Lincecum is open to a long term deal - MLB

He has played coy to date, but Tim Lincecum is now letting it be known that he’d like to do a long term deal with the Giants:

“I definitely like San Francisco. I’ve seen nothing but positive things as far as my personal experiences. It’s where I see myself being for awhile.”

And according to his agent, the ball is clearly in the Giants’ court: “We’ve let it play out this year. I think it’ll be up to the Giants as to what they want to do and how they approach the offseason. It’ll really be a function of how the Giants look at him.”

Yet another reason for the Giants not to spend their offseason time messing around with and devoting money to Bengie Molina. If they sign Lincecum, install Buster Posey behind the plate and do whatever they can to upgrade the offense even a little bit, San Francisco would have to be considered a favorite in the 2010 NL West.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.