I don't know about you guys (and gals) but I am as pessimisitic and melancholic as good fan of 80s british post-punk rock can be. Yes, we may have won the world series but victory was only a temporary salve for my broodingly handsome and tormented soul. Why is this relevant? Because I was absolutely convinced that this the year that Timmy lincecum breaks (or at least falls from the ranks of super elite pitchers). In 2010, Lincecum experienced a 2 mph loss on his fastball, a decline in his k/9 below 10 and an increase in his walk rate above 3. Given his slight build and atypical delivery, Timmy looked to me like a guy on the way out. For a pitcher who lives off his changeup (it's probably the best change in baseball) velocity loss is lethal. So I watched with trepidation as the season started. So far lincecum has allayed my fear. Through his first 2 starts (at a time of the season when pitchers are still building strength) he had managed a 93+ mph fastball. Interestingly he has also abandoned his curve and upped his slider frequency. Regardless, I am currently very reassured. Now excuse me while I listen to the Smiths before I get happy