1-3

After last season's 0-7 start, I figured the Tigers would focus more on avoiding another slow April. Today's loss leaves the team at 1-3, including one gut-punch collapse.

They're playing with fire. The team does not have the luxury of saying, "it's a 162 game season." The fans are skittish. If they smell another loser, they'll abandon the team early, and Comerica will be empty from June through September. That's why these opening games are so crucial.

Bill Simmons on ESPN.com predicted a Tigers firesale within a few weeks. So far, the team is headed that way.