San Francisco Giants' Tim Lincecum Is Motivated

Last Friday, I was able to attend the San Francisco Giants Media Day at AT&T Park. All the media swarmed around Tim Lincecum to hear what he had to say, and see if he really chopped off his long hair.

I can confirm that he definitely cut off his long hair, and he was rocking some glasses as well. Lincecum is definitely motivated this year, and thinks going after quicker outs should help. He’s so serious about this upcoming season that he even started working with a personal trainer for the first time in his career.

“I’d like to put on a little bit of weight you know, but it’s not necessarily the weight that’s gonna help me. It’s the strength with the weight, so pound-for-pound I want to be strong. I don’t just want to be 180 pounds soft,” said Lincecum.

Yesterday was the first bullpen session for Lincecum, and he was paired up with Buster Posey. Sounds like manager Bruce Bochy’s trying to pair these guys together as much as possible before the season starts. I’m sure he doesn’t want to force Posey to play first or take a day off when Lincecum is on the mound.

Lincecum is in a contract year, and I’m sure that’s another reason he’s so motivated this year. I expect Lincecum to have a bounce back season, and get back to elite status. This is perfect timing for his free agency. Lincecum could get himself back in a great place at the end of the season, and have teams drooling over him. If the Giants do fall out of the playoff race; GM Brian Sabean could possibly try to move Lincecum at the trading deadline for prospects. Only time will tell how this story ends for Lincecum.