Topic: Tim Lincecum

Timothy Leroy Lincecum (pronounced /ˈlɪnsəkum/, LIN-se-kum; born June 15, 1984) is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He is nicknamed "The Freak" and "The Franchise." He throws right-handed and bats left-handed. Lincecum is known for his long stride, unorthodox mechanics, and ability to generate high velocity despite his slight build of 5'11" and 160 pounds, prior to the 2011 season. He has put on about 15 pounds, and now has a weight recorded at 175 pounds. Lincecum won the 2008 and 2009 National League Cy Young Awards, and was the first second-year player to win the Cy Young since Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen both won in 1985.

His repertoire includes a two-seam fastball that he throws at 91–95 mph, a changeup that he grips like a split-fingered fastball (his "out pitch" against left handers), a curveball, notable for its sharp 12-6 action, a slider (his "out pitch" against right handers), and a power four-seam fastball that ranges between 93-95 mph.

Lincecum attended Liberty Senior High School in Renton, Washington, where he played two seasons of varsity baseball. As a senior he won state player of the year and led his school to the 2003 3A state championship.