Tim Lincecum has had a rough couple of years, posting a 4.76 ERA dating back to the start of the 2012 season. While some reported the right-hander was seeking a longer-term deal, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports disagrees. Heyman writes that Lincecum already turned down a two-year deal from the Giants and could be seeking a contract elsewhere that lasts only one or two years, which would allow him to prove himself as a top-end starter. If he does, it could be a windfall compared to what he would otherwise get.

Heyman writes:

While it’s possible Lincecum, a two-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Champion with the Giants, could end up elsewhere and maybe even with a longer deal, people familiar with the team’s negotiations suggest the pitcher seemed more interested in a short deal in his dealings with the Giants, for either one or two years. That wouldn’t be inconsistent with how Lincecum has handled things in the past, turning down longer deals for shorter ones. He is said to have a belief that he’s on the verge of regaining his past form, and unusually interested in short deals at this time, a la Roger Clemens (the Clemens at the end of his career, anyway).

From 2007-11, Lincecum’s fastball averaged 91-94 MPH. It has averaged just over 90 MPH over the last two seasons, one reason why his ability to generate swings and misses declined. His control also went haywire, but to his credit, during the 2013 season, he issued fewer walks. The other big problem was his propensity to the home run. He allowed a total of 44 over the last two seasons, including 18 at home. Moving to a more hitter-friendly park could be risky.

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