San Francisco GM Brian Sabean doesn’t know how to quantify Tim Lincecum’s two Cy Young awards in two years, which means he isn’t sure how many Brinks Trucks full of cash it will take to keep the pitcher.
After the surprise regarding Lincecum winning the top pitcher’s award for the second straight year wore off, the notion of how much money the Giants will have to shell out surfaced. Because Lincecum is arbitration illegible, which means the Giants can have the matter settled in court or attempt to work out a long-term deal. Either way, Lincecum will be paid quite lavishly, no matter what route is taken.
And when the Giants pay Lincecum, which they will and should, how much coin is left in Sabean’s wallet to spend on an impact slugger or a few quality hitters, will be the question. The GM said yesterday he wouldn’t enter into the sweepstakes for either Boston’s Jason Bay or Matt Holliday of the Cardinals. He doesn’t want to be led around by the players’ agents only to help drive up the asking price.
So, how much money will the Giants have? The Giants don’t want to admit that Barry Zito’s mega-deal hamstrings them, but when you factor in a hefty deal to Aaron Rowand, the increase Lincecum will receive as well as closer Brian Wilson, you wonder what’s left.
The other theme that emerged yesterday is the reminder, which Giants fans don’t need, of how special Lincecum is and the Giants’ pitching as a whole for that matter. That’s why if San Francisco can’t find a way to increase their offense, it’ll be a shame.
Hot Stove rumors, which shouldn’t receive much stock, but are interesting, nonetheless, have linked the Giants to Dan Uggla, Johnny Damon, Miguel Tejada and Mark DeRosa. Damon is a Scott Boras client, which means he’ll want big money and a long contract. Supposedly, Boras wants a four-year deal for Damon.
Besides Bay and Holliday, this year’s crop of free agents aren’t that enticing and pretty lackluster. Sabean will have to exhibit the type of creativity he hasn’t shown before during the winter signing period.
It’s hard to imagine the Giants taking a huge step forward offensively next season, but at least we’ll have another year of Lincecum.
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