As we count down to Mychael Urban's Arbogeddon, the Chronsters report the Giants offered Tim Lincecum $37 M for three years, with a key number being the proposed $9.5 M salary for 2010.
Why key? Because Lincecum is likely to get $13 M in arbitration, not the $8 M proposed by the Giants. Holding that number down not only makes the MLB poobahs happy, it also gives the Giants a few extra mil to play with if they so choose. Which, of course, is no guarantee. They might plow the bonus cash into advanced garlic-fry technology, for all we know.
But let's just say they save $3.5 M by avoiding a Lincecum arbitration, and Neukom gives Sabes the go-ahead to spend it on payroll. Is there anyone out there worth spending it on? Johnny Damon for instant leadoff credibility? John Smoltz for instant bullpen upgrade (or fifth-starter candidate)? Save it for possible mid-season upgrades?
Decisions. Do tell.
