Tim Lincecum (SP, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10 + Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 39% of Yahoo leagues

ANALYSIS: It’s been difficult to trust the former ace since Tiny Tim lost the velocity on his fastball in 2012, with his best ERA being 4.37 since then. He somewhat lost his identity as a pitcher and was even relegated to bullpen work by Bruce Bochy. Now Lincecum is off to a terrific start, posting three scoreless starts in six outings while compiling a 2.00 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 28/14 K/BB ratio.

There’s reason to believe this start is sustainable. The team was reporting a noticeable improvement in his ability to locate his off speed pitches during Spring Training and he’s increased his usage on the changeup and curveball while cutting back on the fastball. Keeping hitters off guard has resulted in a 54.0% ground ball rate (a career high) while reducing his LD rate to 18.0%, more in line with the Lincecum of old. The concerns are his K/9 rate is never going to reach pre-2012 status again and his 0.25 HR/9 rate is unsustainable. Still, I’m buying Lincecum in all leagues. With him out there in 61% of leagues, it’s likely you can join in too.