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Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Anatomy of a player: Tim Lincecum—The Hardball Times

So Lincecum’s change has produced some amazing results. What is he doing to make it so effective? First, he is throwing the pitch very similarly to his fastball. It has nearly the same horizontal break as his fastball, but with less “rise.” It isn’t as hidden as Tom Glavine’s change up, but still is well hidden.

Second, he throws it much slower than his fastball, checking in under 85 mph. That 10 mph difference is very large for a changeup. For instance, Johan Santana has less than an 8 mph difference. Cole Hamels has a difference around 9 mph and rookie changeup specialist Carlos Villanueva has less than a 7 mph difference. That huge separation really helps him get all those swings and misses.

I must admit I have a man crush on Lincecum. If he develops into a dominating ace for my fantasy team, my affection will only deepen.

Jim Furtado Posted: December 05, 2007 at 09:04 AM | 5 comment(s)
Related News: General, San Francisco

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1. TheBoneMan Posted: December 05, 2007 at 10:29 AM (#2635282)

Apparently the Giants are talking to the Jays about a Lincecum for Rios swap. Well, the Jays are asking for Cain in the deal, but the Giants have countered with Tiny Tim. As much as a like Cain, Lincecum should be the one targeted. He's a tiny little pitching savant.

As a Jays fan, I would absolutely love that deal, even though it means that the lineup will have trouble producing 3 runs/game next year. In terms of absolute value, I think it would be a steal - and I'm about as big of a Rios supporter as you will find. Lincecum is one of a kind.

2. Silencio Posted: December 05, 2007 at 10:38 AM (#2635293)

I would love to see Lincecum playing for the Jays but I would expect it to take more than Rios. Doesnt seem to address the Jays needs either and would give them another starter when they have much bigger needs at other positions. I would rather have Lincecum than Cain aswell. I think he will be better next year and is a year farther away from FA.

3. TheBoneMan Posted: December 05, 2007 at 10:46 AM (#2635309)

It should take more than Rios to get Lincecum, but remember that we are dealing with Sabean here. He probably views the fact that Rios is significantly older than Lince to be a positive, not a negative. Indications in the Toronto press are that the Jays want more than just Lincecum for Rios, which I find to be bizarre. Maybe the Jays can get Lincecum and Fred Lewis for Rios and a voucher for Sabean that entitles him to a pink slip later this year.

4. MSI Posted: December 05, 2007 at 10:51 AM (#2635324)

If it takes a little more than Rios I'd do it, but I'd be worried his arm falls off.

5. Harmon Microbrew Posted: December 05, 2007 at 11:30 AM (#2635392)

The Good:
Halladay
Burnett
Lincecum
McGowan
Marcum / Opie

The Bad:

OF
Reed Johnson: 66 OPS+ (in 30 games last year)
Adam Lind: 77
Vernon Wells: 85
Matt Stairs: 138

Though I think Lincecum is by far the better long term idea, I think I'd rather send some some young pitching and a prospect to Baltimore for Bedard (assuming they'll deal intra-division). Gives the rotation a lefty, while leaving the offense intact (well, as intact as it was last year :P)

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Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Anatomy of a player: Tim Lincecum—The Hardball Times

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