San Francisco Giants in Second Place: Just Imagine if they Actually Had a Team

An 11-13 record may not be the nicest looking record, but it's good enough for the Giants to be in second place in the wild and wacky National League West division. When looking at the team on paper, one would think that this team would never win a game, or even score a run but yet there are only two games under .500. We all know in this "rebuilding" year that the playoffs are hardly even a thought, but wouldn't it be nice to finish over .500 for the first time since 2004? I know it's very early in the season but with the way the team is playing, just imagine where they'd be if...

Barry Zito was just 2-3.

Keep in mind, the Giants' offense has only scored a meager seven runs total in Barry Zito's five starts this season, which have all been losses. Throw two quality starts in there and Zito's record should be 2-3. Although a subpar one at that, the Giants' record would then reflect to be 13-11.

Matt Cain's luck wasn't tough.

No matter who I talk to, whenever baseball talk comes up and I mention the Giants, the first thing that they normally comment on is Matt Cain's horrible luck. Last season, with an excellent ERA of 3.65, Cain's record was 7-16. Combine untimely hitting and a weak bullpen with every one of his starts, their's the reason for his record. Cain is 0-2 this season but could very well be 2-2.

Rich Aurillia's 'Cincy' power returned.

While starting his career in San Francisco, Aurillia quickly became a fan favorite. Then he developed power and became even more loved, but, after a poor season in 2003, Sabean traded him to the Mariners. After being traded, Aurillia struggled immensely and Sabean looked like a genius, until he hit 23 HRs in 2006. With the power back behind Aurillia's bat, Sabean quickly signed him for a second stint. But just as quickly as the power returned, it disappeared. He only hit 5 HRs last season and has only 1 right now. He may be old, but if he found his rhythm, he could very well hit 20 HRs again.

The team actually had a cleanup hitter.

Bengie Molina was the only bright spot to the Giants' terrible offense last season, and because of that, he has been made the cleanup man by skipper Bruce Bochy, but what the Giant's need is a term I like to call 'fearful power'. This new term is the power that a player may have that scares the living daylights out of the pitcher, and although Molina possess tremendous power, he doesn't instill fear in the opposing pitcher. Barry Bonds had this affect but now that he's gone, it was up to Sabean to acquire someone like this. Aaron Rowand's signing was the closest thing to this, but he doesn't put fear into anyone either. After hitting career highs last season in batter friendly Philadelphia, it will be amazing to see if he can even crack 20 HRs this year.