Even though the San Francisco Giants sit near the top of the National League West, they have been presented with some unpleasant surprises to begin the 2013 season.
The starting pitching has been among the worst in the league.
The defense has been porous, committing 35 errors (second-most in the league) through 45 games.
Still, mostly because of an impressive offense and a spectacular bullpen, the club has held its own in a tough division.
But in order for the Giants to have any chance of defending their World Series crown, they must find a way to counter the negative surprises while maintaining the positives.
*All stats courtesy of MLB.com unless stated otherwise. Stats current through May 20.