San Francisco Giants among teams to watch Tim Lincecum
By David Hill
Tim Lincecum may find himself in a familiar place this season, as his former teams, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels, will be amongst the teams present at his showcase.
There was a time when Tim Lincecum was a star for the San Francisco Giants. He had been a four time All Star and a two time Cy Young award winner, leading the league in strikeouts three times. Despite his rail thin physique, Lincecum was one of the best pitchers in the game, an ace the Giants could build around.
Following his 2011 campaign, Lincecum began to falter. He still had flashes of brilliance, throwing two no hitters, but was no longer the pitcher he had been. Injuries and ineffectiveness ruined what had been a promising career, leaving the former ace unsigned last year. However, Lincecum is eyeing a comeback, and his former teams, the Giants and Angels, are expected to be amongst the teams attending his showcase.
source: the angels will take another look at tim lincecum. obviously it didnt work out for them last year but they are hoping he'll regain form the second year after hip surgery. big cali contingent with dodgers, giants and padres also coming to the lincecum showcase.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 14, 2018
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While it is unknown as to what, if anything, Lincecum has in the tank, it is apparent that he has changed since we last saw him. His wiry frame is now noticeably muscular, as he has worked to avoid injury and improve his durability. He has been training at the Driveline facilities, looking to rediscover that form that made him one of the more recognizable stars in the game.
Chances are, if Lincecum does draw interest from his workout, he will receive a minor league contract. He may well get an invitation to Spring Training, as he looks to show that he can still make an impact. But any chance that he would get to return to the majors would come from his performance, as opposed to his being able to rely upon his credentials alone.
There are also questions as to what type of role Lincecum would have. After his performance in his last three seasons, he may be considered more of a long reliever or potential setup man than a starter. If he shows signs of fatigue after 20 or 30 pitches, that stance would only be reinforced.
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The old saying goes that you can never go home again. With an impressive workout, Tim Lincecum may do just that with the San Francisco Giants.