In this post, I answered questions presented by Pat Gallen of Phillies Nation. Click the link to see answers from other bloggers. If you have a question, please e-mail me at amanda@swingandalongdrive.com.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how worried are you to face the Giants (10 being most worried, 1 being least worried)?
I'd give it an 8. Comparing offenses, the Reds are superior to the Giants. However, when it comes to pitching, there is no argument; the Giants have one of the best staffs in the league. They led the majors with a 3.36 team ERA, .236 batting average against, and 1331 strikeouts.
Tim Lincecum had a "down year," but his 14 strikeouts/complete game shutout in the NLDS indicate what he is capable of. He'll remain a top pitchers for several years. It goes beyond Lincecum, though. Actually, Matt Cain was better, posting a 3.14 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. The pitching doesn't stop there. Jonathan Sanchez, another strikeout pitcher, had a 3.07 ERA this season. The Phillies arguably have the edge with a 1-2-3 punch of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, but the Giants are not too far behind.
The Phillies clearly put up the better offensive numbers. The Giants no longer have Barry Bonds, or anybody that puts up a huge power display, although they do have a good core of players that can hurt opposing pitchers. This year's Giants offense is much improved as opposed to the past few years. Pablo Sandoval didn't live up to his expectations this year, but he is always a threat. Aubrey Huff had a very good year. Rookie Buster Posey has yet to let anybody down. While the Giants may not have the best offensive numbers as a team, they do have guys then can cause some damage.
What one player do you fear the most?
Tim Lincecum is an obvious pick, but I'll go with Jonathan Sanchez who is 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA in nine career games against the Phillies. He has 40 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. As a whole, the Phillies have collected a batting average of .175 against Sanchez.
Showing posts with label Lincecum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lincecum. Show all posts
Lincecum Wins NL Cy
For the second consecutive year, Tim Lincecum wins the National League Cy Young Award, and deservedly so. Lincecum helped anchor the San Francisco Giants' pitching staff, which was one of the best in baseball.Lincecum is the eighth pitcher in major league history to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards. The 25-year earned 100 points, edging Chris Carpenter (94 pts.) and Adam Wainwright (90 pts.).
Lincecum started 32 games (225.1 innings pitched). He went 15-7 with a 2.48 earned run average. He led the National League in strikeouts, with 261 (10.5 strike outs per nine). He had a 1.05 WHIP. Opponents batted .206 against him.
Lincecum faced a lot of controversy since the season ended, but not for what he did on the field. Lincecum was cited earlier this month for possession of marijuana. (Dock Ellis, anyone?) Lincecum says that he regrets his actions, but will have a hearing in December. In the meantime, he'll be celebrating his Cy Young Award and prepare for 2010.
The Old Goat Beats The Freak
As seen on Phillies Nation.
Pedro Martinez is a three-time Cy Young Award winner. In his young career, Tim Lincecum already has one and is a legitimate contender for the award this season. Both pitchers proved why they have trophies on their mantles, but the Old Goat out-dueled The Freak.
On the very first pitch of the game, Eugenio Velez sent a fly ball into the right-center field seats. The Giants don't need much run support when Tim Lincecum is on the mound, who previously shutout the Phillies.
In the second inning, Jayson Werth hit his 30th home run of the year, an upper deck moonshot to left. The pitching took care of the rest.
Pedro struck out seven betters through the first three innings. He finished with nine strikeouts in seven innings. He allowed only one run on five hits. He did not walk a batter.
Lincecum was just as impressive, striking out eleven in seven innings. He gave up four hits and walked one, but Ryan Howard came up with the biggest hit of the night.
Chase Utley was plunked, which was followed by Howard's double into the right-center field gap. Utley hustled around the bases, scoring the go-ahead run.
It hasn't been easy when the game is left to the back end of the bullpen. Ryan Madson pitched a quick eighth inning, and it was up to Brad Lidge.
Lidge was able to get two quick outs and jump ahead 0-2 against Randy Winn, but Winn squeaked a single past the glove of a diving Chase Utley. Juan Uribe walked, and all of a sudden the go-ahead run was on base. Fred Lewis chopped a ball to second, but Utley played it perfectly and tagged out Uribe. Lidge secured his 28th save of the year, and third in a row.
