San Francisco Giants second-half preview: Postseason play within reach

San Francisco Giants

Record: 52-43

Standing: 2nd in NL West

Team Leaders:

Batting Average: Hunter Pence, .293

Home Runs: Michael Morse, 14

ERA: Tim Hudson, 2.87

San Francisco needs centerfielder Angel Pagan to stay healthy to spark the team's offense, which ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball this season in terms of runs scored. Pagan has dealt with back problems throughout the season, but the Giants have played significantly better when Pagan is in the lineup. 

The Giants had the best record in the majors at 37-20 at the end of May, but San Francisco watched its 9.5-game lead in the NL West evaporate, with Los Angeles now in first in the division. In terms of pitching, Tim Lincecum sports a 4-0 record with a 0.30 ERA in his past four starts despite consistency problems earlier this year.