What would you do?

Since we're talking hypothetical here.

I'd trade him in a heart beat for Rios. You're gaining a much needed bat for the middle of a pretty weak lineup, a 2 time All-Star at a young age and a kid whoose proven he can play at the MLB level and still hasn't reached his peak.

Whereas with Lincecum he really hasn't proven what he can or can't do, he could just be a flash in the pan, he might be the real deal (the juries still out on him, even though many fans of the game LOVE the kid). There's still plenty of wonder about his mechanics and his ability to stay healthy for an entire season (they had to shut him down because of the workload this past season correct?). Plus you give up Lincecum but you'd still have Cain, Sanchez, Lowry and Zito (if he gets his head straight) at the top of your rotation, not too shabby.

JMHO

quote:

Originally posted by spizzlepop:
If you're Brian Sabean, do you pull the trigger on this one?

No.

I have seen Tim Lincecum pitch maybe 1/2 dozen times. He appears to be a supreme talent to me. My only question with him is whether he is a max effort guy? If so, is he suseptible to injury?

great point CD. At 5'10" 170, those seasons add up quick on a smaller body using max effort and a lot of torque. I don't care what physical quirks makes him what he is, he's still human and IMHO a questionable high priced future investment. But he's fun to watch compete

Both players are fantastic and trading or keeping one or the other is a can't miss for either team. It will come down to team needs. But the fact that an even up trade pitcher for outfielder is so rare that I started to wonder...

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GREAT EVEN UP ONE FOR ONE TRADES IN THE HISTORY OF MAJOR LEAGUE BALL

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Not sure this will take...but there was some good discussion on the NorCal preps website where some of us share allegiances...

http://norcalpreps.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=445&mid=1...5&style=2&Override=1

44
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What I would do depends on whether I want to win now or later.

Trading a max effort guy leaves one to doubt how he will be in a few years from now. We all know he can produce now. It's a tricky situation.

I also enjoy watching him pitch!

I would keep Lincecum, unless the Giants know something we dont...

Nolan Ryan was also a max effort guy.

deemax - Your father was a big Lincecum fan...but I'll bet you know that.

quote:

Originally posted by justbaseball:
deemax - Your father was a big Lincecum fan...but I'll be you know that.

Ill tell you who wasnt a fan....My brother. "Its like facing a dominant closer for nine innings"
Tim was at 98 mph in the 9th inning against them. I think he punched out 17-18 guys...

I can't see Alex Rios carrying the Giants to anything better than another last place finish next year; the club has too many holes in that lineup and Rios will have an adjustment to make coming to the NL. The Giants' strength is obviously with starting pitching, and some s****** kids who might be able to manufacture a few runs. I say keep Lincecum and wait/see. Who knows? Maybe he'll twirl a gem or two and the Giants will be able to get much more for him after July 1. Or even better, the Giants find that life after Bonds isn't so bad.
BTW, it sounds like the Cards will be looking to get rid of Scott Rolen, and the Giants may be able to pick him up for something less than "the Franchise."

deemax - I had a fun conversation with your father this past Spring at Stanford where we talked about just this...Lincecum and your brother.

Your dad told me that your brother thought facing Lincecum was like facing a guy throwing 105 because he hid the ball so well. He compared him to another Pac-10 pitcher (drafted above Lincecum) who he thought seemed like an 85 mph pitcher (although he was throwing 95 himself) because he could see the ball very early.

It was a fun conversation. Your dad talked about you kids and his grandkids a lot in conversations...sometimes to illustrate a point like this. Other times just about the cage in the backyard or the Halloween costumes the grandkids wore. He was a really great guy. I hope your family is doing ok during this time of year. I lost my mother earlier this year and I know it can be tough. My prayers are with you all.