Andrew Baggarly in the San Jose Mercury News reports that the San Francisco Giants are considering a deal that would send young RHP Tim Lincecum to the Toronto Blue Jays for All-Star outfielder Alex Rios.

The Giants have a number of young arms, including Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Noah Lowry but are looking to add some punch to their offense.

Rios is arbitration-eligible, and according to Baggarly’s industry sources it is estimated he would command at least $6 million next season. He could become a $10 million-a-year player even before hitting free agency after the 2010 season if he continues producing at his current pace.

Baggarly writes that some in baseball wonder if the Giants have concerns about Lincecum’s durability because of his slight build and high-effort delivery. 

MLB.com report Jim Molony reports from the Winter Meetings on his blog, Nashville Confidential.

Molony reports that Cincinnati is interested in Giants RHP Tim Lincecum, however if the Giants insist on Reds outfield prospect Jay Bruce, the Reds will back off.

Bruce, 20, hit a combined .319 with 26 homers and 89 RBIs in 133 games at three Minor League stops in 2007.

There was some rumors earlier this winter that Lincecum was available, this is the first rumor that mentioned his name since. If Lincecum truly was available, I would have to imagine he would draw interest from many more teams along with the Reds.

Tracy Ringolsby on Fox Sports writes, among other Hot Stove chatter, that the San Francisco Giants would be willing to part with their young ace, Tim Lincecum.

“The Giants have even let it be known that Tim Lincecum, their No. 1 pick in 2006, can be had for a quality bat.”

Ringolsby discusses how many teams will all be competing for pitching this offseason, and most of the quality arms will need to be acquired via trade, such as Dontrelle Willis, Johan Santana, and Jon Garland.

He also suspects that the Baltimore Orioles may look to field offers on SS Miquel Tejada who has two years left on his six-year $72 million deal.