It was a frustrating first half for John Russell and his Pittsburgh Pirates who resume play this evening in Denver with a four-game series against Colorado’s Rockies.

The Pirates have developed into an above-average offensive ballclub with the ability to score runs on a consistent basis. There is a glaring reason, however, the Bucs are six games under .500.

That would be in the pitching department where the Pirates own the majors’ highest composite earned run average at 5.24. Following is a first half synopsis of the club, based on individual performance.

THE GOOD: Without question, the emergence of Nate McLouth. The Bucs’ centerfielder entered 2008 unproven regarding his role as an everyday contributor.

Not only has McLouth taken charge, the 26-year-old Michigan native leads the Pirates in home runs (19) and RBIs (65) at the break.

McLouth also fared well in Tuesday night’s all-star game, legging out an infield hit and throwing out an American League player and potential winning run in the 11th inning. McLouth is signed through the 2008 season and will obviously command a much more attractive salary based on his production this year.

Ryan Doumit has also established himself as Pittsburgh’s No. 1 catcher and is hitting .329 entering second half play. Doumit’s value is that much greater as a switch-hitter.

Jack Wilson, a long-time fan favorite, continues to excel – both at shortstop and as a hitter (.304). At 29 years of age, Wilson is understandably frustrated in the Pirates’ inability to take the next step as a contender.

Xavier Nady (.321) and Jason Bay (.287) are also formidable hitters. Utility players Jason Michaels (four homers, 25 RBIs), Chris Gomez (.311) and Doug Mientkiewicz (.260) have become solid additions.

THE BAD: What in the world is up with Freddy Sanchez? The National League batting champion two years ago (.344), Sanchez slipped somewhat in 2007 but still hit a more than respectable .304.

At this year’s all-star break, Sanchez is involved in an ongoing slump of mind-boggling proportion. In 358 at-bats, Sanchez is struggling along at .226.

I find it difficult to comprehend Russell’s decision to keep Sanchez at No. 2 in the batting order, though the Bucs’ skipper recently inserted both Gomez and Luis Rivas at second base.

I spent a few minutes with Sanchez at his locker following last weekend’s series finale against St. Louis. “(It’s) definitely wearing on me,” he confirmed. “I’ve never experienced (a slump) that lasted so long. I’m spending extra time in the hitting cage and just trying to persevere. It’s not like I haven’t hit before. I’m confident I’ll work my way back (in the second half).”

Adam LaRoche: Much like 2007, LaRoche has started to come around. But not before another slow start that did immense harm to the offensive attack. By the time he started producing with consistency, the Pirates were well back in the standings.

THE UGLY: Could the Pirates have possibly pitched much worse through 94 games? Russell and management were counting on above-adequate work from the likes of Zach Duke, Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell.

Instead, Duke (4-6, 4.40) and Snell (3-7, 5.92) have regressed while Gorzelanny earned a demotion back to AAA Indianapolis.

Only lefthander Paul Maholm (6-5, 3.35) has shown signs of steady improvement. The bullpen, once regarded a team strength, entered the all-star break a worn and weary unit. Closer Matt Capps went on the disabled list, relegating lefty Damaso Marte to that role.

Both underachieving Franquelis Osoria and T.J. Beam, meanwhile, could be working on borrowed time.

ANALYSIS: Though the Pirates are an entertaining team to watch from an offensive standpoint, it’s difficult for them to create much optimism among fans considering the bad vibes their mound staff has generated.

One or two impending trades could be in the works. Nady and Marte are attracting significant interest. The front office, thus, must make a few hard decisions not all of which may be met with popular approval.

Additionally, unless the Pirates are able to reverse what has been a substandard record away from PNC Park, a 16th consecutive losing season appears in their immediate future.

Gibson can be reached at rgibson@timesleaderonline.com