late-March exhibition game against the A’s was ridiculously dominant.
- Young pitchers are a static, predictable group without a propensity for wildly fluctuating performances. "If a young pitcher is good one year, he’s always good the next." – Bill Jaymes, the well-known Dutch baseball analyst and author of The Bill Jaymes Baseball Abstrakt.
- It seems silly, but I really do take comfort in the way C.C. Sabathia started 2008. You can pull hundreds of examples of slow April starts, but that one is the most memorable right now.
- The two starts at the beginning of the season don’t necessarily mean more than the back-to-back poor outings he had in June of last year. (Though it’s admittedly a stretch to call a 7 IP, 4 ER outing "poor," he allowed two homers and didn’t strike out a lot of hitters in that Tigers game.)
- This is probably the double that Lincecum uses to take his place when he’s fighting crime somewhere. Though not computer-generated, the double should still put a towel on.
More reasons are welcome if you have them, but I’m not ready to freak out over two starts. Nine innings of centerfield defense for Eugenio Velez? Oh, yeah. That’s absolutely conclusive. Run with that. But don’t worry about Lincecum yet.
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I'm not freaking out either
The only thing that does concern me a little is his lack of command. I could be wrong, but it seems that he is falling behind hitters and having to throw a 2-0 fastball a lot more this year.
His stuff is still filthy, he’s just working himself into hitter’s counts.
Baseball is a lot like life. The line drives are caught, the squibbles go for base hits. It's an unfair game. -Rod Kanehl. Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis
by j14 on Apr 13, 2009 10:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
let us not forget
last year’s timmy HR/FB was 5.6%, league average is normally around 12%.
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
by zenbitz on Apr 13, 2009 10:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you saying that Lincecum should regress to the league average, or that he should stop giving up dingerz?
by Grant on Apr 13, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he should stop, but I might be alone in that.
El Presidente Larry Baer's epitaph
"Nothing important ever happened without me."
by ResDog on Apr 13, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t that endemic to Giants pitchers, though?
Every analyst has been saying that Mat Cain’s HR/FB rate is due for a massive regression ever since he came up.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on Apr 13, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For his pitcher-type, Cain is in a really good park. I think the AT&T had a PF for HR’s last year at something 0.86, that’s 14% below league average for HR’s.
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because it is THE ballpark.
Adopted groomer for Mark Gardner's Mullet / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Apr 13, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/was waiting for “the phone booth” or is that out now ?
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the lesson is: don’t use xFIP on a Giant pitcher until he actually leaves the Giants.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on Apr 13, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To a degree, yes! xFIP will hate guys like Cain but xFIP won’t take park into account. Look at Chris Young, a huge flyball pitcher but he pitches half his games in Petco — the place where flyballs die. I think his xFIP is usually around 5 runs.
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How hard would it be to make an xFIP stat that is park dependent? It would just be a matter of multiplying the .11 by whatever the HR factor in the park is, right?
by MonkeyChow on Apr 13, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or you could just use FIP since it doesn’t normalize the HR rate. Though, I think I’ve read that correlation for year-to-year rates on HR’s allowed on FB’s is pretty low.
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Female Iron Pipe?
that’s sexist. And screwy.
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Apr 14, 2009 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lulz photo caption
I’m not worried about Tim. He just needs to find his control and get some decent defense behind him.
When you can’t rely on your defense, you go into full strikeout mode as Kruk said this morning.
Adopted groomer for Mark Gardner's Mullet / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Apr 13, 2009 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
10. This is probably the double that Lincecum uses to take his place when he’s fighting crime somewhere. Though not computer-generated, the double should still put a towel on.
haaaa. ;)
rawr disappointed in the sweep.. but it’s okay. let’s take it out on the dodgers ;)
If my head is full of white hairs by the end of this season.. I blame Brian Wilson. (I'm only 22, dammit!)
by GiNgiNxbOi on Apr 13, 2009 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
let’s take it out on the dodgers ;)
Uhh , any time now , guys…
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Apr 14, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tim Lincecum doesn’t have swing-through stuff.
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Timmy will find Lassie and return home.
