Two big things are putting Lincey slightly ahead this year – the fact that he is 5-1 and also that he is leading the league in Ks with 80. The truth is that Sanchez and Cain have been jipped wins with practically no run support. Cain's 1 hitter was phenomenal but it was predeceased by 2 losses which he only gave up 2 runs and received 1 run in return. In 3 of Sanchez's losses he's given up 7 hits/4runs in 22 innings and received ZERO runs! Comparatively the Giants have scored in every game Lincecum has pitched in and actually outscored opponents 58-40. 

Lincecum will undoubtably lead the league in strikeouts again this year. Barring any injuries I’d be shocked if he doesn’t hit his 250+ mark again. Sanchez though is going to put up very respectable numbers too. He has K’d 11 twice and 10 three times in his short career and should have a very good chance to reach the 200 mark this year. Cain on the other hand has averaged slightly over 200 innings the past 4 years and the closest he has come was 186K. Forget the strikeouts with Cain though – last year his ERA dropped 87 points, his WHIP by 18 points and his BAA by 19 points. So far this year he has lowered all those categories by 49/17/35.