MLB Spring Training 2012 Schedule: What to Watch for on Opening Weekend

It's official, folks: MLB Spring Training 2012 is underway and will be in (nearly) full swing this weekend. The Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida will be teeming with activity as teams prepare for another exciting summer of baseball.

For those of you who have no desire to sort through the flurry of activity on the diamond at the outset, here's a look at some of the highlights to keep an eye on during opening weekend:

Plucky Collegians vs. Big League Pros

While poring over the spring training schedule, you might've noticed a few of the games filled in with the names of colleges, from Georgetown to South Florida, and scratched your noggin in confusion.

But never fear, baseball lovers. Those matchups are, indeed, accurately listed. In fact, the Philadelphia Phillies played the very first game of this year's spring training season against Florida State at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. The Phils came away with a 6-1 win in which Hector Luna chipped in two RBI.

College teams aren't the only unusual form of competition against which major league clubs can shake off the winter rust. Big league teams often compete against minor leaguers, split squads and even their own teammates. 

Possible World Series Previews

Once the New York Yankees are done dallying with the South Florida Bulls, they'll match wits with the aforementioned Phillies in what may well be a preview of the World Series. The Yanks will be in the mix after adding Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda to their starting staff, while the Phils should be among the favorites in the National League, thanks to the continued presence of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels atop their rotation.

Not to be outdone, the Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers will give their fans a glimpse at a potential Fall Classic matchup of their own. Both teams sport some solid pitching heading into the season to go along with lineups full of free swingers... 

Prince Fielder Taking Swings as a Tiger

...including none other than Prince Fielder. The Tigers will get a long-awaited look at their $214-million man, first against Florida Southern in Lakeland, and then in a home-and-home against the Lake Buena Vista-based Braves.

All indications are that Prince is fitting in just fine with his new teammates, even if he's having difficulty fitting his rotund figure into his new threads.

Expect Cecil's son to take some impressive hacks this weekend, with perhaps one or two of them ending with a stitched ball deposited in the seats.

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