Will the Giants be good? Sure, if ....

This is the 50th anniversary of the dynamic British film, “if .... ” It had nothing to do with baseball, rather a tempestuous boarding school, but we resurrect it here as a theme for the Giants’ season. If: Mark Melancon’s elbow surgery was an unqualified success. It was a complex process, and although he pitched Wednesday, he admitted that he’s “still progressing.” That’s disturbing. Without Melancon, there is no closer.

Brandon Belt plays to full capacity. Henry Schulman’s Thursday piece illuminated the paradox: Is he valuable as an on-base/power man, or does he strike out too much on hittable pitches? It’s quite easy to take a strong stand both ways.

Jeff Samardzija’s new pitch, a changeup, is reliable enough to throw on any count. Gives the hitters a little extra to think about.

Buster Posey’s ankle injury is just a passing concern. As catchers get older, the body begins to creak.

Hunter Pence has anything left. He hasn’t looked great in the outfield yet, and it doesn’t appear he has made significant changes in his hitting approach. Please: no more harmless tappers to the pitcher or second baseman on low-andaway pitches.

Chris Stratton’s curveball ranks among the best in the National League. It’s early, but scouts suggest this just might be the case.

Pablo Sandoval regains his right-handed batting stroke. It would hurt the bench (if he makes the team) to have a switch-hitter who trusts himself only from the left side.

Lefty reliever Will Smith is truly ready by the first of May, and at least one of those young relievers — Hunter Strickland, Derek Law, Steven Okert, Josh Osich, Cory Gearrin — steps up to elite level.

Steven Duggar wins a spot as the center fielder against righthanded pitchers — or perhaps all pitchers down the road. The Giants need an infusion of youth in the worst way.

Brian Sabean works his magic at the trading deadline. Nothing against Bobby Evans — he did great offseason work with relatively paltry resources — but it’s good to see Sabean back in day-to-day mode.

And so it goes. We’d offer more ifs, but we’re fresh out of space. Here’s a category in which the Giants just might lead the league.