Phillies "Phans-Ticked"

So what has gone wrong with the Philadelphia Phillies?  Usually by this time of the year, you can predict how the NL East will wind up.  With 5 consecutive division titles for the Phils, they should be in the contention this year, yet find themselves at the bottom of the totem pole.  A pole that seems to be completely upside-down in fact, with the exception of the Mets and Braves.  Perhaps it's the lackadaisical defense and less than average hitting that has produced a 28-30 season thus far.  Losing to inferior competion (Baltimore, Washington, NYM) and losing your regular 3 and 4 hitters in the lineup cause roster shifts, and faithful 'Phans' to panic.  The bullpen has also proved to be less than average with the exception of Jonathon Papelbon.  Walks and ERA are through the roof, and Washington isn't slowing down at the top.  In my opinion, if the Phillies want to compete in the fall they must start to win some series of their own.  Yet, when comparing the state this team is in compared to where the Phillies were in July 2010 (48-46 7 games out) this is a much better situation to be in.