In case you haven't noticed, a lot of people are picking the Minnesota Twins to prevail in the American League Central again this year. Others prefer the Chicago White Sox. Those, like yours truly, who see the Tigers finishing first are in a distinct minority.

Frankly, you could put the Twins, Tigers and White Sox in a hat, and whichever name you pulled out could be the winner. It's that close. You can make a strong case for or against any of the three. The team that stays healthy, the team that has the most players who step up and have big years, will win.

Having said that, the Tigers simply must get off to a good start, individually and collectively.

Their first nine games, and 18 of their first 32, are against foes from the AL Central. In the middle of that, they have a rugged 10-game road trip to Seattle, Los Angeles and Texas -- all bone fide contenders in the AL West.

All eyes will be on Dontrelle Willis and Jeremy Bonderman when they make their comeback debuts as the fourth and fifth starters in the Tigers' otherwise solid rotation. In is imperative that both get off to good starts -- for the sake of their personal peace of minds as well as for the good of the team.

The Tigers' decision to keep them and dump Nate Robertson, who was also one of this spring's big questionmarks, is on the line.

If Willis or Bonderman, or both, struggle, as they have in the past, people -- including some of their own Tiger teammates -- will say, "Here we go again."

And imagine the outcry if Robertson pitches well for Florida.

People will be also watching closely to see how Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore perform. Replacing two guys like Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco is a lot of ask of anyone, but especially a couple of rookies.

I was impressed by Jackson and Sizemore this spring. Both looked better than I expected. Especially Jackson. Given time, I am certain both will be fine. But you can be sure, whenever Granderson does something in New York, or Polanco in Philly, it will be noted in Detroit.

The Tigers don't have time on their side.

That is where Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen come in. All three have a lot to atone for.

And, along with Johnny Damon, they are going to have to carry this team in the early going -- and make certain the expected pitching efforts of  Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer aren't wasted.