Is It Too Early To Become Concerned with Rangers?

No team in the American League currently has more victories than the 33-24 Texas Rangers.

The Rangers hold a four-game lead over Anaheim in the AL West.

On the surface, all would seem well in Ranger land. It doesn't really feel that way, though.

In addition to being the best team in the AL, record-wise, the Rangers have also looked downright embarrassing in a 21-8 home loss to Seattle (May 30), and a 12-1 road loss to Oakland (June 4). They were just shut out tonight by ... (drum roll) ... Bartolo Colon. Something is off here.

What's the problem?

It's not the bullpen, which is the only unit in the AL with a BB/9 ratio under 2 (1.85), to go along with a 8.11 K/9 ratio and a 2.83 collective ERA.

Sure, the lineup has been quiet for the past week or so, but Rangers' hitters still lead the league in hits, home runs, RBIs and batting average. The lineup will be fine.

That leaves the starting pitching.

Scott Feldman has been an obvious sore thumb in the rotation ever since Neftali Feliz experienced right elbow inflammation. Since being promoted to a starter, Feldman has lost all four of his starts, failed to pitch five innings in any of those starts, compiled 10 walks (to only eight strikeouts) and has looked treacherous. His ERA for the season sits at 7.01.

Derek Holland has reportedly been dealing with a stomach virus the past two weeks and has lost 10-15 pounds in the process. His fastball velocity is down, and he's pitching nowhere near the No. 2 starter we envisioned from last year in the World Series.

Matt Harrison, Colby Lewis and Yu Darvish have been decent for the most part, but have also displayed signs of inconsistency.

Hopefully, Roy Oswalt makes the rotation better by the middle to end of June. Oswalt is scheduled to make four minor league rehab appearances before earning the call up to the majors. We need his veteran experience to give this starting rotation a shot in the arm (must be corny pun day).

In 2010 and 2011, I had a certain confidence about this team that is currently missing from the 2012 outfit. I haven't been nervous about the team giving up 10-15 runs in a game since the good, old days of 2006. I don't miss those days.

I know it's still early in the season, but it's at least cause for concern. Will general manager Jon Daniels look to make a blockbuster move at the trade deadline for an ace? You have to wonder what he's thinking.

Texas, after a 13-14 month of May, is off to a 2-4 start in June. The Rangers were 17-5 in April.

It may seem like nit-picking when pointing out flaws on a first-place team, but I just hope it doesn't escalate to something more severe in the dog days of summer.