MARCH 7: Lincecum can take home an additional $500K in incentives tied to appearances, anther $500K in roster bonuses, $2MM based upon games finished, and $1.5MM for games started, per Jon Heyman of Fan Rag (Twitter links). There’s also a $500K payout if he’s able to earn the nod as the comeback player of the year.
MARCH 6, 10:10pm: Lincecum passed his physical, Heyman tweets. The right-hander has already been at camp in Rangers gear giving interviews, so it seems his deal will likely be announced tomorrow.
12:02pm: The club has confirmed the agreement but says it is not quite finalized and won’t be announced today, as TR Sullivan of MLB.com was among those to tweet.
FEBRUARY 27, 7:21pm: Lincecum’s deal comes with a $1MM base salary and incentives to drive the salary up from that point, Grant tweets.
3:23pm: Lincecum has indeed agreed to a Major League contract, pending a physical, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers plan to utilize Lincecum out of the bullpen, where he could compete for a presently vacant closer’s role. Passan suggested earlier on Twitter that Lincecum could be a relief option in Texas.
2:53pm: The Rangers have struck a deal with righty Tim Lincecum, according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag (via Twitter). Presumably, the contract is of the MLB variety and pending a physical, though details remain unknown at this time. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter) reported the sides were nearing a deal.
Texas has steadily added arms all winter long, rebuilding a pitching staff that entered the offseason with little in the way of certainty. Lincecum, like some of the other newly acquired players, certainly comes with ample uncertainty of his own, but the overall picture of the staff is at the very least much more interesting than it was four months ago.
Lincecum represents a wild card for the Rangers’ staff. He was drubbed for 68 hits and 39 runs in 38 1/3 innings in 2016, did not even pitch in 2017, and has not posted a sub-4.00 ERA since 2011. But Lincecum also had a four-year run (2008 to 2011) as arguably the game’s best pitcher. More importantly, he reportedly impressed scouts with his form and fitness in a recent showcase.
Of equal intrigue to just how the two-time Cy Young winner will look is how the Rangers will use him. The 33-year-old has functioned almost exclusively as a starter throughout his career. But the Rangers’ strategy this winter has been to add flexible hurlers that can contribute multiple innings in any role. There are also some suggestions that Texas could consider utilizing Lincecum in a late-inning capacity, though perhaps the overall impression at this point is that the organization intends to mix and match as circumstances dictate rather than committing to traditional roles.
Dang, nice move by the Rangers.
It’s a VERY desperate move by the Rangers. He had a 9.00+ era last we saw him in Anaheim and I doubt a year away from the game has helped. Hitting 92-93 on the gun is batting practice especially in Texas! This won’t end well.
Low risk high reward he could still be a very good player in the major leagues.
it’s not much of a high reward though is it
It’s low risk if they would have signed him to a minor league deal IMO which this of course is not.
Maybe 5years ago that statement would correct
It’s a million bucks
Welk, since the season hasn’t been played, we do not know.
That’s right. There is nobody in the mlb succeeding with 92-93 in a bullpen with no adrenaline!
How on earth are you monitoring players adrenaline levels?
Oh, that’s right, you’re not.
Or is he monitoring the Ranger bullpen’s adrenaline levels?
Look at past years with Fernando Rodney, Scott Kazmir, or Ryan Madson, who each reinvented themselves and got a few more miles after stepping out and or doing just awful before bouncing back. Anything is possible, especially with pitchers like these
Ha and they all correct themselves after they were with the Angels
What do they have to lose? They’re not a playoff team and won’t be until their farm system is back on its feet. In the meantime they will throw stuff against the wall and see what sticks.
you try going back to work after hip surgery and perfom flawlessly
Tim likely has a edge over someone in average shape physically. He doesn’t have to be perfect! and he doesn’t have to pitch complete game shutouts and no-hitters again.
You ever hit against 90 mph+? I hit against Arrieta, Kershaw, and Tolleson in HS and they were all around 90-92. Another kid, Italiano, sat around 95-98 and he was easier to hit than the three mentioned. Velocity factors in but there is plenty more that goes into the equation. Deceptiveness and bite are the biggest I can think of. Good sign for the Rangers.
Exactly. It’s all about deception and late movement. You could have a lot of break on your curve but if it breaks early, hitters are gonna light you up.
How did you hit against those guys?
Tolleson sat my ass down. I lined a double down the line that I swear was fair that got ruled foul (After a minute of the umps meeting). I then grounded to second. I was an underclassmen and was pinch hitting at the end of the game. We would of won had it been fair. Kershaw was younger and I think I singled and walked off him. My buddy hit a bomb against him, though.
