Tim Lincecum Contributing Well Out Of The Bullpen

San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is contributing nicely out of the bullpen this postseason and appears just fine with his role, despite what others may think.

“This isn’t about me,” Lincecum said. “This is about the Giants jersey.”

Lincecum is being a true professional about the entire ordeal even though the media has swarmed him with questions of why he was not named a starter for the World Series. Manager Bruce Bochy made an executive decision to keep the right-hander in the bullpen and go with his gut instinct to start Madison Bumgarner in Game two against the Detroit Tigers. Obviously, the decision has paid off.

Bumgarner pitched brilliantly, in his outing in which he did not allow an earned run and stuck out eight Detroit batters in seven innings of work. Meanwhile, Lincecum has pitched two-and-a-third innings without surrendering a run in one appearance in the World Series.

“We just think [Lincecum] is better served for this club at this point helping us out of the bullpen,” Bochy said.  “He gives us another weapon there.  He’s resilient.  I can use him back‑to‑back days; I can use him three or four innings if necessary.  If something happens, I can start him.  So we think that’s the best way to go right now.”

Many people may not have bought into Bochy’s decision at first, but with the Giants up two games on the Tigers, it is hard to argue with the man. Not to mention, Lincecum has only given up one earned run in eight-and-a-third innings prior to his outing in the World Series.

Personally, I did not like the idea of Lincecum pitching out of the bullpen during the World Series because I believe he could make a bigger impact in the starting rotation. However, after seeing how everyone else has responded around him, I can see why Bochy did what he did.

Some players may not like the idea of surrendering the spotlight on baseball’s biggest stage. However, players such as Lincecum who are willing to take a backseat for the greater good of the team are usually rewarded greatly. The fans of San Francisco will never forget how Lincecum performed on and off the field during the 2012 postseason.

Michael is a MLB and NBA Featured Writer for Rant Sports, but covers topics for various teams in baseball, basketball, and football. Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelTerrill and on Facebook.