Lincecum, known as “The Freak” because of his size and unorthodox pitching delivery has been an extraordinary pitcher during his first two years plus in the Major Leagues.  During this time, he has pitched 598.2 innings striking out 671 while walking 217 with an ERA of 2.90.  While these numbers are extremely impressive, they do not provide much of a context.  Lincecum’s numbers look better in a comparative context.  Only 24 pitchers have pitched 550 or more innings with an ERA+ of 135 or better before the age of 25.  Lincecum’s career ERA+ is 152.  The only players who had better ERA+ for their age, with 550 or more innings pitched were Walter Johnson and Ed Reulbach.  The closest postwar pitcher was Tom Seaver whose ERA+ at a comparable age was 149.