Looking ahead to the 2015-16 San Francisco Giants free agents

Oct 22, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 7th inning during game two of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

RHP Tim Lincecum

The moment we have all been waiting for. “The Freak”, “The Franchise”, “Big Time Timmy Jim”, or whatever you want to call him, Tim Lincecum has been one of the greatest San Francisco Giants in its franchise’s history. His electric fastball and hard splitter in his first few years led him to winning consecutive Cy Young awards in 2008 and 2009. Lincecum is a fan favorite, a clubhouse guy, and nobody wants him to go anywhere.

Should San Francisco retain Tim Lincecum? No.

And it kills me to say it, but the numbers show that Lincecum just does not have the stuff that he used to. Although some reports are claiming that his recent hip surgery could bring him back to his 2008 self, I am not buying into the hype as his height and weight have seem to caught up with him. Lincecum has been a San Francisco icon, and we will all miss him. Nonetheless, I think it will be best for both Lincecum and San Francisco to let go of the past and let Lincecum sign and pitch for his hometown team, the Seattle Mariners.

Ridding of Lincecum’s 2 year/$35 million contract can give the Giants a lot of flexibility in the offseason. The only hope for Lincecum to come back is if he takes a very low offer from the San Francisco front-office.The only chance of a return would be if Lincecum is willing to sacrifice some money in order to stay in the City by the Bay.