San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum has been battling back spasms and missed his last start. Many have thought that Lincecum is too worn down and has nothing left in the tank this year. Many thought his back spasms would cause him to miss at least a few starts. Others say his mechanics are terrible and he wont last. They point out his recent drop in velocity (only a few mph) as a reason to count this guy out.
People need to stop doubting this kid as he came back tonight as good as ever, getting the win in the Giants 9-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies Monday night. Lincecum went seven strong innings, giving up only one run on six hits with 11 K’s. Yeah he wasn’t throwing 98 mph, but he consistently hit 92 on the gun and topped out a few times around 94-95. Lincecum doesn’t need to be a fireballer, as he has a nasty curveball that drops off the table and a devastating change-up to complement his lively fastball.
Lincecum is now 14-5 with a 2.30 ERA and leads the NL in K’s with 244 on the season. In other Giants news, future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is nearing a return for the Giants. His role will probably be a limited bullpen one, as Johnson says he is playing through a torn labrum. “The Big Unit” could be a big asset out of the bullpen for the Giants in the playoffs.