Lincecum, 2 years, $35M???

[das]

What in the world?  What are the Giants seeing that I'm not? His velocity remains down. He did a good job transitioning from a thrower to a picture this year but he sure didn't turn into Greg Maddux. $17 million a year, I just don't see it.

[Mr. Happy]

What in the world?  What are the Giants seeing that I'm not? His velocity remains down. He did a good job transitioning from a thrower to a picture this year but he sure didn't turn into Greg Maddux. $17 million a year, I just don't see it.

I agree with you. However, his velocity is not his problem; it is his command, which hasn't been there more often than not. When he's throwing strikes, he's getting swings-and-misses, but he's just not around the plate enough. I've seen that kid pitch for years. He used to have pinpoint command, but that deserted him a couple of seasons ago. If they're tossing around money like that, I wonder if Zito gets any love?

[Bench]

Did they just get a new TV deal as well?

[Mr. Happy]

Did they just get a new TV deal as well?

I think so.

[Bench]

I think so.

This deal is less crazy to me than the Pence one.  It's only two years, you'll get what you pay for.  With Hunter he'll be getting upwards of $20 million five years from now.  Sure, he hasn't had an injury plagued career to this point, but neither did El Caballo prior to 2008.  Which of course isn't nearly as crazy as the Buster Posey 9 yr/$167m deal which will be paying the catcher over $20 million when he's 35 after having played over a decade at the most physically demanding position.

I guess they're just staying ahead of the market, but at least with Lincecum the duration of the obligation, which presents the biggest risk with any player but especially a pitcher, is minimized.

[juliogotay]

Looks to me like they are hedging their bet with a 2yr deal.

[Mr. Happy]

This deal is less crazy to me than the Pence one.  It's only two years, you'll get what you pay for.  With Hunter he'll be getting upwards of $20 million five years from now.  Sure, he hasn't had an injury plagued career to this point, but neither did El Caballo prior to 2008.  Which of course isn't nearly as crazy as the Buster Posey 9 yr/$167m deal which will be paying the catcher over $20 million when he's 35 after having played over a decade at the most physically demanding position.

I guess they're just staying ahead of the market, but at least with Lincecum the duration of the obligation, which presents the biggest risk with any player but especially a pitcher, is minimized.

The Pence deal was pure insanity. The Giants' plan is for Posey to play more 1B as he ages and will eventually move there permanently.

[MusicMan]

2 years at $17M per... with a full no trade clause.  Which is, I believe, redundant.

[strosrays]

I know Lincecum has looked bad, but I still think he'll come back and have a nice career.

[Mr. Happy]

I know Lincecum has looked bad, but I still think he'll come back and have a nice career.

I agree. He just will not be a shutdown 1--more like a decent 3 or 4. He'll eat some innings too.