MLB Opening Day 2012: Red Sox vs. Tigers and the Best Games to Watch

A couple of games have already been played in Japan and the Miami Marlins opened their new park last night, but Thursday really kicks off the MLB season. There are several World Series hopefuls in action along with some underrated teams hoping to make a splash.

Let's take a look at the best games to watch on Opening Day, which should keep you occupied for about nine hours. The journey of 162 games begins today, so kick back and enjoy.

Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers

It's been a long winter for the Red Sox and their fans after a nightmarish September collapse that led to major changes throughout the organization. They have enough firepower to have a strong season in the competitive AL East, but overcoming last year's disappointment won't be easy.

The Tigers made a huge splash in the offseason by signing Prince Fielder. He'll team with Miguel Cabrera to give Detroit the most fearsome power duo in the league. Their supporting cast members will need to step up to replace the injured Victor Martinez, however.

This game also features the day's best pitching matchup between reigning Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander and elite lefty Jon Lester. Runs should come at a premium, even for these offenses.

Prediction: Tigers 3, Red Sox 2

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs

Stephen Strasburg missed most of last season with an arm injury, but the game's most exciting young pitcher is ready to roll once again. He'll lead the improving Nationals, who are likely to make some noise in the NL East, onto the field for his first Opening Day start.

The Cubs brought in Theo Epstein to help build a team that will finally end their extended World Series drought. It's going to take some time for him to acquire the pieces to fill the team's holes, but they already have a solid base of young talent to build on.

Opening Day at Wrigley Field is always a special event and today won't be any different. Look for an exciting game between two teams trending in the right direction.

Prediction: Nationals 6, Cubs 4

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres

The Dodgers didn't make any high-profile additions to their roster during the offseason, but expectations are still on the rise following the team's purchase by a group led by Magic Johnson. Matt Kemp fell one home run short of a 40-40 season in 2011, and will once again set his sights on that plateau.

San Diego is an interesting team. It don't have any superstars and likely won't have any players in the running for major awards, but the whole roster is better than the sum of its parts. The Padres' pitching staff is good enough to compete if the offense produces runs consistently.

Clayton Kershaw begins his quest for another Cy Young Award and should get the Magic Era off to the right start. Neither of these teams are being given a chance in the NL West, but don't count them out.

Prediction: Dodgers 4, Padres 1