Unlucky 7 twice

With a total meltdown tonight, the Giants bullpen has given up a 7-run inning twice in the past 3 games. Jamey Wright was involved in both. The Chron reported yesterday (at the end of Benitez story) that Brian Sabean has decided to shut down Tim Lincecum for the rest of the year -- after all, he'd already pitched in the oh-so-vital playoff series last Saturday for San Jose. Here's the story --

It's Sadler, not Lincecum: The Giants will add another right-hander, Billy Sadler, to the bullpen in the wake of Benitez's departure and injuries to Vinnie Chulk (right groin) and Brian Wilson (right oblique). Chulk is expected to be available today. Sadler, a sixth-round pick in the 2003 draft whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Fresno, earned a combined 21 saves with 79 strikeouts in 552/3 innings for Double-A Connecticut and Fresno. Lincecum, the Giants' top pick (10th overall) in June, has thrown enough pitches (in college and the minors) for the equivalent of 35 starts, according to Sabean, who'd prefer not to overextend his prized prospect.

MEMO TO SABEAN -- DON'T GIVE US THAT STUPID B.S. YOU ARE JUST CHEAPING OUT & NOT WANTING TO START THE ARBITRATION CLOCK ON LINCECUM. HOW HARD WOULD IT HAVE BEEN TO BRING UP TIM LINCECUM LAST WEEK INSTEAD OF WASTING HIM ON A MEANINGLESS CLASS A GAME?