The game flew, lasting only two hours and eight minutes. If you prefer pitchers' duels over slug-fests, then this was the series for you. Thanks to a stellar performance from a future Hall of Famer, the Phillies took the rubber-match of the series, 2-1. The Phillies only scored three runs during the entire series, but it was enough to take two out of three games.
Pedro Martinez is a three-time Cy Young Award winner. In his young career, Tim Lincecum already has one and is a legitimate contender for the award this season. Both pitchers proved why they have trophies on their mantles, but the Old Goat out-dueled The Freak.On the very first pitch of the game, Eugenio Velez sent a fly ball into the right-center field seats. The Giants don't need much run support when Tim Lincecum is on the mound, who previously shutout the Phillies.
In the second inning, Jayson Werth hit his 30th home run of the year, an upper deck moonshot to left. The pitching took care of the rest.
Pedro struck out seven betters through the first three innings. He finished with nine strikeouts in seven innings. He allowed only one run on five hits. He did not walk a batter.
Lincecum was just as impressive, striking out eleven in seven innings. He gave up four hits and walked one, but Ryan Howard came up with the biggest hit of the night.
Chase Utley was plunked, which was followed by Howard's double into the right-center field gap. Utley hustled around the bases, scoring the go-ahead run.
It hasn't been easy when the game is left to the back end of the bullpen. Ryan Madson pitched a quick eighth inning, and it was up to Brad Lidge.
Lidge was able to get two quick outs and jump ahead 0-2 against Randy Winn, but Winn squeaked a single past the glove of a diving Chase Utley. Juan Uribe walked, and all of a sudden the go-ahead run was on base. Fred Lewis chopped a ball to second, but Utley played it perfectly and tagged out Uribe. Lidge secured his 28th save of the year, and third in a row.
The game flew, lasting only two hours and eight minutes. If you prefer pitchers' duels over slug-fests, then this was the series for you. Thanks to a stellar performance from a future Hall of Famer, the Phillies took the rubber-match of the series, 2-1. The Phillies only scored three runs during the entire series, but it was enough to take two out of three games.
No Rain In Forecast For Rubbermatch
For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.
San Francisco Giants (73-60) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-54)
Tim Lincecum (13-4, 2.33) vs. Pedro Martinez (2-0, 4.50 ERA)
Pedro Martinez will be glad to hear that there is no rain in tonight's forecast. However, with Tim Lincecum on the mound, a long rain delay doesn't sound like a bad idea.
The Phillies bats need to wake up for the rubber match of the series. They've scored only one run during the entire series, and 11 in the last six games. It will not be easy to manufacture runs off, arguably, the best pitcher in the National League. Like Brad Penny last night, Lincecum pitched eight scoreless innings against the Phillies this season.
Ryan Howard has two home runs in his career against Lincecum. Randy Winn is 6-for-9 with 4 RBI against Pedro since 2004.
In case you have not seen David Wright's ridiculous looking helmet that is mandatory for all minor leaguers next season, don't be surprised to see Shane Victorino sporting a large, "Great Gazoo" type helmet. Victorino will be trying out the new helmet tonight. As usual, Shane will bat second in the lineup. Victorino is batting .267 with a home run in 15 at-bats against Lincecum.
San Francisco Giants (73-60) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-54) Tim Lincecum (13-4, 2.33) vs. Pedro Martinez (2-0, 4.50 ERA)
Pedro Martinez will be glad to hear that there is no rain in tonight's forecast. However, with Tim Lincecum on the mound, a long rain delay doesn't sound like a bad idea.
The Phillies bats need to wake up for the rubber match of the series. They've scored only one run during the entire series, and 11 in the last six games. It will not be easy to manufacture runs off, arguably, the best pitcher in the National League. Like Brad Penny last night, Lincecum pitched eight scoreless innings against the Phillies this season.
Ryan Howard has two home runs in his career against Lincecum. Randy Winn is 6-for-9 with 4 RBI against Pedro since 2004.
In case you have not seen David Wright's ridiculous looking helmet that is mandatory for all minor leaguers next season, don't be surprised to see Shane Victorino sporting a large, "Great Gazoo" type helmet. Victorino will be trying out the new helmet tonight. As usual, Shane will bat second in the lineup. Victorino is batting .267 with a home run in 15 at-bats against Lincecum.
Lincecum Wins Pitchers' Duel
Originally posted on Phillies Nation.
