The most anticipated pitching performance of the season will take place Friday. Shockingly, it doesn't involve Jake Arrieta, Clayton Kershaw or Noah Syndergaard. In fact, it involves a player who has posted a 4.68 ERA over the past four seasons. Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum will hold his showcase Friday, and scouts from at least 20 teams are expected to attend.
Looking at his numbers, it might seem somewhat surprising that Lincecum is drawing so much interest. The former two-time Cy Young winner has produced more like a back-end starter in recent seasons, even losing his starting role occasionally with the Giants. His strikeout rate and fastball velocity have tumbled, while his ERA continues to rise. Injuries have played a role in his decline, but Lincecum is believed to be healthy now.
With that said, teams can never have enough starting pitching. Injuries and ineffectiveness can ruin even the deepest rotations in the blink of an eye.
That, and the promise of Lincecum reaching his former glory, is the main reason so many teams will flock to his showcase. At his worst, Lincecum is either a fifth starter or strong reliever. At his best, he's a top of the rotation ace. The latter may no longer be possible, but that glimmer of hope is what keeps drawing teams in.
Ultimately, only one club can win Lincecum's services this season. While at least 20 believe he could help them right now, here are the five teams that could use the 31-year-old Lincecum the most.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Though a reunion with the Giants doesn't seem like the perfect landing spot, it's tough to rule out Lincecum's former team. By all accounts, Lincecum wants to start, and the Giants are looking at him more as a reliever according to Jon Heyman. Still, there's something to be said about his familiarity with the club, his legacy in San Francisco and the support the move would receive from the fans. Even in tough times, Lincecum has remained a fan favorite. That loyalty could impact his decision to stay with the team that drafted him, even if the fit isn't perfect.
Though a reunion with the Giants doesn't seem like the perfect landing spot, it's tough to rule out Lincecum's former team. By all accounts, Lincecum wants to start, and the Giants are looking at him more as a reliever according to Jon Heyman. Still, there's something to be said about his familiarity with the club, his legacy in San Francisco and the support the move would receive from the fans. Even in tough times, Lincecum has remained a fan favorite. That loyalty could impact his decision to stay with the team that drafted him, even if the fit isn't perfect.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The White Sox have been carried by a tremendous rotation thus far. While their first four spots have been fantastic, the fifth spot is now in flux. After posting a 7.25 ERA through four starts, the team DFA'd John Danks on Tuesday. There were some inklings even before the move that the White Sox were ready to move on. Miguel Gonzalez was brought in to act as Danks insurance, and even made a spot start in Danks' place against the Toronto Blue Jays. With Danks now gone, the team could opt to bring in yet another veteran in hopes of finding a more suitable replacement. Considering they have an extra $13 million to spend after Adam LaRoche's sudden retirement, money isn't a big issue right now either.
The White Sox have been carried by a tremendous rotation thus far. While their first four spots have been fantastic, the fifth spot is now in flux. After posting a 7.25 ERA through four starts, the team DFA'd John Danks on Tuesday. There were some inklings even before the move that the White Sox were ready to move on. Miguel Gonzalez was brought in to act as Danks insurance, and even made a spot start in Danks' place against the Toronto Blue Jays. With Danks now gone, the team could opt to bring in yet another veteran in hopes of finding a more suitable replacement. Considering they have an extra $13 million to spend after Adam LaRoche's sudden retirement, money isn't a big issue right now either.
HOUSTON ASTROS
The Astros' awful 8-18 record could be a deterrant for Lincecum, or it could represent the best possible scenario for him. If Lincecum wants to win, it's looking like the Astros may not be the right fit this year. But if it's all about opportunity, this could work. Houston has a big need for starting pitching right now. Through 22 games, the team's starters have compiled a 5.08 ERA, which is good for 26th in the majors. The club already bet on a veteran in a similar situation as Lincecum in Doug Fister, so there's some evidence they would go after a guy in Lincecum's position. With Houston, Lincecum should have the opportunity to start again. While Houston's poor start isn't encouraging, there's still a chance for a big turnaround. Maybe Lincecum can be a part of that.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Picturing Lincecum in Dodgers blue probably sends a chill down the spine of Giants fans, but it seems plausible. The Dodgers have shown a big interest in signing pretty much every injured veteran pitcher over the past few offseasons. How else can you explain Scott Kazmir and Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy and Brandon Beachy and ... you get the point. With Los Angeles, it's been all about acquiring depth. If those guys go down, ideally you have a solid option to replace them. Problem is, all of those guys went down and now Ross Stripling is a key part of the team. This isn't a knock against Stripling, he's been fine, but the Dodgers could still be looking for another possible starter just in case things go sour. Given their recent history, it's not the worst idea.
Picturing Lincecum in Dodgers blue probably sends a chill down the spine of Giants fans, but it seems plausible. The Dodgers have shown a big interest in signing pretty much every injured veteran pitcher over the past few offseasons. How else can you explain Scott Kazmir and Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy and Brandon Beachy and ... you get the point. With Los Angeles, it's been all about acquiring depth. If those guys go down, ideally you have a solid option to replace them. Problem is, all of those guys went down and now Ross Stripling is a key part of the team. This isn't a knock against Stripling, he's been fine, but the Dodgers could still be looking for another possible starter just in case things go sour. Given their recent history, it's not the worst idea.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
The A's aren't typically seen as a big threat for free agents, but signing Lincecum could make sense. The team clearly needs starters, as both Felix DoubrontFelix Doubront and Chris Bassit are already injured. On top of that, they've shown a willingness to sign guys with questionable track records. They took the plunge on Rich Hill and Ryan Madson, and both have worked out well thus far. The problem, as always, is money. If Lincecum looks great at his showcase, you can probably rule out the A's. While the prospect of remaining close to San Francisco could be enticing, it probably won't be enough that Lincecum picks Oakland if he has better offers.
Given the level of interest in Lincecum, it's actually pretty unlikely one of the above clubs comes away with him. Heyman has mentioned 11 teams that are considering Lincecum, so the above organizations are going to have a lot of competition. And Heyman hasn't even mentioned the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees. Both teams have a need for starting pitching, and a history of making big free-agent moves.
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