Tim Lincecum: Giants Must Give Former Ace Week off to Figure out Issues

What is going on with Tim Lincecum?

The San Francisco Giants would sure like to know.

The two-time Cy Young award winner has gotten off to a horrific start this season, and after dropping to 2-7 on the year this past Sunday, something has to be done.

Manager Bruce Bochy knows as much and admitted to Sirius XM Radio host and former GM Jim Bowden that the team is analyzing their options on Tuesday:

"

BruceBochy told us on our show today that he & Sabean have discussed ways to help Lincecuum incl missing a start or possible move to bullpen

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) June 12, 2012"

So if those are the two options…skipping a start has to be the plan of action.

If he gets tossed into the bullpen, his ego will be shot, he’ll have to prepare differently and the relationship between Lincecum and the club would be severely damaged.

It would be a slap in the face to one of the catalysts for the Giants' epic 2010 World Series run.

Sure, he has struggled this year, but heading into the season, he had a 69-41 career record with 1,127 strikeouts in 1,028 innings. Being demoted to the bullpen would be a grave overreaction after just 13 starts.

The solution is to have him skip a start.

With the off-day Monday, the Giants won’t have to call anybody up. With another off-day on Thursday, June 21, Lincecum wouldn’t have to pitch again until June 22. That gives him 11 days between starts without roster adjustments.

What he needs is time to reflect on why he only has 77 strikeouts in 72 innings. He can figure out why he has failed to reach the seventh inning in 10 of 13 starts and why he currently sports a 1.58 WHIP, 6.00 ERA and .265 BAA.

Sometimes, you just need a few extra days off to not only clear your mind and relax, but to also watch film and figure out if it’s a mechanical issue.

Missing one start isn’t a big deal; it happens to plenty of pitchers—a demotion to the bullpen is for somebody still trying to find his place in the majors.

The Giants are in a tough position with Lincecum, and they need to tread carefully to ensure they don’t lose their former ace for good. 

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