All in all. I’d say Arrieta was the toughest, but Kershaw was a sophomore, I think, so that factors in.
Highland Park. From my hometown
Wow, that’s cool, thanks for sharing. I used to play ball against guys who went on to play MLB and some ex MLB players as well but nobody as cool as those guys. I do remember playing 3B (I was a SS mostly) and this ex MLB player came up who was HUGE. I’m not too proud to tell you I took probably 10 steps back and hoped he didn’t hit it to me, it would have eaten me up!
Nice!
Well i played little League baseball when I was six years old with Jose Cruz Jr! He was SS i was 2B and he batted 2nd & i batted 3rd in the lineup.
Another fun fact, his dad still doesn’t speak English!
Also, are used to play for several years against Josh Beckett. Oh, how did i do? All i gotta say is my friend took him yard but everytime I tell the story, except for now, I say that it was me who took him deep! I don’t tell them that I was close to 0-10 10Ks.
Because you’re the baseball expert of all time…
It’s kind of common knowledge.
See Koji U
Damnit
The Freak!
A little less freakish now. Hope he does well.
I’m shocked. Texas isn’t where most pitchers go to rebuild value. Then again maybe it was the very best offer.
Texas is not a good place for pitchers as the infielders aren’t that great. They are often given a lot of leeway by the official scorers and don’t get errors that they should receive.
Probably an OK team for Tim as the Dodgers will be trying to repeat their very good ’17 and the Rangers don’t seem to be as aggressive lately. They seem to be ok with an OK team on the field. They really have no above average defensive players.
Beltre and Elvis say otherwise
Beltre and Ellllvis are a couple of clowns! They display little respect for the game and the umpires, whom they argue with and make faces and roll their eyes at FREQUENTLY throughout every season.
Dude you have to be joking….
I made this account just to tell you that you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. As someone who watches almost every rangers game I can tell you that even though Elvis and Beltre are clowns they are never disrespectful to umpires nor do they disrespect the game. Adrian Beltre is a national treasure dude. Get over yourself
Nice. Way to go personal on Beltre and Andrus rather than addressing justinkm19’s valid counter-argument to your claim that TEX has “no above average defensive players.”
Well, you certainly have my respect for being an avid fan of the Texas team, Houston.
I have watched many a Rangers game also and they ARE often disrespectful and argumentative with umpires. They are all about themselves, their faces on the big screen and Elllvis has to be out of the dugout on the field and in front the cameras EVERY time another player does something and the camera is focused on that player.
Happens over and over and over! He and Beltre are obnoxious.
National Treasures are not born and bred and enhanced with hgh in other countries.
Delete your account
You are a cancerous troll and I’m not even a Rangers fan
They bring humor to an otherwise boring game.
jrbw you must have a stick up your butt. Beltre and Andrus bring flair to the game that is often times lacking. Please go take some Metamucil so you’ll feel better.
Beltre is a 1st ballot hall of fame player.
Those things they do bring a big entertainment factor and they still play well while doing it.
Let me guess, you were not born in this country
and you must be a new fan to the game of baseball ! Cuz it sure sounds like it in your writing (rambling )!
I have five Gold Gloves.
Plus they play my Astros a whole bunch of times every year which can’t be good for the next 8 to 10 years
While Texas has a rough park factor and is in the AL, they play at some stadiums which suppress runs pretty well (Seattle, Houston and LA Angels). Texas could use another starter and offered him a MLB contract. All told, it’s a good deal for Lincecum.
Hope Lincecum has a great season.
DFA by the end of the season.
By the end? I’m calling by the asb
I’m betting April is when his arm blows out.
Nice group of a-holes you all are.
The freak at home in the launching pad???
Cool. I’ve always been a fan. I hope to see him against the Astros.
Me too. Except we do better against 97mph than 87mpg
Lincecum supposedly preferred pitching in cooler weather, so good luck to him in Texas.
Might be the Texas’ best bargain SP pick up of year. I like him better than Bartolo Colon, Jesse Chavez, Jon Niese, Doug Fister, among many others.
Can’t hurt any more than the other ragtag arms in camp…the old “catch lightening in a bottle” is the prayer for this year’s STrangers.
This would have been huge in 2010
There are reports on Twitter that he could be used out of the bullpen, which I find much more intriguing than the prospect of using him out of the rotation. If he can handle it, that could make him a really nice fit for the Rangers — and could be the best thing long term for the future of what appeared to be a fading career.
