Article:SF Giants Notes: Lincecum Looks Human

It took over 2 1/2 months, but Tim Lincecum finally turned in a rough outing Sunday, his first of the season. He made his first "non" quality start of the year last week vs. Detroit, but was still effective enough to go 7+ innings and allow the Giants to get the victory. He only lasted 5 innings Sunday, and although he had 8 strikeouts over the 5 innings, he allowed too many big hits with runners on base. The "Franchise" has now raised his era from a ridiculous 1.99 to 2.54. He's still in line to make the NL all-star squad, but what little chance he had of starting the game for the NL appear to be diminishing after his last 2 outings, coupled with the fact that Edison Volquez just won't slow down. I think it's probably in the Giants best interest that Lincecum doesn't start that game. It seems like every time a young pitcher goes out and starts an all-star game, it's not out of the ordinary for injuries or ineffectiveness to take hold after the game. As a matter of fact, I would love Lincecum to be named to the squad and not throw a single pitch for the National League.

The other two potential Giants' representatives for the all-star game this July seem to be fading just as fast as the team. Bengie Molina and Aaron Rowand have seen their averages drop nearly 30 points over the last few weeks. Molina should still get a spot, but Brian McCann and Russel Martin are starting to pick up their game so the NL will have to carry 3 catchers in order to get in. Rowand had been leading all big league outfielders in batting average through most of May and early June, but he's gone 9-49 with no home runs and 3 RBI over his last 10 games. Even though he probably isn't looking at this 2nd consecutive all-star appearance, the Giants can't complain on what the 30 year-old outfielder has done for them through his first 3 months with the club. Nobody expected Rowand to be an all-star offensive player, but he's been solid with the bat and in the field as well as taking over the clubhouse as one of the Giants' un-official team leaders. Is he worth 12 million dollars a year? Probably not, but I'd rather have him on my team being a little overpaid, than have Dave Roberts and Clay Timpner manning center field for this team.

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