Say, that stunk.
Cheer up, Tim Lincecum. Sure, even though you had a superb season, you'll have to look at at that hideous 13-14 mark for the rest of your life. That's a drag. But just look at the other pitchers who have had a 13-14 season in their careers!
Sheriff Blake - 1927
Sheriff Blake was the pride of West Virginia Wesleyan College -- even though he was a pitcher, he had the second-most plate appearances of any player to come out of WVWC. The all-time leader in plate appearances of a player from WVWC was Greasy Neale.
Also, the above paragraph has a mention of Sheriff Blake and Greasy Neale. That wouldn't have been possible unless you finished under .500, Tim.
Mel Harder - 1931
YOU CALL THAT MELLING, YOU SORRY SON OF A BITCH? YOU CALL THAT MELLING?
Mel Harder - 1942
YOU ARE PATHETIC. YOU ARE A STAIN ON THE UNDERWEAR OF THE UNIVERSE. MEL, DAMMIT. MEL LIKE YOUR MAMA'S LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
Russ Meyer - 1952
If Meyer were around today, he'd only let catchers like Bengie Molina catch him. Mmmmpff.
Gene Brabender - 1969
hahaha because bending bras hahahaaaaa
Jim Barr - 1975
And here's the last Giant to go 13-14. There's nothing meaningful about that specific record, but Barr had a pretty good season in '75, finishing with a 125 ERA+. In a list of historically underrated San Francisco Giants, would Barr be in the top ten? He might be the top choice. Sounds like an offseason feature idea.
Randy Jones - 1978
Rick Sutcliffe - 1988
See, Tim? It happens to other Cy Young Award winners. It happens to other guys, too.
Don't feel bad, Tim. Just go up to Orlando Cabrera and give him a wedgie. Oh, he didn't play today, but he's the official scapegoat of the season for all sorts of reasons. Just pull his underwear over his ears and walk away. You'll feel better, he'll get over it -- win/win.
You know what annoys me? That Tim Lincecum is under .500 for the season. I don't pay attention to win-loss records. They're useless. But it still really, really, really annoys me that Lincecum has a losing record. It's horrible. Ghastly. Why in the world should I care? Is it because I'm scared that unenlightened goofballs will think he's below-average? Is it because there's a part of me that can't let go to the traditional stats on which I was weaned?
On the other hand, maybe it was worth it to find out about Dick Rudolph, who went 13-14 in 1917, and makes me think of a reindeer who hits on your girlfriend right in front of you. Maybe it was worth it after all.