Lincecum's Postseason Move To Bullpen Could Hold For Future
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS Sports)-- The San Francisco Giants won't look to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, according to people familiar with the situation. But another type move at some point -- to the bullpen to become closer -- can't be ruled out at this point.
"No way he'll be traded. Do you see how the fans respond to him?'' one person connected to the Giants said.
Lincecum's unreal popularity in this town is one reason the Giants won't trade him. The other major hindrance to a trade is his contractual situation. Lincecum has a year to go at $21.5 million on his deal before he becomes a free agent after the 2013 season, and after his surprisingly poor regular season as a starter no team could be expected to absorb that salary without some sort of offset.
There have been reported suggestions he might be traded or at least shopped. But a move to the bullpen at some point is much more logical.
READ MORE details from CBS Sports Baseball Insider Jon Heyman...
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