DETROIT - While many starting pitchers would consider getting banished to the bullpen a demotion, Tim Lincecum has embraced his new role as a key reason the San Francisco Giants are on the brink of a World Series title. Lincecum, a Cy Young Award winner in 2008 and 2009 and arguably baseball's best pitcher, was 10-15 this year with a 5.18 ERA before being yanked from the rotation for the playoffs. But the long-haired, flame-thrower known as "The Freak" made the most of the move and has given the Giants a new dimension as the set-up man for closer Sergio Romo. ...