San Francisco Giants' Tim Lincecum adapting to new, slower mix - SweetSpot - ESPN

From adjusting his arm angles to building a pitching mound in a Seattle warehouse to reconnecting with his father, Tim Lincecum is working overtime to become a new pitcher after losing significant velocity on his fastball. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

I wouldn't call it a fall from grace more than a simple drop-off in production, but agree with the premise of the story. This is all part and parcel of Timmy's transition from power pitcher to finesse pitcher. The opportunity is in part provided by the big number attached to his salary, but there have been others who couldn't produce even at this level. There is a point where the team will cut bait and swallow the salary. Timmy is still competitive, the big test will be where do teams go with the next contract negotiation.  

from ESPN:
San Francisco Giants' Tim Lincecum adapting to new, slower mix - SweetSpot - ESPN:

Having command of 94 mph heat helped The Freak win consecutive Cy Youngs in 2008 and 2009. But during the past three years, Lincecum struggled: In 2012, he finished last in the National League in ERA qualifiers and 38th out of 43 pitchers in 2013. In 2014, he would have been next to last if he'd gotten enough innings; the Giants didn't let him, moving him to the pen instead. That year, his average fastball velocity slid below 90 mph, narrowing the gap between it and his changeup from more than 10 mph to closer to 6 or 7.

Tim Lincecum had tumbled from his former greatness, but can he sustain a bid for a return to prominence with different stuff than he had in his heyday? 

  An Ace's Fall From Grace

YEARS W-L ERA FIP BB% K%
'08-'09 33-12 2.55 2.48 8.3 28.7
'12-'14 32-38 4.76 4.05 9.8 22.1
2015 5-3 3.00 3.85 10.9 18.9 

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