Don't Call it a Comeback...because it really isn't one...

Tim Lincecum, for a 2-3 year radius, was one of the best pitchers in baseball by far, bringing an entire rotation and team to the forefront, and winning three World Series rings in the process.

However...after a while, Tim Lincecum, as some of the greatest pitchers have, lost his stuff. He came back season after season and people were hitting him, and he was showing up like a shell of his former self. And it was very sad to see him float down the rotation to 2nd starter...4th starter...5th starter...and into the bullpen...and off the team. It was very sad, because for a guy who won two Cy Young awards, you never want this to happen. This was essentially the Denny McLain effect, or the Mickey Lolich effect.

So...Lincy drops out, while still being able to occasionally throw strikes, and even no-hit the Reds on two occasions, even during his slumping years. And he sits around...waiting. And then, somehow, the Angels picked him up, gave him a chance, and threw him onto their rotation.

Now...in most movies, this would be built up as the ultimate comeback, with so much riding on it, that the eventual success in that game would be so triumphant that fans would run onto the film, and you'd have to cut to Pat Morita nodding his head approvingly in the crowd or something. However...this is real life. I have to keep reminding myself of that whenever I hear about the election, but this is INDEED real life.

So...how has Tim Lincecum done on the Angels?

Um....he's been alright, I guess?

Look, his ERA is not impressing, and his record isn't very impressive either, but he's still throwing strikes and doing what he can- it's not the Wandy Rodriguez situation where you bring him in for one game and he gets hit on every goddamned pitch. He's...okay. Not great, but okay. Employable, I guess.

The Angels right now are in last place, their top starter, Garrett Richards, is out for the year, and their other top starter, Jered Weaver, has lost his peak fastball. Their lack of pitching help has been dooming them this season, so even if Lincecum can help a little bit, it's fine. It's doable.

It's not the COMEBACK OF THE CENTURY or anything (that would be Rich Hill), but it's still a nice touch that Lincecum is still pitching, and still trying to strike people out years after his prime.

Coming Tonight- Speaking of Lincecum's former team, a guy who's been doing an adequate job for a little while, and has finally been breaking out in the last two years.

Consistency

It is one thing entirely to no-hit a middling team when everyone else has counted you out.

It is another thing entirely to no-hit the same middling team two years in a row. That itself takes skill, which, surprisingly, Tim Lincecum still has a lot of.

Congrats, Tim. Should I pencil you in for another one next May?

One More Highlight before the Break

Because it happened in baseball, it must be documented.

I would have done a Verlander one had he stuck it out for two more innings, but here we are.

Tonight, I'll definitely be saying something about the Home Run Derby. I just don't know what yet.

P.S.- This is my 1200th post. Figured it'd be spent commemorating something.

Raul, you never cease to amaze me.

 

Wow. Just...just wow. I feel like what happened last night was made to be a baseball story. The star DH isn't hitting, so they bring in Raul, and he decks 2 of 'em to win the game. Oh, it was classic. It was so awesome to watch, too. 

 

Meanwhile, this man, who is part of your complete breakfast, helped his team stay alive and tie the series. I really like this A's team, and I really hope they win...mainly because the Yankees can probably beat them. 

 

Who woulda called this guy pitching pretty well out of the bullpen? Actually, who would have called the Reds allowing the Giants to tie it up? The Reds are a strong team, and I think they'll get the win, but this is a bit scary for them. The Giants are beginning to get good, fast. 

 

 In other news...this guy neeeds to break a bone. It's not very nice to wish pain on people, especially baseball players, but it would make my life a hell of a lot easier knowing this guy isn't in the lineup. If he keeps it up, he'll pass Cody Ross on my Most Infuriating Players list.

Custom Card of the Day: Lincecum Edition

My inconsistency can be rooted to my extremely busy March, and a recent allergy sickness. Also, it's because of the fact that fricking zimbio doesn't post too many spring training photos. Which makes me mad. But nevertheless, I'm still making them as they come. Today's custom depicts a former Cy Young winner who needs to return to his prime. The Giants had a down year last year, and Lincecum had a down season. I'm hoping he steps up and returns to form...just not too much.

Coming Tomorrow- Thanks to fricking zimbio, I don't know. Hopefully something.

Custom Card of the Day- It's Back!

After months of inactivity due to lack of playing, Custom Cards have made their return. The player today- The Freak. Tim Lincecum has been one to watch in the past few years. The World Series last year was just the cherry on top. If Lincecum keeps this up, he'll go on to Greatness, or maybe Cooperstown. He's a fun player that has crazy antics on and off the field. Hopefully, the comparisons to Bill Lee will end there.

Coming Tomorrow- The Sophomore Season everyone will be watching...and it ain't Strasburg.

Victorious...

Lincy and his 14 K's blew past the Braves.

Berkman's 2 run homer powered the Yanks.

And this guy...(since I didn't make a Kinsler, or Young)...this guy won too.