Tim Lincecum's Bullet-Proof Arbitration Vest

IT MIGHT BE ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS this offseason, Tim Lincecum's arbitration case, that is. $8 million or $13 million? It probably would be more exciting if the Lincecum party asked for, say oh, $18 million. I mean, not since Roger Clemens have we had a 2-time, back-to-back Cy Young Award winner go to arbitration. It's silly to even think about reasons why Lincecum should not deserve to win, and that's exactly what the Giants have to do. The back-to-back Cy Young Awards are like a bullet-proof vest that ought to deflect any criticism. The Giants are in a tough spot. They don't necessarily want to give Lincecum a deal yet like the one Justin Verlander got if they can go cheaper by going the arbitration route. But I can't imagine either party wanting to go to arbitration for the next two years as well. Lincecum will get his $13 million, but the Giants should really begin considering a long-term package for their franchise of a player.