Should the Chicago Cubs take a shot at signing Tim Lincecum?

Sep 20, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) pitches against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Word out on the street right now is that Tim ‘The Freak’ Lincecum is interested in testing the free agent market before re-signing with the San Francisco Giants.

Why am I posting about this? Because I honestly think the Cubs should take a crack at signing the two time Cy Young winner.

Think about it, his production has slightly went down and more batters have taken him out of the ball park 21 times. but he would still be a great addition to the rotation. Through 32 starts this season he’s pitched almost 200 innings with 193 strike outs with opposing hitters hitting .248 against him.

Right now Lincecum in my opinion would be a big upgrade over Edwin Jackson who started one less game and fell short of Lincecum’s strike out total by 58. Jackson also allowed 16 home runs and 197 hits.

Jeff Samardzija beats him in the strike outs category but has given up more long balls than Lincecum through 33 starts this season while posting a 4.34 ERA.

Now I know what some people may be thinking right now, ‘But what about Scott Baker, Jake Arrieta and Chris Rusin? Three starting pitchers who could crack the rotation next season?’.

Well honestly, I think what Tim desperately needs is a change of scenery. I still believe he has it in him to win his third Cy Young award in his career and he’s only 29 years old.

Just real quick, imagine this pitching rotation.

1. Travis Wood – 3.11 ERA/.222 AVG/144 K’s

2. Jeff Samardzija – 4.34 ERA/.255 AVG/ 210 K’s

3. Tim Lincecum – 4.37 ERA/.248 AVG/ 193 K’s

4. Jake Arrieta/Scott Baker/Chris Rusin – Whoever breaks from the pack during Spring Training.

5. Edwin Jackson – 4.98 ERA/.281 AVG/135 K’s

They could possibly go to a six man rotation or just stick Jackson in the bullpen and let either Arrieta, Baker and Rusin take the fifth spot of the starting rotation.

It wouldn’t be a terrible idea to submit an offer to a 2x World Series Champion, 3x All Star, 2x NL Cy Young winner, 3x NL Strikeout Champion, would it?

Let me know Cubs fans, do you think the Cubs should attempt to sign The Freak or attempt to go after another starter who could improve this rotation?