Anybody who is surprised Ryan Raburn is struggling defensively shouldn't be. He has been an error-making machine regardless the position and level since he signed with the Tigers long ago. He has to hit - really hit - to justify his spot on the field as a regular. He hasn't done that so far this season. Austin Jackson's slump has hurt the Tigers. He had some obvious flaws as a hitter last season, but they have been totally exposed this season. The good thing about Jackson is that he displayed the ability to make adjustments last season. Can he do it again? Andy Dirks is a low-ceiling prospect, but is off to a good beginning at Toledo. He might be able to add something to the Tigers' outfield, especially with Magglio Ordonez slumping. Subpar starting pitching has been hindering the Tigers mightily. The starts by Brad Penny and Rick Porcello have been particularly disturbing. We'll see if Penny does better at home. There is a bottom line about Porcello. His two-seam fastball made him when he won 14 games as a 20-year-old rookie in 2009. It was a nasty pitch that summer, particularly during the second half. It has far less bite these days making him very hittable. The Rangers are off to a fast start and remain formidable. There aren't a lot of breaks in the schedule. Kansas City at home is one of those breaks. The Tigers' failure to take advantage of it is disappointing. Starts like the one today separate the very good from the elite. We'll see what Justin Verlander has in that regard.