Not the start I anticipated

So here we are, more than two weeks into the season, and the Texas Rangers are 5-9.

Not the start I anticipated, to say the very least.

I thought this was the year we were supposed to break through and challenge for an AL West crown. High expectations were put on this team, sure, but not on a national level.

Is it too early to press the panic button? I don't want to simply give up, but I'm concerned for a variety of reasons.

• First, the offense isn't producing like it should.

The guys are taking walks, but the situational hitting with runners on base/in scoring position hasn't been good.

Aside from Nelson Cruz, the Rangers have lacked a power hitter. I know this is a new era in Rangers baseball — speed, defense and pitching are emphasized over power — and I'm onboard with it. We're not going to win many games, though, without feared hitters at the plate. Perhaps Ian Kinsler's return in a week or so will help.

• The bullpen has blown leads (and games).

Frank Francisco has blown two saves and has an earned-run average of 12.60. The rest of the bullpen has been OK. Neftali Feliz can't pitch every night.

• What's going on with Rich Harden's control?

I cringe every time this guy takes the mound. The 15 strikeouts and 14 walks haven't exactly helped. Two of three starts, Harden hasn't escaped the fourth inning. The pitch counts are way too high.

Baseball seems to be a game of streaks, and I'm hopeful the Rangers have a winning streak coming.

Sure is a painful way to start the season, though.