MLB Opening Night 2012: 5 Reasons You Must Not Miss Cardinals vs. Marlins

You couldn't ask for a much more compelling game to open the 2012 MLB season than the one we get tonight, when the St. Louis Cardinals travel to Florida to take on the Miami Marlins.

This game is rife with intriguing players, compelling storylines and memorable missing faces.

Here's five reasons you absolutely can't miss this game if you're a baseball junkie.

5. It's the first game of the new season, damn it!

If you're a baseball fan, you're compelled to watch the opening game of the year. And no, I'm not counting that two-game series in Japan between the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics as the first games of the year.

That was just stupid. Awesome to have them in Japan, but silly to make them something more than exhibitions.

Anyway, if you're a baseball fan you have to watch. Those are the rules.

4. You don't want to miss the Marlins' new digs, do you? 

Tonight is everyone's chance to check out the Marlins' ballpark during an actual game. Which means it's potentially the first time we'll all get to see that odd monstrosity in the outfield do whatever the hell it will do if a Miami player hits a home run.

Yeah, that's the one. This will be one of those "so bad I can't look away" moments.

But the new ballpark looks pretty sweet, and I for one am excited to check it out during game action tonight.

3. How will Hanley Ramirez look playing third?

One of the major questions heading into this season for the Marlins is how Hanley Ramirez will handle the transition from shortstop to third base. It isn't a question of ability so much as one of attitude.

How would a man with a reputation for being moody and indifferent handle a move to a new position caused by the acquisition of a man making more money than him?

Would Hanley's ego accept the change?

Early returns are positive. It certainly hasn't affected him at the dish—he hit .370 this spring. And his attitude has been pretty sparkling as well.

From Steve Henson of Yahoo!:

"

The uber-talented Ramirez, for so long indifferent and unresponsive, has come around. He’s been warmed by Reyes’ sunbeam, humbled by manager Ozzie Guillen’s commanding presence, and honed by infield coach Joey Cora’s relentless personal instruction.

"

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how natural he looks over at the hot corner during regular-season action. If everything from this spring is an indication, the transition should continue to be a fairly smooth one.

2. You'll want to see all of the Marlins' offseason acquisitions in action.

With Josh Johnson taking the mound tonight, we won't get to see new acquisition Mark Buehrle throw. It's also possible we'll miss new closer Heath Bell, as he might not be needed.

But we will get a chance to see new shortstop and leadoff hitter Jose Reyes in action. And of course, you never know what new manager Ozzie Guillen might say—if you think ESPN will miss this opportunity to interview the manager during the game, you're insane.

Plus—I know he isn't a newcomer, but I'm excited to see him nonetheless—the potential for a Giancarlo monster home run is always there.

1. How will the Cardinals look without departed legends Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa?

It will be pretty crazy to see the Cardinals without Albert Pujols over at first base. After 11 amazing years, Pujols had $240 million reasons to join the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and how the Cardinals will replace the void left by Pujols is a compelling question indeed.

The team added Carlos Beltran in the offseason, and will rely on Lance Berkman to replicate his surprising numbers from last year when he hit .301 with 31 home runs and 94 RBI. Plus they still have Matt Holliday, so all is not lost for the Cardinals offense.

But that wasn't the only change—how will new manager Mike Matheny handle the long shadow of Tony La Russa, who retired this offseason? What will the Cardinals look like without the Hall of Fame genius he provided?

Questions, so many questions. I can't wait for at least one night's worth of answers when baseball truly returns for the 2012 season tonight.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets will remain Linsane in tribute.