The good, bad and ugly

We're at the all-star break in the Frontier League season, which means it's time for reflection. What went right in the first half? What went wrong? What was off-the-charts-ridiculous for the Wild Things as they compiled a 26-24 record that, as of today, has them a half-game behind Gateway for the final playoff spot. Here are some thoughts:

The good
1. Chris Sidick - The center fielder is usually a slow starter, but Sidick has a .302 batting average and has reached base in 46 of the Wild Things' 48 games. he also became the franchise leader in several statistical categories such as games played and hits.

2. Starting pitchers - I know, the starting rotation was a mess the first two weeks of the season. But this is the group most responsible for turning around the season after that 1-6 start. Aaron Ledbetter strung together five straight wins, J.J. Hollenbeck tossed 27 consecutive scoreless innings, Mike Schellinger was the team's most valuable player in the first half, and Brooks Dunn was impressive in his last two starts. The four have a 10-5 record and 2.92 ERA since June 13. If Zach Groh can return from his shoulder injury, this could be a very good 5-man rotation.

3. Signing of Brett Grandstrand - Washington leads the league with 46 double plays and Grandstrand, pictured, should get much of the credit. Though he was not in spring training - either with an affiliated team or the Wild Things - Granstrand was picked up after the season began and immediately solidified Washington's shaky infield defense. Anything Grandstrand provides offensively is considered a bonus, and he came through with two home runs, 20 RBI and five stolen bases.

The bad
1. Injuries - The season began with pitcher Mike Eisenberg on injured reserve and first baseman Nathan Messner rehabbing a sore shoulder (one doctor said the shoulder required surgery). The injury bug only got worse as the season progressed. Both catchers who were on the opening day roster - Pat O'Brien (thumb) and Kris Rochelle (elbow) - are out, shortstop Jeff Beachum reinjured his back (he missed all of 2006 with stress fractures in his back), third baseman Robbie Knapp cracked his cheekbone in four places after being hit by a pitch that first ricocheted off his bat, pitcher John Leonard developed a shoulder problem and pitcher Zach Groh, who took a no-hitter into the sixth inning in his first start, was on the IR with a shoulder injury after three starts.

Even ironman Chris Sidick missed two games with a sore hamstring, and relievers Ian Heisel and Chris Rivera have had had cranky elbows.

The busiest place at Consol Energy Park this year has been the trainer's room. You have to think the second half will be better on the injury front. It will if Groh and Beachum can return.

2. Road woes - For much of the first half, Washington had the league's worst road record and is 8-13 away from home. The Wild Things have won only one road series (at Traverse City). Finding ways to win on the road was a strength of past Washington teams. It has to be again in the second half if there will be playoff baseball in September.

The ugly
1. The weather - During one stretch, it rained on 19 of the Wild Things' 21 home dates. You've read enough of my rants about what this did to the playing field.

2. The bullpen - The most disappointing aspect of the first half. Washington's relievers have more blown saves (9) than saves (7), a 5.75 ERA and 101 walks in 161 1/3 innings. Matt Maradeo has been impressive at times and wild at others. Dan Horvath has a 5.75 ERA but that's blown up by one off-the-charts outing. He's pitched better than his ERA suggests. Maradeo and Horvath have been the best of the bunch. Finding a reliable closer - and soon - is a must.