Giants ace Lincecum shakes off injury to leg, says he'll make next

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 13, 2008 | by Andrew Baggarly

HOUSTON -- The Giants are on the cusp of signing first-round pick Buster Posey to a contract worth roughly $7.5 million, industry sources told MediaNews.

The signing bonus, while spread over multiple years, would obliterate the club record for an amateur player. Dominican teenage outfielder Rafael Ramirez received $2.55 million in July.

It also would exceed the $6.15 million that Tampa Bay gave to the first overall pick, high school shortstop Tim Beckham.

Giants player personnel director Bobby Evans declined to confirm the buzz among industry-wide sources, saying said the club would announce deals once they have been completed. But GM Brian Sabean said earlier Wednesday that the club might not sweat to the 11th hour of Friday's deadline.

"Possibly, but it's getting closer," Sabean said.

Posey, who won the Golden Spikes award as the best amateur player in the country, led Florida State to the College World Series and profiles as a Gold Glove catcher with premier offensive skills.

The Giants also went beyond the recommended slot value to sign their third-round pick, Texas Tech outfielder Roger Kieschnick. He received a $525,000 bonus, $40,000 over the recommended amount. The club didn't announce a deal with their fourth-round pick, UCLA shortstop Brandon Crawford, but Bruins officials have been told that he signed for $375,000 -- exceeding slot value by $92,000.

Ice man

Tim Lincecum finally found a use for ice that didn't involve a tumbler glass.

"Yeah, I know, it's weird," said Lincecum, who affixed an ice pack to his right leg one day after a line drive struck him just below the knee.

Despite the initial scare and a trip to the hospital for precautionary X-rays Tuesday night, Lincecum was walking without a limp. Manager Bruce Bochy was "99 percent sure" Lincecum would make his start Sunday at Atlanta, but wanted to watch a light mound session today.

"I'm a young kid. I heal relatively quick," said Lincecum, who doesn't ice his arm after he pitches.

Switch thrower

Yes, it's true. Pablo Sandoval throws with each hand as easily as he hits from both sides of the plate.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan said he is a natural lefty but forced himself to throw from the right side when he was 10 years old so he could play catcher.

"I learned so fast," he said. "I feel blessed, because not everybody has that ability."

Sandoval said he has more strength and better accuracy with his right arm now. While left-handed first basemen have an advantage, Sandoval plays the position as a right-hander.

-- Andrew Baggarly,

MediaNews staff