All these guys fighting for jobs and this guy gets a major-league contract pfft
No official word if it is a MLB contract or not. I would assume it is very incentive laden. If he is indeed healthy and looked good in his showing to scouts a couple of weeks back, this could be a steal for the Rangers just as easily as it could be a waste of some money. Hope for Lincecum’s sake it is a steal.
MLB’s Heyman reports it is of the MLB variety. Tim says he’ll compete for a bullpen spot and/or closer.
Way to believe in yourself, kid, and be a role model for younger players.
Good luck, Timmy, and may you pitch with a vengeance!
I never minded the guy but hopefully his daddy stays home.
Now I see where it is reported a 1 year MLB deal. Still no details. Still thinking it will have a bunch of incentives involved. Good for Tim.
PS re: Tim’s daddy–never knew about that stuff cause never paid much attention to Lincecum except when he was on TV and I saw him pitch. Googled…LOL some funny stuff.
That’s because he’s not insane like Jake Arrieta who thinks he’s going to get an 8 year $200+ million dollar deal from the Phillies…
Because they like him better. When you have a team, you can sign who you want.
Tell us, who would you have preferred that wanted to play thete, fits the roll and woyld sign for a million.
Maybe he is finally healthy again. For his sake, I hope it is the case and he is back close to where he was. before the hip issues. Was fun to watch him when he was right.
Who’s next, Johan Santana? Cliff Lee? Matt Cain?
Lincecum never said that he had retired. You’ve named some CY Award winners and WS hereos – those being accomplishments that Lincecum also has achieved.
Gaylord Perry wants to make a comeback he’s been working on an underhand knuckleball
Well, let him have a showcase and we shall see.
He had an insane change up in his prime. I could see him being effective for two innings at a time from the pen.
More like two pitches
rangers are gearing up to make a run at the 2010 world series.
There IS a reason that several major league organizations watched his pitching session and came away with very positive opinions as to his ability to ‘re-invent’ his career!!! More strength, adjusted mechanics…..scouting and player development from several organizations were very impressed and know tons more about the player than ‘easy to pre-judge’ idiots in this forum! I can’t wait to see what he can do for the Rangers!!!
Well, obviously we didn’t watch this showcase. He has had declining velocity and control for years. We will see if he can reinvent himself; most pitchers cannot but occasionally some can and maybe he is one who can. I doubt he will; the list of pitchers ho were terrible for years and then became good again is pretty short, but he seems like a good guy and I hope he succeeds.
Well said David. I don’t believe Randy knows any of that stuff he posted about what the organizations thought. There’s a reason it’s the Rangers because they’ll definitely be in the cellar.
Delete your account if they aren’t.
You go busta-move
Actually, it was widely reported that a lot of teams were impressed.
Non contenders are rhe logical place, especially if you want a big league deal
He’s going to blow his arm out, any week now. Good for him for getting one last check. No one suddenly gains velo as they get older unless they are over-exerting themselves. We know what happens when that happens.
Don’t worry: you’ll always be less relevant than they ever could be.
I always get a laugh at some of the things people post on stories like this. People seem to forget when last seen how brutally bad this guy was. Does anyone actually think a little time is gonna help him be any better? It’s truly a shame he’s getting any kind of MLB contract vs FA that still don’t have a job or others that received MILB contracts. Glad the Yankees didn’t offer him squat.
You seem fun
Were they all willing to sign with that team, in rhat role and for that money?
The freak is back……go get ‘em Timmy!
The Arlington Rangers are going to be bad again.
Just glad this didn’t happen to the Dodgers
Boston should have signed him…rather have him than Pomeranz/Wright/ERod
Wonder if opponents will gift him rocking chairs and golf clubs in pregame ceremonies for this last hurrah. J/k. I say he is injured or retires before the end of July.
Why would they do that? He hasn’t announced some farewell tour.
Wow
I wish Timmy all the luck and hope he does well for the Rangers. Good luck Freak hope you comeback is successful
Let Timmy Smoke!
Rangers pitching coach has his work cut out for him this season..
In Texas starters become relievers, relievers become starters….
Cats
and Dogs living in sin….
He’s big time again
Have a feeling he’s gonna be a solid closer from here on out. Still think he can be electric.
Wanna bet? He’ll be atrocious in Texas and everyone in here who claimed he would be good will be the first to berate the Rangers for signing a has been. There’s 80 free agents still available and Texas signs him? Another team not trying to compete.
Exactly
They aren’t going to contend.
