FIRST-HALF GRADES

By The Phanatic Staff

Let's just say, the Phillies are grounded.

For fairness sake, the staff selected their grades for each position individually, then we combined them and took the median. This process did not help your Fightin's, who seemed to have underachieved in nearly every category.

Ladies and gentlemen, YOUR PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!:

Outfield: C+

This grade might be the most alarming of the bunch, given the expectations and importance of this trio. Aaron Rowand provided the season highlight and displayed the defensive prowess that Chicago gushed about, but his offense has been unspectacular if not disappointing. Pat Burrell is one of the most inconsistent players in the majors, and has a batting average of .215 (really) with runners in scoring position. Bobby Abreu, in contrast, is hitting well-above .300 with a chance to drive runners in and his on-base percentage is again outstanding. His defense and apathy toward the game drive his grade down, however.

Left-infield: D

The only thing preventing this grade from being an F is Jimmy Rollins' sensational ability at the shortstop position. As a leadoff hitter the man is a failure, though, batting just .259 with a PUTS (Pop Up To Short) percentage of .928. David Bell, simply, is the worst starting third baseman in all of MLB.

Right-infield: A-

One of the top sluggers in the game in Ryan Howard and the best offensive second baseman in Chase Utley. Add in their youth and clutch hitting, and it's easy to see where the strength of this team lies. Their defense, particularly from Howard, is suspect at times, making the grade a little less than perfect.

Catcher: D-

Tough to give a failing grade when starter Mike Lieberthal has been absent for nearly the entire season; easy to bash the performance of the men who have replaced him. Sal Fasano and Carlos Ruiz combine for a whopping .224 average with 13 collective RBI. Chris Coste shows considerably more promise, but has appeared in only 16 games.

Starting pitching: D+

Injuries and off-field issues really hindered this squad down the first-half stretch, leaving the Phillies without their top two hurlers. Brett Myers was pretty magnificent before the alleged occurrence with his wife in Boston stained his accomplishments. Jon Lieber was pretty poor before he got hurt for an "ace". Cole Hamels did not dazzle as hoped, Ryan Madson was terribly inconsistent, Gavin Floyd did his best Ramon Henderson impression, and Cory Lidle was what a No. 5 should be (which is to say, pretty bad).

Relief pitching: B

Without Tom Gordon this looks completely different, but when a supposed downgrade outshines Billy Wagner and makes the All-Star team, you need to give credit where credit is due. Also, Rheal Cormier has been very good, and the bullpen was respectable when called upon in the absence of some of the starters. Arthur Rhodes has been downright crippling.

Overall grade: D