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.

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.

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?

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.

New manager Robin Ventura announced that his 2012 lineup would include Brent Morel (3B, CHW) batting second and A.J. Pierzynski (C, CHW) in the five-hole. While Morel showed improved contact skills (86%) in 2011, the extra plate appearances may not result in much added production.

Brad Brach is a surprise cut as SD pares down for Opening Day. Pre-season sleeper Everth Cabrera's demotion is less of a shock, but don't sleep on Jesus Guzman. Boston's new closer and more ...

This is the last of the positional reviews. Up until this point we have not seen a group that should cause anyone to make significant changes to your draft list. There are a lot of names on this list; does it mean it will be tougher to avoid injury risk for National league starters in 2012?

AL season continues stateside with Thursday openers.

Kyle Farnsworth (RHP, TAM) was scheduled to see a doctor about his ailing elbow April 4, which obviously puts his availability for Opening Day very much in doubt. While nothing is official yet, all reports and signs are suggesting that the Rays will be looking for someone else to handle ninth inning duties to begin the year. Joel Peralta (RHP, TAM), who saved six games last season, including four in September while Farnsworth was sidelined, appears to be the most logical candidate.