Who would have signed for one million, with them and for a somewhat undefinec role?
Mike Pelfrey is available to be your teams closer, too. He throws just as hard. Plus, he would accept a minor league contract.
Then buy the team and sign him.
Well I was wrong! Lol
Takes a big man, terror!
Wish the orioles would have taken the chance
JT you could add Shawn Tolleson to the list of “steadily added arms.”
The AL west just got happier
Low risk, potential for reward. I think the Rangers have a tough climb to get to the playoffs but if Lincecum is a decent reliever the Rangers could flip him in July.
After his past few years, it may be low risk, but its also low potential. Other than KC getting lucky with Davis, give me an example of a complete disaster of a starter becoming a closer. (Davis was actually a reliever previously)
Brad Hand? Andrew Miller?
Just off the top of my head I know Joe Nathan and Keith Foulke began as starters with the Giants and seemed to do much better as closers. I’m sure there’s plenty more.
Wow, I just realized there were 3 former crappy Marlins starters in last year’s All-Star Game in Hand, Miller, and Jason Vargas. Huh.
Kerry Wood
Ummmm Rivera
For what? Used laundry towels?
I bet Nolan Ryan could still hit 90
Lincecum a closer? Interesting
My question is, why offer a major league deal to Tim Lincecum?
Because…
Did anyone else notice how freaking jacked Tim got for this comeback? I wonder if carrying all that extra upper body muscle will help or hurt his pitches against live batters.
The Rangers really are in awful shape, damn they fell off into irrelevance so quick.
All contracts should have a base and then incentives; you must have to produce to get high-end salaries. Obviously wishful thinking…
Then the money just goes to the owners who approved the signing of non-performing players. No thanks.
Now sign Brian Wilson.
Good to see the rangers solidify their rotation with a true ace! Lincecums fastball peaked at 98mph over the winter, which goes to show he still has gas left in the tank.
Lincecum was not throwing 98 at his off-season tryout. Multiple sources say he’s throwing in the 90-93 range. While that’s a large jump from when he was hitting the mid-to-high 80’s in his last major league showing, he’s never been a really hard thrower, even in his prime. Plus, he’s not been a “true ace” since 2011, and an resume doesn’t mean he’s still good, and he won’t be in their rotation.
First and foremost I gurantee Tim will make it into their rotation before the all-star break, there are very achievable goals in place that he must reach to be added to the rotation, once he meets those easily achievable goals he will immediately be moved into a starting role, no this is no BS I have sources with great knowledge of the lincecum deal. Secondly, off season tryout? I’m assuming you are referring to Tims showcase? You are correct he did not hit 98 at the showcase. I never said it was at the showcase, I said it was over the winter. Tim is a very ace capable pitcher, he’s a lot better than many of you think. Screenshot my comment and mark my words, Tim makes the rotation before the allstar break, unless he suffers a long term injury it’s a guarantee.
“”he did not hit 98 at the showcase. I never said it was at the showcase”…you did a week ago….
When will you stop……here are some of your blasts from the past…
FriendOfBoras 1 week ago
Lincecum likely to get a minor league deal? lol is this guy nuts!?!? Lincecum is a top of the rotation ace and will draw several high dollar offers. This isn’t the old lincecum, he touched 98mph during his show showcase! His slider is nastier than ever! And scouts and team representatives in attendance were blown away…..other than the Yankees apparently. Lincecum is a beast! I just hope my cubbies pick him up. link to mlbtraderumors.com
FriendOfBoras 2 weeks ago
Lincecum will be going to the Cubs, 1 year 7 million, 1 million dollar buyout.
JasonPen 2 weeks ago
Cubs have no room on the roster, and no scout at the showcase…
FriendOfBoras 2 weeks ago
None that your aware of, I have insider information! Do you think I’m just making this crap up!?!
link to mlbtraderumors.com
There is more. Shall I go on?
I have insider information that FriendofBoras is delusional. My sources? Everyone that read his comments.
I really hate all these ignorant trolls.
Lincecum threw 98mph and he will be in the rotation before all-star break. Copy, paste and save that one. That’s verified information.
When did he throw 98 on the mound this winter (not getting a running start, like Trevor Bauer did in a video)? Show me where you read that, because he clearly didn’t do it at his showcase.
mlb1225…..If he bothers to answer he will say “I don’t have to share my sources with you or anyone” …”I have insider information”. That has been his go to response before when pressured. He is just a new style troll. He makes up things to see how many will bite and mixes it in with “normal” posts occasionally. Even after Tim’s showcase he insisted that he threw 97 during the showcase despite all the reports.
