Bear
09-13-2008, 10:26 AM
By Andrew Baggarly
MediaNews staff
09/12/2008
SAN DIEGO — Tim Lincecum doesn't have a problem
making an extra start this month. But next spring, he
doesn't plan to push himself.
Even though he'd be in high demand to play in the
World Baseball Classic, Lincecum said participating
in the international competition would compromise
his ability to get ready for the season.
"I'm still young, still trying to get used to this
schedule," Lincecum, 24, said. "To throw something
else in the mix "... that's not something I want to
deal with when I'm still trying to get used to
throwing so many innings, so many games."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy was relieved to hear
Lincecum's stance. Bochy said he already began
fretting about Lincecum participating in the
tournament. While managing the San Diego Padres
in 2006, Bochy saw the toll the WBC took on right-
hander Jake Peavy, who pitched for the U.S. in the
inaugural event.
Peavy had nagging shoulder issues all season, and
Bochy said the WBC contributed to the right-
hander's 11-14 record and 4.09 ERA.
"I think it did," Bochy said. "You're getting geared
up for competition when you're not quite ready. It
does take time to get an arm in shape, and in those
games, there's a lot on the line.
"So yeah, I've thought about it with Timmy. You
learn from experience."
Lincecum said he has no objections to wearing the
stars and stripes. Just not next spring.
"Maybe one day down the road I'll be all for it, but
right now I want to be ready for next season and
that's what I care about," he said. "I don't want there
to be any ifs, ands or buts when it comes to the
season."
Lincecum has made one adjustment while coping
with the long season. He began the year throwing
off a bullpen mound two days after his starts. Now
he throws on the third day, and his sessions are
lighter.
Short hops
After a discussion with pitching coach Dave
Righetti, Bochy said he wouldn't skip or push back
Matt Cain. The right-hander leads the National
League with 3,301 pitches thrown. ... Fred Lewis was
resting after undergoing right foot surgery on
Friday. He must keep weight off his foot for six to
eight weeks. ... Left-hander Madison Bumgarner was
named minor league baseball's Most Spectacular
Pitcher after finishing with a 1.46 ERA, then leading
Augusta to the Low-A South Atlantic League title.
Tim Lincecum knows who signs his pay checks, and it looks like very soon so will Madison Bumgarner!:beerbang:
MediaNews staff
09/12/2008
SAN DIEGO — Tim Lincecum doesn't have a problem
making an extra start this month. But next spring, he
doesn't plan to push himself.
Even though he'd be in high demand to play in the
World Baseball Classic, Lincecum said participating
in the international competition would compromise
his ability to get ready for the season.
"I'm still young, still trying to get used to this
schedule," Lincecum, 24, said. "To throw something
else in the mix "... that's not something I want to
deal with when I'm still trying to get used to
throwing so many innings, so many games."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy was relieved to hear
Lincecum's stance. Bochy said he already began
fretting about Lincecum participating in the
tournament. While managing the San Diego Padres
in 2006, Bochy saw the toll the WBC took on right-
hander Jake Peavy, who pitched for the U.S. in the
inaugural event.
Peavy had nagging shoulder issues all season, and
Bochy said the WBC contributed to the right-
hander's 11-14 record and 4.09 ERA.
"I think it did," Bochy said. "You're getting geared
up for competition when you're not quite ready. It
does take time to get an arm in shape, and in those
games, there's a lot on the line.
"So yeah, I've thought about it with Timmy. You
learn from experience."
Lincecum said he has no objections to wearing the
stars and stripes. Just not next spring.
"Maybe one day down the road I'll be all for it, but
right now I want to be ready for next season and
that's what I care about," he said. "I don't want there
to be any ifs, ands or buts when it comes to the
season."
Lincecum has made one adjustment while coping
with the long season. He began the year throwing
off a bullpen mound two days after his starts. Now
he throws on the third day, and his sessions are
lighter.
Short hops
After a discussion with pitching coach Dave
Righetti, Bochy said he wouldn't skip or push back
Matt Cain. The right-hander leads the National
League with 3,301 pitches thrown. ... Fred Lewis was
resting after undergoing right foot surgery on
Friday. He must keep weight off his foot for six to
eight weeks. ... Left-hander Madison Bumgarner was
named minor league baseball's Most Spectacular
Pitcher after finishing with a 1.46 ERA, then leading
Augusta to the Low-A South Atlantic League title.
Tim Lincecum knows who signs his pay checks, and it looks like very soon so will Madison Bumgarner!:beerbang: