"The A's Trevor Cahill just became a richer pitcher than the Giants' Tim Lincecum.

Baseball's economic world is a surreal one, indeed.

Cahill's five-year, $30.5 million deal Monday is a win-win for him and the A's. It is also a reminder that the Giants haven't locked up their young studs to multiyear rewards.

"Generally we prefer lengths of contracts that match up with performance profiles," Giants managing partner Bill Neukom said before Monday night's series opener with the Los Angeles Dodgers. "There is no strict rule on long-term contracts. It depends on the player and circumstances."

Lincecum, fellow pitcher Matt Cain and catcher Buster Posey certainly played integral roles in last season's ultimate circumstance -- San Francisco's first world championship. That trio should be atop the order for long-term financial security.

"We'll have to pay fair value," Neukom allowed.

Is there a sense of urgency?

"We will do it timely," Neukom replied. "There is no sense of urgency. We will do it timely."

The timing of Cahill's deal makes sense, for him and the A's, who typically pay their players based on potential.

The Giants are a more intriguing story line. Potential? Ha. Look at Saturday's championship ring ceremony. Look at Sunday's acknowledgment of Posey's National League Rookie of the Year award.

Only Barry Zito has a guaranteed contract extending through 2013. Baseball's arbitration process preserves the Giants' rights to younger players, but at some point -- perhaps soon -- long-term commitments and fat checks must be made.

Lincecum is a reigning world champ, a two-time Cy Young winner, a three-time National League strikeout king. He's earned roughly $25 million in the majors, most of that coming from a two-year, $23 million contract he signed before last season."