White Sox getting early test vs. AL Central opponents

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The White Sox don't have to wait long to see how they stack up against what is widely regarded as the toughest division in the majors.

The Sox opened the season Monday against the Royals, and 25 of their first 28 games are against teams from the AL Central.

"It's an interesting part of the schedule," catcher Tyler Flowers said. "But every game's important. You can't win the division right now but you can definitely put yourself in a hole. I think it's important to jump out on the right foot and set the tone for how our team's going to play throughout the year, get people respecting us right out of the gate so they know it's going to be a tough matchup in the future when we match up again."

The White Sox came out flat Monday and fell to Kansas City 10-1. They get two more cracks against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium before returning to U.S. Cellular Field for Friday afternoon's home opener against Minnesota.

"It's key," center fielder Adam Eaton said of playing so many early games against division opponents. "Do we think about it? I don't think so. But it is key. You see some familiarity with the teams we do play early. It's huge to get off on the right foot and get the ball rolling in the right direction.

"Is it make or break? No. If we play really well in September, you want to play better in September than come out of the gates hot. It's a long season, but at the same you want to start off well."

Weekend preview:

The Sox play their first home game of the season Friday against the Twins.

The opener is sold out, but a limited number of standing room only seats are available.

This season marks the 10-year anniversary of the White Sox winning the World Series. Jose Contreras throws out the ceremonial first pitch Friday to another key player on the 2005 champions, third baseman Joe Crede.

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against will sing the national anthem.

In the top of the second inning of the home opener, the Sox will remember the late Minnie Minoso with a video tribute.