The Giants entered Wednesday ranked 28th in runs scored, 27th in on-base percentage, 25th in batting average and 24th in slugging percentage. To say that their offense hasn't exactly been potent would be a huge understatement, especially since there is no real power threat on the roster.
Enter Beltran.
Beltran's 15 home runs, 66 RBIs and .391 on-base percentage are immediately the highest on the team. The six-time All-Star also brings veteran leadership and clutch capability, which could be a huge asset to a Giants team that looks poised to win its second consecutive NL West title.
The Giants won last year's World Series and are again a force in the National League this season because of their pitching. As of Wednesday, the Giants staff was tied for first in quality starts with the Phillies, ranked first in batting average against and were second only to Philadelphia in terms of ERA and WHIP.
The Phillies rotation is widely considered the best in baseball, but the Giants staff — consisting of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong and Jonathan Sanchez — gives them a run for their money.
Carried by the pitching staff, the Giants have not only survived their anemic offense, but they've been able to rack up the second best record in the National League.
With Beltran's presence in the middle of the order, though, the Giants offense should be much improved, which could translate into even more wins.
But the Giants will have some formidable opponents standing in their way if they're hoping to repeat as world champions. While the Phillies boast the best record in baseball, the Braves, Cardinals, Brewers and Pirates are all capable of stringing together a solid stretch of wins.
The Giants are a better team on paper with Beltran in their lineup, but only time will tell how far he'll actually be able to help carry them.
Will Carlos Beltran help the Giants return to the World Series?