If the rangers stick to having a 6 man rotation they are going to need multiple guys out of the bullpen who can go 2+ innings.. I think his hip is fully healed now that he has had time away from the game and his stuff will probably play up a little pitching in short stints as opposed to starting.. With the rangers going nowhere anyways this is a fun name for fans of the team to follow and maybe with full health and throwing less pitches he can be effective again.. There’s no risk, this is exactly the type of move Texas should be making ATM
Thank you, Rangers.
Sincerely, Every Dodger Fan
Lincecum sucks. He was amazing for 2 years, really good another 2 years, and god awful the rest of his career. Not sure why teams still think he has something left in the tank. All evidence is to the contrary. I know it’s a low risk move, but he’s eating up a roster spot on a major league contract. I don’t see it being a good add for the Rangers.
hes better than you
Oh if he is better then us commentors then Milkman thinks its a good signing. Ok. Whatever
Just because “he’s better than you” doesn’t mean he’s immune to criticism.
and that doesn’t mean you’re immune from “better than you” comments
I know, I am not immune to criticism, just like you, or anyone else that uses this site, or any major league ball player. I’m just saying because he’s better, doesn’t mean he’s immune to criticism.
i am stating pure FACTS baby,. unlike most posts in this forum.
Pure irrelevant facts that have no point. Wow milkman is so special
Mlb1225 wrigleywannabe makes no valid point. You did make a valid point
Because the teams watchef the showcase and thought so.
Rosyer space, shmoster schmace. If he is so bad and a guy can’t beat him out….
let timmy smoke baby!
Is that milkman from horse machine ranch road?
big time timmy jim!
I wonder if he regained his command, which was his biggest issue before.
Rangers are in need of more hair with AJ Griffin’s departure.
Go Timmy! Love the idea of him becoming a dominant closer. Same goes for former struggling Giant Jake Peavy.
haha nice youre hammered. fun
Called this one
Sure you and 1000 others called it
Dominate. That would be tight af. #55
Ew.
Speak for yourself Collin!! I follow the team all the way through low A level and have familiarity with farm system and it was widely posted by several in the industry that Lincecum was impressive to most all of the upwards of 15 teams that sent scouts to the showcase!!!!
If Charlie Morton can do it, Tim can too! Good luck!
Why?
They are looking for early draft picks
Big Time Timmy Jim!!
Ok Texas fan he will pitcher in relief he won’t be your best pitcher out of your pen until his arm goes dead
Tim is going to be 44 in honor of his late brother, I hope he does amazing. Love a good comeback story.
As a 20+ year giants fan, I wish lincecum nothing but the best. That said, I was part of the group that thought lincecum should move to the pen and take over the closer role from Brian Wilson when he left. Lincecum has closer stuff, his starts were good for 1-2 innings before he lost it. Can’t help but feel the giants missed out. Of course, this was before being a reliever was cool, back when the big4 in the giants pen were the scariest in baseball.
If they roll him out as a SP then other teams player will hurt themselves fighting for the bats to hit against him. Maybe reliever is only way he makes team?
Mlb12225 how was Lincecum never really a hard thrower? did you not watch him in his prime ? He would hit 95-97 consistintly and could even gear it up to 100, hence why his nickname was THE FREAK.
Avg FB speed 2007 – 94.5….. 2008 – 94.6….2009 – 93.1….. 2010 – 92.2…. 2011 – 93.1
That’s how.
link to fangraphs.com
Bumped again! This post will never make it off the front page.
Are they signing him everyday?
Yes they’re signing him to several smaller contracts instead of one
He hasn’t found the plate in 6 years. No matter he can break 90 again, here’s a major league contract. smh
He had his chance with the Angeles for a come back in the American League and he got shelled. He could not find the plate, his velocity was down and his curve did not break. Not sure if this was a good baseball move by the Rangers. Wonder if he showed a lot of improvement because he did spend a lot of time trying to get his body ready when the Angeles gave him a try.
I’m surprised this isn’t a long term deal to be honest. Should have locked him in, he will have excellent trade value by the end of the season.
FriendOfBoras……How can you be surprised…a week ago you said…”I have sources with great knowledge of the lincecum deal.” Then again a few weeks ago you said….. .”Lincecum will be going to the Cubs, 1 year 7 million, 1 million dollar buyout.” and “I have insider information! Do you think I’m just making this crap up!?!” To answer your question….yes we do know you are just making crap up. You have never stated one fact yet.