Lincecum Throws the Second Best Gem of the Playoffs

First Cliff Lee, then Doctober and now Tim Lincecum. The skinny, long-haired kid pitcher for the Giants threw an amazing game against the Braves. Lincecum only gave up two hits, one of which led off the game. He walked only one and struck out fourteen batters. How good is that?

Derek Lowe did his best to keep pace. He pitched a gritty 5+ innings and only gave up one run, the only run of the game on a Cody Ross single that scored Posey. This single by Ross is a bit of pie in the sky and one of those stories that only happen in the post season. Cody Ross wasn't supposed to play his post season. Jose Guillen was supposed to be the series right fielder. But he has a bad neck and was scratched at the last minute and pulled off the series roster. Ross, who would have been little more than a late defensive replacement otherwise gets his chance, starts the game and drove in the only run of the game. Don't you just love baseball?

But the story of the game was Lincecum. Forget all about that tough patch he had earlier in the season. He's back to fight for his claim as the best pitcher in the National League. His two Cy Young Awards back up his claim. He was magnificent and the Giants won a game just like they won so many others in September. They got great pitching and scratched out the only run they needed.

Who Will Sit When Mike Stanton Arrives?

The Marlins will call up Mike Stanton on Tuesday making him the second most anticipated young player to start his career on Tuesday night. The other is some pitcher from the Nationals. Stanton, all of 20 years of age, has a 1.167 OPS in AAA and is regarded as a can't miss prospect. But when he gets the call, which outfielder will sit?

Cameron Maybin has been playing a great centerfield despite not hitting much and is a former first round draft pick. Do you give up on him? Cody Ross has been one of the Marlins's best hitters this season (.819 OPS and batting .300) and plays good defense in right field. Chris Coghlan had a slow start this year, but last year's rookie of the year is batting .520 in June and has raised his average to over .260. Last year's great success for him came mostly in the last two thirds of the season. Do you sit him?

The move will already cost super defender, Brett Carroll his roster spot. Too bad the guy can't hit because there may not be a better outfielder in the majors. But be that as it may, none of the others seem to warrant being benched in favor of Stanton. Stanton has played mostly right field in the minors, so that seems to mean that Ross is the guy who will have to move? Will Ross move to centerfield, which would weaken the defense?

It will be interesting. Perhaps the Marlins will have a four-man outfield with Stanton playing every day and the other three playing three out of every four days. It doesn't seem right to give up on Maybin. Coghlan is a potential superstar and Cody Ross is a solid player that gives the team chances to win. We'll just have to see how all this plays out.