REMEMBER TIM LINCECUM? HE'S ABOUT TO AUDITION

There has been a lot of buzz over Tim Lincecum for months now. As Spring Training was approaching I was watching and waiting to see who he was going to sign with. Yes, I said WHO as opposed to IF because although it is true that he is not the same pitcher he once was....you can never have too much pitching and given his resume someone is going to give him that shot.

There has been a lot of buzz going on in Arizona. As soon as Spring Training is over you start to see the Spring Training facilities used for concerts and even some fundraising opportunities within the community. There has been a lot of rumors centered around Scottsdale Stadium though, which happens to be the Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants.

In the next few weeks Lincecum is expected to hold a showcase for up to 20 major league teams, and is very likely to be done at Scottsdale stadium. He has had a mysterious off season and spring. Teams were expecting a February showcase, but that was pushed back several times with no reasoning given. Supposedly, he is healthy so that is not a reasoning for the postponements. With poor pitching performances from everyone so far including CC Sabathia and Luis Severino and the timing of this announcement the rumors are likely to continue. The Yankees are expected to attend and have the chance to sign him.

So who else is likely to be at this yet to be announced audition? As much as the Yankees could benefit from getting Lincecum I have to think that the Giants are still the favorites to sign him. He has been throwing at the Giants training facility but they have had every opportunity to sign him if they really were interested in his services. The Giants do have a more stable rotation compared to the Yankees but a reunion with former teammates Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner is still possible but it may not be as a starter.  It makes you wonder....how badly do Lincecum and the Giants want to reunite even if he is a bullpen pitcher? Is it more than the Yankees desire to add another needed arm as a starter?

Lincecum is still only 31 years old, so he is not an old veteran arm. He has also thrown over 1600 innings and has never had any arm issues so that is bound to catch someone's attention. His days as "The Freak" who threw 95mph may be gone but if he can still throw around 90mph, change speeds and demonstrate control he can still be a successful pitcher. He just needs to learn how to adapt.

So will the Yankees make a play for him at this upcoming showcase? It makes sense but time will tell. Until this showcase finally happens these rumors will probably continue to link Lincecum and the Yankees together. Would you want to see the Yankees sign Lincecum? Comment and let us know.


   
--Jeana Bellezza, 
BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ 
 





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