In The Land of Giants: Redempetion & Re-signing

Brian Wilson and Tim Lincecum couldn't be more different. Lincecum shuns the spotlight while Wilson (and you can tell from just listening to him talk) embraces it. Yet although they're almost complete opposites, they have something in common. Both will be seeking redemption in the upcoming season. Although the Giants swept the Tigers in the World Series in dominant fashion, neither Wilson or Lincecum had the kind of season they planned.

TIM LINCECUM

For Tim Lincecum, the two-time CY young, didn't exactly look like the recipient of such an award. At least not statistically. With an ERA of 5.60 and WHIP of 1.50, Lincecum had what some would say a "freakish" amount of poor performances on the mound. Not to mention the Giants only won 4 out of the 16 games that Timmy started. That hasn't set well with many, especially considering a two-time CY Young winner had one of the worst ever years (statistically) for a pitcher. Some blame it on his frame. Timmy's hardly built like most pitchers, therefore he lacks power and at times stamina. Some blame it on his "estranged-no-one-wants-to-talk-about" relationship with Buster Posey. No matter what fans, reporters, and bloggers want to blame it on - Lincecum is in a funk. And he knows it. He's expressed that the losses in 2012's season have taken it's toll on him.

With a new haircut, newfound confidence, and the looming clouds from 2012, I think these are key factors in unleashing "The Freak" again. I think Timmy will be driven by the fact that his previous season was not that of a CY Young winner. He's got passion and heart for the game which is important, but he's gotta work on his arm strength and stamina. Since he's probably one of the smallest pitchers in the league, he can't rely much on power. 

All in all, I say keep Lincecum where he is (despite rumors of him being demoted).  He knows how to pitch and how to pitch well. He just needs to make adjustments to get back to form.

BRIAN WILSON

While Tim Lincecum didn't have a stellar season last year, his teammate Brian Wilson didn't have much of a season - at all. Wilson pitched two innings before his season was ended due to injury, which resulted in his second Tommy John surgery. Not only will Wilson be looking to have a better season, he'll be looking to actually finishing the season. But where? 

The closer is now a free agent (cue Tom Hanks in "Cast Away" yelling to his volleyball friend) and rumors have been circling of where he'll end up. And after a recent run-in with TMZ (which is one of the first videos to capture Wilson who's been M.I.A. ever since his free agency) Wilson was asked if he'd ever shave his beard if the Yankees wanted to sign him, Wilson responded: "I'm from Boston". And anyone who knows baseball knows that Boston natives hate the Yankees. So it's safe to say, Wilson won't be joining the Bronx Bombers.

Wilson is a 30-year old free agent with two Tommy John surgeries and a nonexistent 2012 season. On paper, that doesn't exactly look attractive. That's why there isn't a battle between ball clubs to sign him. Wilson reportedly pitched for the Mets in the offseason, but they weren't impressed and decided to pass. And the reason Wilson has found himself testing the waters of free agency is because he wanted more guaranteed money that Giants weren't willing to give him. Recent talks have made it seem that Wilson's relationship with San Francisco is dead in the water.

However, manager Bruce Bochy has stated that the Giants haven't closed the door on Wilson. I think this is a smart move by the Giants considering the fact that Mr. "Fear The Beard" is an important part of the Giants dynasty. Since becoming a free agent, the Giants have moved onto Sergio Romo. Make sense considering Romo was instrumental in the Giants World series win, striking out the Tiger's power hitter Miguel Cabrera. As much of a Giants fan that I am, who knows if Romo will have the same success in 2013 as he did in 2012. For all we know, he could be a one-hit wonder.

Brian Wilson, when healthy, is a more than a solid closer. The guy can come across as cocky (watch his interview about "Got Heeem" for reference), but he backs it up when he gets on the mound. Wilson played a pivotal role in the Giants championship season in 2010. He posted a 1.81 ERA with a league-best of 48 saves. That's more saves than Romo (14) and Santiago Casilla (25) had in his absence in 2012. Also, he did not allow a single run in 11.2 innings during the post-season. It would be smart to bring Wilson back to the Giants. It gives him a chance to make up for 2012, as well as being a solid support incase things don't go as planned with Romo. Wilson has more experience with the ninth inning than Romo. Romo could be the next dominant closer, but we won't know until after this season. 

That's why Wilson needs to come back to the Giants. For redemption and to resume his role in the Giants franchise. Wilson has said he won't sign until he's fully healed. Here's hoping he comes home.

- Jordan Hart

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