Tim Lincecum can't find his groove

CUBS 8 - GIANTS 6

The San Francisco Giants are trying to get things figured out.  One day it's their offense.  The next day it's Tim Lincecum.

I would say 10 runs in two games would constitute a solid offensive output.  The Giants at this point in the season are what they are.  A subpar offensive group that when a few guys get hot, Posey and Sandoval last night, are a club capable of putting a few runs on the board.  Usually that is enough to win the game given the outstanding pitching they get from the starters.

Except last night.

I can't tell you how shocking it was to see Lincecum give up 4 runs in the first inning last night. Especially when you consider that he gave up four runs in the first inning for the ENTIRE SEASON last year!  Now to get some perspective on Lincecum's struggles I encourage you to read this post from McCovey chronicles which basically tells us that we are spoiled by the greatness that is Tim Lincecum.

Tim's problems are more in his head than anything physical.  In just about every game recap that I read on last night's game they mention that Tim has been trying to wean himself from the help of past coaches and his father who helped him develop his unusual delivery.  The SF Chronicle even quotes him as saying "I'm 26. I don't need a babysitter anymore."

Well Tim I hate to tell you:

Talk to the people who got you there!  You sound like a little whiny kid when you say you don't want to talk to the people who can help you most.  Sure you are 26 years old and are making $9 million this season but if you want another big contract after next season then you need to shut up and call your dad.  Never before this season have I heard of Lincecum messing with his motion so much.  I have also never heard of him giving up 2 homeruns in a game and then 4 runs in the first inning in back-to-back starts either.  He even admits to himself that the problem is in his head and I think the fact that he is inexplicably avoiding talking to his dad has something to do with his struggles this season.  I wonder how much the pot incident in the off-season has strained their relationship?

All of this talk of Lincecum's struggles has overshadowed the performance of the teams other phenom Buster Posey.  Buster was 3 for 5 and drove in four runs last night.  After a little mini slump in Atlanta he is back and producing.  Buster has become the Giants leader on offense.  As Buster goes so goes the Giants offense.  It's a lot to put on the shoulder pads of a 23 year old rookie, but I think he can handle it.