It was a treat on Friday night to watch a reigning Cy Young winner. From a Phillies standpoint, Saturday night wasn't as fun with a different reigning Cy Young winner on the mound.
The Phillies were shutout for the second time in four days, but Tim Lincecum deserves loads of credit. He pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed seven hits and one walk. He struck out eight and his ERA lowered to 2.18. Tonight further proved why Lincecum is one of the best, young pitchers in the game, silencing a potent Phillies lineup.
Joe Blanton didn't pitch badly and kept pace in the pitchers' duel. He gave up two earned runs in seven innings. He allowed seven hits, but majority were bloop hits. He allowed only one extra base hit and did not walk a batter. He struck out five. He was the tough-luck loser as the Phillies continue to slump with runners in scoring position. On the current road trip, the Phillies are hitting .103 (6-for-56) with RISP.
Juan Uribe has quietly been trouble. He broke up Cliff Lee's no-hitter (double) and shutout (run scored) last night. Tonight, his two sacrifice flies put the Giants ahead, 2-0. Aaron Rowand scored on the first sac fly at a close play at the plate. Matt Stairs caught a shallow fly and fired home, but the throw was a tad wide and Rowand slid past Paul Bako, who could not apply the tag. (Injuries to Shane Victorino, knee, and Carlos Ruiz, thumb, made room for Stairs and Bako in the lineup).
Tim Lincecum doesn't need much support. Two runs were plenty. Brian Wilson closed the game with an easy 1-2-3 save as the Giants moved past the Phillies, 2-0. The Giants took a 2-1 series lead over the Phils, who hope to even it out tomorrow.
It was a treat on Friday night to watch a reigning Cy Young winner. From a Phillies standpoint, Saturday night wasn't as fun with a different reigning Cy Young winner on the mound.The Phillies were shutout for the second time in four days, but Tim Lincecum deserves loads of credit. He pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed seven hits and one walk. He struck out eight and his ERA lowered to 2.18. Tonight further proved why Lincecum is one of the best, young pitchers in the game, silencing a potent Phillies lineup.
Joe Blanton didn't pitch badly and kept pace in the pitchers' duel. He gave up two earned runs in seven innings. He allowed seven hits, but majority were bloop hits. He allowed only one extra base hit and did not walk a batter. He struck out five. He was the tough-luck loser as the Phillies continue to slump with runners in scoring position. On the current road trip, the Phillies are hitting .103 (6-for-56) with RISP.
Juan Uribe has quietly been trouble. He broke up Cliff Lee's no-hitter (double) and shutout (run scored) last night. Tonight, his two sacrifice flies put the Giants ahead, 2-0. Aaron Rowand scored on the first sac fly at a close play at the plate. Matt Stairs caught a shallow fly and fired home, but the throw was a tad wide and Rowand slid past Paul Bako, who could not apply the tag. (Injuries to Shane Victorino, knee, and Carlos Ruiz, thumb, made room for Stairs and Bako in the lineup).
Tim Lincecum doesn't need much support. Two runs were plenty. Brian Wilson closed the game with an easy 1-2-3 save as the Giants moved past the Phillies, 2-0. The Giants took a 2-1 series lead over the Phils, who hope to even it out tomorrow.
Lincecum a Tough Task for Phils
For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.
Philadelphia Phillies (59-42) at San Francisco Giants (56-47)
Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11 ERA) vs. Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.30 ERA)
Last night, the reigning American League Cy Young award winner was on the mound. Tonight, the reigning National League Cy Young winner is on the hill.
Tim Lincecum is making a run for another Cy Young Award. The 25 year old is 11-3 with a 2.30 ERA, 183 strikeouts, 1.05 WHIP and he has limited opponents to a .214 average. Lincecum is 1-0 with a 4.68 career ERA in 25 innings against the Phillies.. However, in two starts last season, he was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA against the Phillies.
Joe Blanton may not have a Cy Young trophy sitting on his mantle, but he has been pitching extremely well as of late. He is coming off a spectacular month of July where he gave up only four runs in 29.1 innings. He'll look to continue his dominance into August. Blanton has struggled in his career against the Giants, though. He is 1-2 with a 5.74 ERA against San Francisco.
The Phillies are having a tough time hitting with runners in scoring position, and it won't be easy for them to turn around those struggles tonight. With Lincecum and Blanton pitching, the last thing expected is a high scoring game.
