The Huddle is a periodic series where the editors at GameSpot and SportsGamer get together to discuss a hot topic in the world of sports gaming. In this edition, the crew takes a look at the announcement of Tim Lincecum as the cover athlete for MLB 2K9.

SHANKER: San Francisco Giants' ace Tim Lincecum was awarded the NL Cy Young Award earlier today after leading the National League in win percentage (.783), opponents' batting average (.221), and strikeouts (265). Soon after, 2K Sports announced that the 2nd-year phenom will be the cover athlete on MLB 2K9 due out early next year. While 2K Sports' cover athletes haven't been cursed as Madden cover athletes have, this may all change with Lincecum.

I have every reason to like Tim Lincecum. He attended the University of Washington, he plays for the San Francisco Giants here in the Bay Area, he's the only thing that passes for talent on the team, and he's humble considering his accomplishments this season. The problem with Lincecum is that it looks like his arm is going to come off every time he throws a pitch. I simply don't see how a pitcher with that violent of a pitching motion can have a long career in the Majors. 2K's selection of Lincecum has all but sealed his fate for the upcoming year.

While I do think he was a good choice from 2K perspective (anyone who follows baseball has heard of him and he is THE young face of the MLB), I really do wish they just stuck Manny Ramirez on the cover.

Your thoughts?

AARON: Manny? He doesn't have enough money? Really, Manny? This is just like Shanker--let's reward the selfish player for deciding to not be a selfish locker room cancer for two months out of the season.

More thoughts on the announcement, after the jump...