Chin music lessons with Tim Lincecum

San Francisco Giant ace and NL Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum and I took the mound at the MLB 2K9 motion-capture event yesterday. Tim, the cover athlete on next year's game, provided tips on adding velocity to my two-seam fastball, while I showcased the 20-foot breaks of the unpredictable Shank ball. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that either lesson will have noticeable long-term effects on our respective games. Even with Tim's advice, my fastball topped off at a meager 56mph, and repeated use of the Shank ball could get Tim kicked out of the majors. Be sure to check out the season premiere of The Lineup (early next year), because we'll be contrasting our windup and delivery motions. May the best pitcher win.

I take Tim under my wing and teach the secrets of the deadly Shank ball.

After schooling him on the mound, I had a chance to speak with Tim on the success he has enjoyed over his first two seasons as well as the role that trash-talking plays in the majors. Tim admitted that there were occasional groans from his teammates when he would come up to bat with runners in scoring position. He even suggested that he would probably rock Bengie Molina if they played MLB 2K8 on the Xbox 360.

Unfortunately, Tim is too modest about his accomplishments and respectful of teammates and Major League Baseball. If you have seen my interviews before, you know that's no good. He wouldn't admit that he has one-punch knockout power or that he would plunk the batter if he caught the other team stealing signals. Tim simply hasn't done enough interviews to realize that I'm just having fun with him and not trying to trap him (as other media do). Maybe after a few more Cy Young awards he'll realize that nice guys always finish last.

Tim shows me the sleeper hold he would apply if someone charged the mound.

Tim tries to step. Of course, I'm ready to throw down.