Dodgers News: Los Angeles Attends Tim Lincecum’s Showcase

To most Dodger fans, Tim Lincecum has been a consistent thorn in their side for many years. The “Freak” as they call him, won two Cy Young awards en route to a marvelous tenure with arch rival San Fransisco. In that time, Lincecum was a four-time all star and won three World Series as a part of the dreaded even year magic for the Giants. Then the wheels fell off in 2012. Lincecum pitched in 33 games and had a career worst 5.18 earned run average. The run of bad luck continued all the way up until after the 2015 season. The Giants cut him loose after nine seasons in the bay area.

Lincecum has made several attempts to get back to the big league level, getting picked up by the Angels last season. The comeback had less than marvelous results, giving up 39 earned runs in less than 10 starts. And now the Freak is again trying to work his way back to stardom. Lincecum threw a private showcase on Thursday in front of scouts from at least 15 teams. And from the looks of it, he may be back at the big league level soon:

tim lincecum threw for 25-30 scouts this afternoon in seattle (at least 15 teams, likely 20). said to have thrown 90-93 mph, better than two years ago. chance for a job: improved.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 15, 2018

Most interestingly, the Dodgers were one of the teams known to have scouts on hand for his showcase. This might come as a surprise to fans, but the Dodgers will always look into any bargain arms. Lincecum has a career 3.74 ERA and he could end up being a great pickup. Most scouts are said to be hopeful he will accept a long relief role for his new team. It’s there where his devastating change-up could take on new life.

Analysis

While it may seem like a long shot, the Dodgers could end up being a front-runner for Lincecum’s services. The front office is well known for taking a flyer on low-risk, high-reward bullpen arms, and he could end up being their best bargain yet. Lincecum signed with the Angels for $2.5 million in 2016, and that rate could be cut nearly in half after his performance with them. It will mostly depend on how many teams will be in on him, but he certainly will be receiving a minor league signing.

At that sort of bargain rate for a Cy Young winner, it would be difficult for any team to pass. The Dodgers are absolutely no exception to that.

And how sweet would it be to have him return to dominant form against San Francisco?