i was concerned for the reds in that ludwick's power had vanished in september and frazier also slowed down. thought maybe they would struggle to score runs and even with their fine pitching/defense in close games anything can happen

but they have scored runs.

latos has been d8mn impressive the last 3.5 months. once he stopped giving up homers left and right he became a metronome of consistently good. that 94 fastball of his jumps all over the place within the strike zone.

Seeing Lincecum relegated to middle relief is strange, to say the least.

I was surprised to see Lincecum in relief -- I thought "Damn, are they that desperate that they're using a starter to pitch?!" then realized that Lincecum wasn't penciled in to start any games in the series. He seems to be done, IIRC?

Lincecum last pitched on Sept. 30. I think they just wanted him to have some pitches before his (presumed) start on Tuesday.

I was surprised to see Lincecum in relief -- I thought "Damn, are they that desperate that they're using a starter to pitch?!" then realized that Lincecum wasn't penciled in to start any games in the series. He seems to be done, IIRC?

Well, it's selective endpoints, but he was fine in the second half of the year--3.83 ERA, 8.7 K/9, etc.

Lincecum's problem this year was related to pitching out of the stretch. With bases empty, he had a 25.6 K% and an 8.8 BB%. With runners on, that went to 19.6 K% and 13.7 BB%. With RISP, that went to 18% K and 16.3% BB. In 2008-2011, his K rate actually went up (edit, or stayed the same) with runners on.

I think they just wanted him to have some pitches before his (presumed) start on Tuesday.

I suppose they can always change their minds, but the last I heard is that Vogelsong is starting tomorrow.

Lincecum last pitched on Sept. 30. I think they just wanted him to have some pitches before his (presumed) start on Tuesday.

No, it's Vogelsong on Tuesday.

Cain may go on three days Wednesday, if they're still playing, because of his low pitch count Saturday.

Thursday? Choices would be Lincecum, Zito, or MadBum on short rest. Short leash in any event. Or maybe they'll decide, since they have to win out anyway, to hold Cain out until he's had full rest. Like next spring.

Vintage Arroyo last night, with speeds and arm angles varying constantly. He's had a terrific comeback season after throwing bp in 2011.

Giants announce Zito for Game 4, if there is one, and Cain for Game 5. Lincecum remains in pen.