2 Giants pitchers' All-Star reactions differ

(07-05) 04:00 PDT Denver --

Tim Lincecum on Sunday became the first Giants pitcher since Juan Marichal named to three consecutive All-Star teams. Closer Brian Wilson will join him in Anaheim on July 13, and the polar difference in their reactions could not have been starker.

No Giants position players were selected to the National League team, but manager Bruce Bochy, who will be a coach, said Aubrey Huff is "under consideration" to go as an injury replacement.

Lincecum expressed gratitude for his selection, but in an unexpected bout of self-criticism, he said it was hard to accept that his 8-4 record, 3.28 ERA and 121 strikeouts were enough to make him an All-Star.

"I was kind of surprised to hear it," Lincecum said. "I wasn't going to say I had everything set up to go to Seattle (for the break), but I had an idea I was going to do that. Change of plans.

"I have such high expectations for myself. I really don't know how to say this, but it's hard to accept things when you're going through mental struggles. It's hard to take compliments. When you don't think you deserve something - I'm not saying I don't deserve this - it's not as gratifying."

Bochy understood Lincecum's reticence, but said, "You look at the hiccups he's had, but early on there were two or three wins we couldn't hang on for him. So much is expected of him, but he had a good first half."

Lincecum will have five days off before the All-Star Game, so he easily could pitch an inning and still be ready for the second-half opener against the Mets two nights later.

Lincecum is the first Giants pitcher to be picked three consecutive years since Marichal was an All-Star every year from 1962 to 1969. Lincecum smiled as he reminded reporters he did not make it to Yankee Stadium for his first one in 2008 because he got sick the night before.

"I've got to make it to the game, right? So this is two. Don't count me out yet. I just might be able to make it to the game this time."

Wilson was more of a lock with 22 saves in 24 chances. In fact, he has a legitimate chance to pitch the ninth inning to save what would be the league's first victory since 1996, and he was pumped.

"I'll take whatever the National League wants me to do," Wilson said. "If they want me to get the final three outs, I'd be happy to take the ball in that situation. I'm sure the adrenaline would be going. It would be just epic if we had the World Series home advantage, as the Giants."

Wilson only wishes Huff, on pace for 30 home runs and 94 RBIs, was going with the two pitchers.

"I think the guy we all think should be going with us is Aubrey," Wilson said. "I can't even explain what that guy has done for this team. He's a guy more deserving than me."

This article appeared on page B - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle