Tim Lincecum Extension: Who Came out on Top, San Francisco Giants or the Freak?

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants reached an extension with their ace, Tim Lincecum. According to ESPN, the deal states The Freak will earn $18 million in 2012 before earning $22 million in 2013. The extension also includes a $500,000 signing bonus.

Before Tuesday, Lincecum was already under team control through 2013. By inking the two-time Cy Young award-winner to an extension, the Giants essentially bought out the remaining two arbitration years for Lincecum. The question remains: Which side (the Giants or Lincecum) came out on top as a result of this deal? 

Case for the Giants

It's clear that Lincecum, one of the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball, is deserving of the big bucks. After earning $14 million in 2011, Lincecum entered his penultimate arbitration year with guns blazing, commanding $21.5 million. The Giants countered with just $17 million.

What this deal does is avoid a long, drawn-out hearing where relations between the team and its star can turn sour. Additionally, the first-year figure of the new deal, $18 million, is much closer in range to the Giants' arbitration offer than that of Lincecum. Avoiding arbitration for the next two years is definitely a win in the eyes of the Giants.

Furthermore, after flopping on the infamous Barry Zito deal, the Giants front office may understandably be hesitant to offer another long-term package to a starting pitcher. The two-year offer allows general manager Brian Sabean to further assess Timmy's performance and make a more informed decision on a longer deal when the time comes. As a side note, when it comes time to offer Lincecum yet another extension, Zito’s contract will be off the books so the Giants will have more money to negotiate with.

Lastly, the Giants were able keep Lincecum, the image of their franchise, happy. The fact that two sides were able and willing to come to an agreement hopefully means they will be able to work with each other on a longer deal in the future.

Case for Lincecum

The Freak has gone on record saying he prefers shorter deals because it keeps the pressure on him to perform to the best of his ability on a daily basis. This extension still allows Lincecum to test the free-agent waters if he so chooses after the 2013 season.

Lincecum also benefits from a hefty $4 million pay bump from his 2011 salary. That number will jump an additional $4 million in 2013.

Most importantly, this extension also gives Timmy the leeway to wait another couple years and see if the Giants make much-needed upgrades to a lackluster offense. If they fail to do so, Lincecum will not be bound to a long-term contract and can simply walk.

The Giants made it an offseason priority to keep their stellar bullpen intact. San Francisco successfully accomplished this, meaning that Lincecum’s gems will be kept intact in the late innings.

The Verdict

All of these things considered, the leverage still lies with Lincecum. Ever since he broke into the league in 2007, The Freak has been a fan favorite and a tremendous marketing tool for the Giants. His small stature, unorthodox windup and long, flowing hair have intrigued Giants fans far and wide. There would surely be outrage all across the Bay Area should Lincecum ever don anything but the orange and black.

Lincecum knows his importance to the city of San Francisco and he can use this moving forward in future contract negotiations.

While the Giants are happy to have their ace back for another couple years, Lincecum should be overjoyed that he can enjoy the benefits of working in pitcher-friendly AT&T Park, getting paid the money he deserves and boosting his resume for when he potentially hits the open market after 2013.

Lincecum has had his way with most hitters throughout his illustrious career and on Tuesday, it's clear he had his way with the Giants in contract negotiations as well.