MLB Opening Day 2012: 5 Compelling Stories to Watch for Around the League

One of the truly wonderful days on the sports calendar is upon us: Opening Day in baseball.

This year, there are several particularly intriguing storylines to keep an eye on. From All-Star faces in new places to players returning—and let's not forget the marquee players trying out new positions—a whole lot of questions will start to be answered on Opening Day.

Let's take a look at the five most intriguing storylines revolving around teams playing on Thursday.

Welcome Back, Stephen Strasburg

There may not be many pitchers, if any, more fun to watch than the Washington Nationals' Stephen Strasburg. His stuff is so electric, every pitch has the ability to drop your jaw.

One of the issues will be whether or not he can stay healthy for the Nationals this year, and he'll have his innings capped at 160.

But while he is on the mound, you won't be able to take your eyes away, I guarantee that.

Will the Phillies Score Runs for Elite Pitchers?

With Roy Halladay taking the hill for the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team obviously should be a favorites to win the game.

And with Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels to follow, a sweep isn't out of the question to begin the season.

But will the Phillies hit enough to do so?

That remains the question for this team, with Chase Utley and Ryan Howard sidelined. A little bit of small ball could go a long way for this team, and Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and Hunter Pence are all still very good hitters.

But if they can't carry the offense and the Phillies don't generate runs, the early months will be very painful ones in Philadelphia.

A Prince Debuts in Detroit, Miguel Cabrera Debuts at Third

How will Prince Fielder look in his first day as a Detroit Tiger, hitting behind Miguel Cabrera? Will he give the crowd something memorable in his regular-season debut in Detroit?

Oh, and how will Cabrera look at third base?

Hanley Ramirez of the Miami Marlins certainly struggled in his first game at the hot corner—will Cabrera face similar difficulties?

And will anyone matter given how much he produces at the plate?

No, probably not. Cabrera and Fielder back-to-back in that lineup will frighten pitchers all season long, and be fun as hell to watch.

How Will the Red Sox Respond to Bobby Valentine?

Well, there's nothing awkward about Terry Francona in the booth as an ESPN broadcaster for the Boston Red Sox' opener against the Tigers on Thursday.

Not.

Francona of course lost his post in Boston this offseason after the Sawx' epic September collapse, and he was replaced by former ESPN analyst and onetime New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine. And it remains to be seen how the very talented Red Sox will adjust to the change.

There is enough talent in Boston to win the World Series, namely in the team's lineup. Just imagine if Carl Crawford actually hits this year—that's a scary thought.

But if they don't respond to Valentine, well, if last September is any indication it could be a very, very long season in Boston this year.

Will Clayton Kershaw And Matt Kemp Replicate Amazing Seasons In LA?

The best young pitcher and position player in baseball reside in Los Angeles, headlining a young but up-and-coming Dodgers squad.

Can Kershaw win another Cy Young? Can Matt Kemp make a push for the triple crown and steal 40 bases along the way? Can this young team compete for the NL West title?

Just a few more things I can't wait to find out this year. Baseball is back, and I couldn't be happier.

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