Q&A: SF Giant Tim Lincecum

Bill Eichenberger - SportingNews.com

The reigning N.L. Cy Young Award winner again ranks at or near the top of the majors in wins, ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, complete games and shutouts. He recently spoke with Sporting News' Bill Eichenberger about the Giants' rotation, his chances at tossing a no-hitter and more.

SN: You can make a strong case that you and Matt Cain make up the best 1-2 rotation punch in the majors. Which 1-2 offensive punch has impressed you the most?

LINCECUM: Since the trade was made between the Cardinals and Athletics, I can't think of two guys more fearful than Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. Those guys can hit it out to any side of the field. They have power in the gaps. They can do it all. Holiday's numbers say it. So do Pujols'.

SN: How about a scouting report on Cain?

LINCECUM: It seems his fastball just keeps getting harder as the game goes on. He's just really aggressive. He'll come at you. He doesn't ever give in. He keeps that edge mentality as a pitcher. He doesn't ever come out of it. He's like, "I'm in a pitching mode right now, don't bother me." He just locks himself in.

SN: Your teammate Jonathan Sanchez made headlines this season when he threw a no-hitter. Do you envision yourself throwing one at this level?

LINCECUM: I would love to, but I'm not going out there every time trying to throw a no-hitter. I'm trying to get my team a win or a chance to win.

SN: How nervous would you be if you got into the eighth or ninth inning and had a no-hitter going?

LINCECUM: I would imagine I would be pretty nervous. But I would try -- and I pride myself on this -- to keep my composure and not let the overwhelming nature of the situation take me over. I'd try to stay calm and the same, whether it's the seventh, eighth or ninth innings.

SN: With so many young pitchers coming to the majors with less minor league experience, do you think it is important that they stay on a strict pitch count early in their careers?

LINCECUM: I guess it all depends on the pitcher going out there, the pitch count they are being put on and whether they can handle it. Or, more importantly, if they are honest about being able to handle it. That's the biggest thing. Pitchers being honest with themselves and their bodies to recognize when something is wrong or when they feel like they can't handle it and something is going to happen. If you do feel like that, you need to do whatever is necessary to fix it or, better yet, not let it happen in the first place.

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