"The Giants and Tim Lincecum's representatives had gathered in a hearing room two years ago, the chamber doors figuratively about to be locked shut and an impartial arbiter ready to hear their disparate claims as to the pitcher's monetary worth for the 2010 season.

Mere moments before the hearing began, however, the two sides agreed to keep talking, and soon thereafter an agreement was reached without the need to get the arbiter involved.

Two years, $23 million. And in the wake of a 2010 World Series victory and two finishes among the top 10 in National League Cy Young Award voting, it certainly looks like money well spent on the Giants' part.

Now, Timmy and the Giants are at the bargaining table again, and the stakes could not be higher. Not just for the franchise and "The Freak," but the rest of the baseball world, which will undoubtedly be intrigued to see what happens if a hearing is held. "