Tim Lincecum has a few choices while becoming very rich

I can't say that I've ever looked forward to following an arbitration hearing, but Tim Lincecum's(notes) upcoming situation will be a big fat exception to that rule. Will an arbitrator decide to shatter the record $10 million awarded to Ryan Howard(notes) before the 2008 season?Or will Lincecum allow the Giants to buy out any or all of his four arbitration-eligible years with a long-term contract (which is something he just told the San Francisco Chronicle he'd be open to)? It's going to be an interesting situation to follow and mostly because we're sailing on uncharted waters. There's never been a pitcher who has entered his first year of arbitration with one (and possibly two) Cy Young awards under his powerful right arm. Plus, as the likable face of the franchise and a guaranteed gate draw, Lincecum is dealing from an unmatched position of power.But it's not like the Giants don't have a few things going for them. Lincecum has publicly stated th...