There are certainly a lot of guys in arbitration this year. Wandy Rodriguez who's been a steadily improving pitcher for the Astros but still with his best year was only 14-12 with several terrible outings, wants 7 million/year. I see that Papelbon got 9+ million in a 1 year deal out of the Sox. Seems like a pretty good deal for both sides. Sox aren't tied to a long term contract and he gets a big salary for the season. If he has a bad year, it keeps the Sox from being boxed into to a big salary again. Lincecum wants 13M/yr. He might be worth it. How long till pitchers and catchers?
The only thing I would worry about with Lincecum is his durabilty, he's physically slight and with his odd motion I have to wonder if he will start to break down.