Philadelphia Phillies (59-42) at San Francisco Giants (56-47) Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11 ERA) vs. Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.30 ERA)
Last night, the reigning American League Cy Young award winner was on the mound. Tonight, the reigning National League Cy Young winner is on the hill.
Tim Lincecum is making a run for another Cy Young Award. The 25 year old is 11-3 with a 2.30 ERA, 183 strikeouts, 1.05 WHIP and he has limited opponents to a .214 average. Lincecum is 1-0 with a 4.68 career ERA in 25 innings against the Phillies.. However, in two starts last season, he was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA against the Phillies.
Joe Blanton may not have a Cy Young trophy sitting on his mantle, but he has been pitching extremely well as of late. He is coming off a spectacular month of July where he gave up only four runs in 29.1 innings. He'll look to continue his dominance into August. Blanton has struggled in his career against the Giants, though. He is 1-2 with a 5.74 ERA against San Francisco.
The Phillies are having a tough time hitting with runners in scoring position, and it won't be easy for them to turn around those struggles tonight. With Lincecum and Blanton pitching, the last thing expected is a high scoring game.
NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum
In mid-September, Swing and a Long Drive discussed who should win the Cy Young in 2008. Yes, the stats have changed slightly since the time of that article, but not enough to change our minds. Tim Lincecum was our pick, and Tim Lincecum is the 2008 National League Cy Young winner.Lincecum received 137 points to win the Cy Young. He beat out Brandon Webb, who finished second with 73 points. Johan Santana followed Webb, and Brad Lidge and Ryan Dempster followed Lincecum.
Not exactly, our top 5 as Santana, Hamels and Dempster should have finished in front of Webb, but Lincecum deservedly won the Cy Young, so that is all that matters.
Lincecum, 18-5, finished the year with a 2.62 ERA for the San Francisco Giants in 227 IP. He led all of baseall with 265 strikeouts. He had a WHIP of 1.17 and batters hit just .221 off him.
This could be the first Cy Young of many for Lincecum. Lincecum is just 24 years of age, and is dominating at the Major League level.
The Cy
Now that the NL MVP has been discussed, who deserves the National League Cy Young Award?Brandon Webb leads the league in wins with 21. Does that make him the NL Cy Young? Absolutely not.
Wins are a bad stat to use. A pitcher could win every game, but allow ten runs in 5 innings. On the other hand, a pitcher could pitch a complete game, allow only one run, and still earn the loss. It's a team stat. It's all about the run support.
However, Webb also has some pretty good numbers.
At 21-7, Webb has an ERA of 3.26. He struck out 170 and has a WHIP of 1.19. Opponents are batting .241 against Webb.
But do his numbers match Tim Lincecum? Tim Lincecum is my pick for the Cy.
Linecum's 10.14 K/9 beat out Webb's 7.19 K/9.
The sophomore is 17-4, with the San Francisco Giants, a weak team. His ERA is 2.46, the league leading among NL starting pitchers.
To go along with that, Lincecum currently leads all of baseball in strikeouts with 243.
He is 5th in the league in innings pitched with 215.2. His WHIP is 1.15 and opponents are hitting just .220 against the righty.
Johan Santana, Ryan Dempster and Cole Hamels, should all finish behind Lincecum in the voting, but ahead of Webb.
CC Sabathia could also be in the top voting, due to his dominance after the trade from Cleveland.
In 217.1 IP, Santana's ERA is 2.65. He struck out 187, and his WHIP is 1.17.
Hamels has an ERA of 3.10. He struck out 189 and his WHIP is 1.08
Dempster, who moved from the bullpen to the rotation for the Cubs, pitched 196.2 innings. He has an ERA of 3.02 and a WHIP of 1.22. He struck out 182.
What about Brad Lidge? Well I will tell you about Brad Lidge.
Lidge has only pitched 65.1 innings. His ERA is a minuscule 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.19. He struck out 84 batters. He has struck out an amazing 11.57 batters per 9 innings.
However, relief pitchers do not pitch enough innings, in my opinion, to qualify for Cy Young contention. Rolaids Relief Man of the Year? Yes. He'd be my pick.
There are some other pitchers I didn't mention who may be in the voting, but nobody comes close to "The Franchise."