You’ve probably seen the picture that surfaced Tuesday morning.
Now, it’s time to take in the substance behind it.
Hours after a photo of former Giants’ pitcher Tim Linececum surfaced on the internet that featured Lincecum preparing to throw a baseball, the founder and president of Driveline Baseball tweeted an update on the status of The Freak.
After pitching in just nine games in 2016 and skipping the 2017 season entirely, Lincecum is planning an attempt at a comeback that will soon feature a showcase for Major League scouts. Though Lincecum suffered through a significant decline after making his fourth straight All-Star team in 2011, it’s possible that time off to recover and get healthy could serve the right-hander well.
FOR RELEASE:
Yes, this is Tim Lincecum at @DrivelineBB.
Yes, Adam Ottavino took the picture while training here.
Yes, Tim will throw for teams at a showcase in the near future.
No, I have no other information for you.Send all communication to [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/0N0cXHVUq8
— KyleB @ Driveline (@drivelinebases) December 19, 2017
While it’s unclear whether Lincecum will attempt to make a comeback as a starter or a reliever, it would not come as a surprise if the Giants were among the teams that send a scout or two to watch the right-hander throw. Lincecum spent nine seasons in San Francisco and was a three-time World Series champion with the franchise, and has always had a preference for pitching on the west coast.
With San Francisco looking for bullpen help and in search of cheap options to shore up its pitching staff, Lincecum would make an intriguing non-roster Spring Training invitee candidate.
For those of you who might be shaking your head at the idea, just remember: The Giants signed Pablo Sandoval again in July, and he’s expected to be competing for a roster spot this spring, too.