Giants buy out last two years of Lincecum's arbitration for 2 years, $40

[NAHSTE]

Helps them avoid potentially having to pay a record $21 million arbitration pay out that Lincecum filed for. The Giants filed at $17. This is a nice compromise but it still doesn't change the fact that Timmy will hit free agency in 2013 unless they strike a longer extension.

There's some speculation that the Giants might opt to keep Matt Cain at a reduced rate instead, roll with a staff built around Cain and Bumgarner and flip Lincecum sometime during the 2013 season.

Not sure what they should do but keeping Lincecum is going to be expensive as fuck.

[Goober]

I think the reports that Lincecum is willing to continue signing short term contracts pretty interesting. Of course that could change in the next two years. However if the Giants can continue to sign Lincecum for 20-40 million at a time that would be perfect for them or any other team. No risk of coming up on the losing side of a big contract that way.

Lincecum and Cain are both excellent pitchers, and San Francisco is probably going to have to choose one, especially with Bumgarner, Posey, Sandoval, and possibly Belt getting expensive in a few years too.