Wayward Giants ace Tim Lincecum's every-fifth-day shellackings have become a regular thing. Once a week, with certainty, a cavalcade of amateur psychology, pharmacology, and hand-wringing is released by Giants fans concerned that the trove of No. 55 gear they've invested in may come to be seen as sad symbols of an otherworldly talent that suddenly and inexplicably crashed to earth.
The Giants' "why score three runs when one will do?" offense has always kept Lincecum from enjoying the statistical success of inferior pitchers who play for megateams. He has always been a better pitcher than the numerical trappings of excellence would indicate. Now, however, he's worse. Lincecum is "only" 2-7, but the team has lost 11 of his 13 starts. He's already given up 48 earned runs after surrendering only 66 all last year. He's walking more batters, striking out fewer, and giving up more home runs. It's just ugly, all the way through.
So, here are some reassuring numbers. Other great pitchers have had off -- or even very off -- years. And they came back and were solid again. To wit:
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