In other words, he will regain the control that seems to be shakey and hopefully our leaking bucket defense will improve. Bochy has to stop playing Velez…. has to….Go G’s
"It hurts sooooooo... good!"
by Baybear on Apr 13, 2009 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
imo he has to stop playing uribe :(
If my head is full of white hairs by the end of this season.. I blame Brian Wilson. (I'm only 22, dammit!)
by GiNgiNxbOi on Apr 13, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
uribe and velez gotta go
Adopted groomer for Mark Gardner's Mullet / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Apr 13, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/DFA’s uribe and velez
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We still have Torres and Aurillia. :(
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
/DFA’s torres, keeps aurilla because we need someone to promptly hit into double plays
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought we had Benji Benjie Bengie for that.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GUYS I THINK ITS TIME TO PANIC
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 10:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It might be time to realize that Tim may not be the geatest pitcher ever that we all thought he would be. Trade him now while he still has value.
by chilibean_3 on Apr 13, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade him for a Justin Morneau-type hitter.
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Package Velez using all the trade value Bochey’s built for him!
by MonkeyChow on Apr 13, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
VELEZ FOR FIELDER
LINCECUM FOR DAVID ECKSTEIN
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Might have to throw in a top prospect for the second one, though.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GRITTY GAMER
http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/030698.php
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definition of a Gamer:
A marginally skilled player. Makes up for lack of skill by playing with additional intensity, i.e. running into walls, playing while hurt (often to the determent of the team) diving to make plays (unsuccessfully) , sliding head first, bunting frequently to move over runners, fouling off fourteen pitches each at bat (while never getting a hit), uses “fake bunt” frequently. Generally a Caucasian player.
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t mind having a guy who would foul off 14 pitches an at bat, really. I hate 9-pitch innings.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vizquel is fiery and passionate.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Apr 13, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and don’t forget…an artist
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LINCECUM FOR JONATHAN GOLDSTEIN
Y’know , the host of Wiretap , on NPR.
Tim was funny ‘n’ all with the Ks , but whathaveyoudoneformeLATELY?
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Apr 14, 2009 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget...
A gamer would wear a foam finger…if he wasn’t wearing a glove.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on Apr 13, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's with the hatred of hard workers?
by AmorVincitOmnia on Apr 13, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We come home to this mess?
NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?
by victor frankenstein on Apr 14, 2009 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Bochey isn't worried.
He’s sure Lincecum’s terrible season will be counteracted by Fred Lewis being the first .400 hitter in years.
by MonkeyChow on Apr 13, 2009 10:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not worried about him whatsoever.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Apr 13, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
by bondslegend on Apr 13, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not worried about Timmy’s stuff, I am worried that he will have trouble settling down after these two outings.
I think that Bochy should have put a good team defensively behind Timmy yesterday to help him bounce back from his poor outing. Some outfield errors erased and ground balls through the middle fielded and Timmy may still have lost, but not by as much, it would have helped him. When he left the game he was very upset, and you could see it in his last pitches of the game.
Timmy will be fine. He will regain his control and most likely take out yesterdays game on the Padres many times down the stretch of this season, but I want that time to be soon, and with the shitty support he received yesterday may have put that off further.
Plus the Padres cannot keep this crap up. Its a forgone conclusion that Peavy is outta there as soon as someone (The Cubs) has a pitcher go down and they fork over all the prospects for him.
by scout6 on Apr 13, 2009 11:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
By the way, on a sort of related note, I love how the major media outlets make huge deals over the first week of the season. Yesterday I was watching ESPN after the M’s-A’s game concluded and one of the anchors said “And look at the Mariners record at 5-2! Who would have thought?” If the Mariners had gone 5-2 during a stretch of games during June, no one would notice (aside from M’s fans), nor would it even be mentioned on any of the networks.
by deuce deuce on Apr 13, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Also note:
Today’s game preview article on the Giants site is already talking like it’s midseason:
Obviously, performing respectably against Los Angeles will be essential to the Giants’ hopes of remaining competitive in the National League West as the July 31 Trade Deadline approaches.
C’mon, folks, we’re one week into the season. The time for panic is not yet!
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on Apr 13, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed.
HOWEVER.
