MLB Opening Day 2012: What We Learned from Thursday's Opening Games

With Opening Day firmly in our rear-view mirror, fans are already celebrating what is going to be the best year their team has ever had—or preparing for a losing season that will make the summer that much more difficult to bear. 

That's the beauty of Major League Baseball: Everyone is going to overreact to what they see after one game because it's our first real look at teams, unless you want to count spring training (though that is quite meaningless).

So with that in mind, here are some random thoughts from the first slate of games in the 2012 Major League Baseball season. 

Justin Verlander Is Still Good, Jose Valverde Not so Much

Remember last year, when there were some trying to make a case for Valverde as a great "closer" because he didn't blow a save?

Those people clearly did not look at the numbers beyond the mythical save total, because Valverde was a clear regression candidate. It didn't take long for him to prove that, with three hits and two runs allowed in his first game. 

On the flip side, Verlander looked as good as he ever has in the Tigers' 3-2 win. Against the dynamic Red Sox offense, the defending MVP and Cy Young winner allowed just two hits with seven strikeouts in eight shutout innings. 

The Nationals Will End Up Bringing Bryce Harper Up Sooner Rather Than Later

There was a lot of hype surrounding the Nationals coming into the year because of their rotation, like Edwin Jackson was some star pitcher who can put a team over the top. 

Stephen Strasburg was brilliant, albeit against a bad Cubs lineup, with five strikeouts in seven innings.

But even if the pitching is really good, the offense is going to be a source of problems. Ryan Zimmerman is going to have to carry them all year, which is a dangerous proposition given his injury history. 

That lack of pop will lead the Nationals to bring up superstar prospect Bryce Harper very soon. I wouldn't be shocked to see him in Washington before the end of May. 

Johan Santana Will Come Close To Recapturing His Former Glory

Even though he may never be the dominant pitcher we saw from 2004-2010, Johan Santana is doing his best to convince everyone that he isn't done after missing all of last season. 

The Mets are going to be cautious with Santana, as they should. He only pitched five innings in the team's 1-0 win against Atlanta today, but had five strikeouts and kept the Braves lineup off-balance all day. 

When he gets back to full strength will little or no restrictions, look out. The Mets would love to see Santana come back strong to try and move him. Since he has another year on his contract, with a club option for 2014, it seems doubtful that will happen. 

But if Santana proves he can handle a full workload, don't be surprised if some team so desperate for a starter ponies up the money and prospects to get him away from New York. 

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