What began as faint rumblings that we initially passed off as "spring-training noise" has proven to be anything but: The man getting the ball in the ninth inning for the White Sox—at least initially—would seem to be the least-skilled and least-experienced of all the candidates.

Another season, another crossroads in the volatile career of Francisco Liriano (LHP, MIN). Whether due to injury or ineffectiveness (sometimes both), Liriano seems to constantly vacillate between success and disaster. Coming off a season that was decidedly of the latter variety, what can be expected of Liriano in 2012?

This NL Series Matchups column previews eight different NL series, all beginning on Monday and wrapping up by Thursday.

This AL Midweek Series Matchup column previews six three-game series and one four-game set. Toronto and Minnesota will be hosting their home openers, with all other home teams continuing their season-opening homestand.

Call-ups from the minors for April 9, 2012

On Opening Day 2012, Andres Torres (OF, NYM) re-aggravated a calf injury forcing him to the DL. The Mets called up 24 year-old prospect Kirk Nieuwenhuis to fill that roster spot, hoping he can provide quality starts in CF. He will have his opportunity to prove his value in the coming weeks...will he be able to earn playing time over Scott Hairston (OF, NYM) and even Torres upon his return?

With another "Year of the Pitcher" behind us, the 2012 draft season saw more starting pitchers drafted higher than ever before. But in expert leagues, starting pitchers went for much less. Here's why—and how to exploit this trend.

Call-ups from the minors for April 8, 2012

[FREE] In this week's chat, I received the following question: "Ron, Our league still drafts by the archaic 'must be on opening day roster' program. Any idea where we can get these opening day rosters?"

Now that all of the positional injury reports are done, how can they help you both on draft day and during the season in managing your roster? In general use the charts below and reports under Dr. HQ as an overall look at each position and leagues. It’s not a foolproof system but it does tell you where the injury mine fields are so you can adjust your draft strategies. Here's several examples of how to use these reports is to help increase your odds of winning your league.

Season-opening DL stints are affecting starting rotations and early-season lineups. Scott Baker (RHP, MIN), Tim Stauffer (RHP, SD) and Jed Lowrie (SS, HOU) are among those who began the season on the DL.