The time for winning some damn games is indeed now!!
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
by zenbitz on Apr 13, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Precisely.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Wronghanded Affeldt doing it right
by Giant among Angels on Apr 13, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The comment is a captain obvious moment, I think we all know if we want to be competitive it’s a given the Giants have to win games against those in NL West division.
I’m not in panic mode, certainly not about Lincecum.
Krazy Krab despised in the 20th century and loved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
by timmeh on Apr 13, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To quote Woody from Toy Story
THIS IS A PERFECT TIME TO PANIC!
Baseball is a lot like life. The line drives are caught, the squibbles go for base hits. It's an unfair game. -Rod Kanehl. Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis
by j14 on Apr 13, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have Navy snipers who can take out 3 pirates hundreds of feet behind the ship...
… we have a commercial airline pilot who can land a plane on the Hudson River with no fatalities…
… we can conjure $1.5 trillion dollars that didn’t previously exist and commit to spend it in the next 12 months…
… but we can’t find an alternative to Eugenio Velez in centerfield?
Forsan et heac olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Apr 13, 2009 11:27 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I’m thinking the snipers might be part of the solution here, too.
by Grant on Apr 13, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that I think of it, didn’t the Padres have to resort to this with Vinny Castilla?
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on Apr 13, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking paying $1.5 trillion for a late-inning defensive replacement in center field might be part of the solution.
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Apr 13, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa there, cowboy
Is this Grant’s double?
"The BB's are out. The BB's are being arseholes to me." - Brian Wilson.
by hairball on Apr 13, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He should put a towel on.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
by Natto on Apr 14, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I’m sure the Navy snipers could take Velez out, if it came to that. But it seems a little excessive.
Meet my new son: Sundrendy Windster, coming soon to a minor league near you.
by EliminateMe on Apr 13, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It does? Check back in a month.
Forsan et heac olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.
by Mayor of 311 on Apr 13, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Padres were wearing camo yesterday. Maybe Velez thought his life was actually in danger.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on Apr 13, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And that, my friends, is how you get elected Mayor of 311. I’d certainly vote for you.
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on Apr 13, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT
Listening to KNBR and Ted Robinson is on — he’s terrible. I like him as far as sportscasting, but he’s all A PITCHERS JOB IS TO WIN THE GAME, WINZ!!!!
Argh!
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 11:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Also, Matt Cain doesn’t win enough games and it has nothing to do with run support because Lincecum pitched for the same team!*
*Someone should tell Ted that Lincecum did get more support, like 1.5 runs more per start I believe.
by xanthan on Apr 13, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted Robinson wasn’t as bad as Dennis Higgins or Joe Angel, but I’ve never missed him once.
Never has a poster been more correct in the history of the internet. Ever! - ResDog on yours truly
Adopted Giant: Fred "Ruthless Aggression" Lewis
by jcb9 on Apr 13, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"One percent of ballplayers are leaders of men. The other ninety-nine percent are followers of women."-John McGraw, NY Giants Baseball Club
My adopted son Matt Downs . Ranked as the 24th best prospect in the Giants farm system by Baseball America !!
by nvsfg on Apr 13, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least Higgy and Angel didn’t openly root for the Mets whenever the Giants faced them.
My favorite Robinson moment: during a night game at Dodger Stadium in what was Mike Krukow’s first year in the booth, KTVU came back from the commercial break and showed a closeup of the full moon. Robinson yammered on and on about the moon and how beautiful it was for at least 30 seconds, until Kruk said, “Here’s a quarter, call someone who cares.”
I’m pretty sure Kruk and Robinson hated each other.
by Bay Area Sports Guy on Apr 13, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did he mention makeup??
Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??
by tobias on Apr 13, 2009 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anagram of "knowing how to win"
WOW, I KNOW NOTHING
Anagram of "Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum" = TENSE, CLIMACTIC, TRIUMPHING
by Stuttering John Tamargo on Apr 13, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Winner.
Still in despair.
BRING BACK MARMOL!
konakona:「つかさに教われと...なんか非常に負けたような気がする。」
Shun Kakazu: MOAR JAPANESE PROSPECTS PLZ
by Zetsuboushita on Apr 13, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh my god
you win the internet. Fucking awesome
Extremely proud adoptive parent of Paul E. Stanley, hacker extraordinaire
Thanks to roger
by bondslegend on Apr 13, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Deeply awesome
Like, tranquilizer dart/Will Ferrell awesome.
"The BB's are out. The BB's are being arseholes to me." - Brian Wilson.
by hairball on Apr 13, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disappointed
Your Ace needs to pitch more than 3 and 5.1 innings in his starts. Will the real Tim Lincecum please report to the starting rotation.
by wilriv21 on Apr 13, 2009 12:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Make Cain our ace. You saw his last start, he knows how to win!
by Norm Median on Apr 13, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Right now
only concern is that there is some unreported injury screwing him up that he is not reporting, trying to “play through”, etc.
Panic reserved for spots 2, 4, and 5 in rotation for the remainder of this month.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
by natteringnabob on Apr 13, 2009 4:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not worried about Tim. Worried about the lack of gamerness up and down the lineup the past few days.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Wronghanded Affeldt doing it right
by Giant among Angels on Apr 13, 2009 8:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Speed
Grant stated that Tim’s speed was up, but Fan Graphs showed a decline from 94.1 mph last season to 92.8 mph this year. I believe, however, that Fan Graphs has recorded only his past game (hence the 48.0% of pitches shown as “XX,” or unrecorded).
And I believe Tim took speed off his fastball as the game went on in an effort to get it over — which was necessitated by Tim’s control problems.
by sharksrog on Apr 14, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
on opening day
we actually wondered if something was wrong with the scoreboard when it kept listing his pitches at 93…
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
by natteringnabob on Apr 15, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitches outside the strike zone
That Tim is getting hitters to swing at more pitches outside the strike zone is a plus — and probably due to his throwing the change up more often, causing batters to swing at pitches that are bottoming out.
That he is getting more called strikes would also seem to be a plus, although it might also stem from his being behind in the count more often, allowing batters to be more selective.
by sharksrog on Apr 14, 2009 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not worried yet, but if he has one more bad outing then….
LINCECUM FOR RIOS
by kimmyg on Apr 14, 2009 10:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Different guns
Different speed guns give off readings, of course, but I don’t recall Tim’s speed being off on the TV gun on opening day. Sunday he started off in the mid-90’s, but slowed to 90 or 91 later in the game. That could have been due to tiring or to his cutting his speed to try to get the ball over.
by sharksrog on Apr 15, 2009 3:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Tim's two poor back-to-back starts in 2008
Obviously Tim’s two back-to-back poor starts in June of 2008 didn’t create a trend. But while those two starts came on June 16th and 22nd, I actually became concerned with his June 1st start.
In that game, Tim struck out a season-low two batters and yielded a season-high eight line drives. But before the two poor starts, Tim yielded one and no runs in his two starts in between June 1st and June 16th. I guess one could say that Tim did hit a mini-slump beginning with his June 1th start, though, as he yielded 4,5,0,3,4,1 and 5 earnies in his next seven starts. He then went 2,1,2,2,1,0 and 1 in his next seven outings.
By the way, Eugenio Velez has cost Tim four earned runs in Eugenio’s last three starts with Tim pitching. It began with the two-run double Eugenio charged in on, only to see it fly over his head for a double, which I believe came in the 9/18 game against the Diamondbacks.
In Tim’s final start of last season, he yielded only one run — which came after Eugenio dropped a throw at second base that would have cut down the stealing base runner had he held it and dropped the tag. Then, of course, the run on the ball Eugenio misplayed into a triple in Tim’s last start.
I understand why Eugenio would start with Tim pitching, since Tim relied on his defense less than any other Giants starter last season, but I’m thinking it might be time to give Tim a break from the back-breaking defense of Velez.
Not that Fred Lewis was any picnic for Tim on Sunday, either.
by sharksrog on Apr 15, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One reason I'm not worried about Tim Lincecum
He’s incredibly talented. He’ll snap out of it. End of story. His kind of stuff doesn’t stay cold for long.
"Snow woulda had it!!!"
by beat_la_25 on Apr 16, 2009 9:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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