In news that’s not completely unexpected but certainly a blow to their rotation, the Atlanta Braves won’t have starter Tim Hudson for the first month of the 2012 season as he continues his recovery from back surgery. Atlanta is +900 on WagerWeb.com to win the NL pennant this season on our MLB baseball bets. The 36-year-old’s procedure, which was performed

It’s a new year but the same expected result for the perennially rebuilding Baltimore Orioles as nearly every prognosticator expects the Birds to finish fifth in the AL East again, just as they did a year ago with a 69-93 record – their 14th straight season with a losing record and sixth straight with at least 92 losses. Baltimore is

Well, the Seattle Mariners will be first at something in the 2012 season: Their pitchers and catchers were the first of the 30 clubs to report to camp and their full squad reported Friday. Will that matter much with Seattle looking poised to finish at the bottom of the AL West again? The Mariners are 90/1 onBovada’s baseball betting futures to

Carl Crawford was a free-agent bust for the Boston Red Sox a season ago, and the 2012 season may not get off to a great start, either, as Crawford is likely to miss the first few weeks of the year. Bet on Red Sox futures at the WagerWeb.com online sportsbook. Crawford had surgery to remove cartilage on his left wrist

Beyond adjusting to the absences of Tony La Russa and Albert Pujols, the Cards welcome ace Adam Wainwright back from Tommy John surgery. Lance Berkman moves from right to first base, with Carlos Beltran taking over his former position. Those vets must stay healthy. 2011: 90-72, wild card, won World Series. First Workout: Feb. 19/24 He’s Here: Manager Mike Matheny,

The Pirates must figure out their corner infield spots. If Pedro Alvarez continues to flop at third base, Casey McGehee will get a chance, but McGehee also is in the picture with Garrett Jones at first base. 2011: 72-90, fourth place. First Workout: Feb. 19/24. He’s Here: LHP Erik Bedard, C Rod Barajas, SS Clint Barmes, OF Nate McLouth, 3B

The Brewers are changing three-fourths of their infield, not something you normally expect from a 96-victory outfit. Should Ryan Braun be suspended for 50 games, manager Ron Roenicke must find a reliable replacement (or replacements) in left field. 2011: 96-66, first place, lost in NLCS. First Workout: Feb. 20/25. He’s Here: 3B Aramis Ramirez, SS Alex Gonzalez, OF Norichika Aoki,

The Astros are severely lacking in star power, leaving it to the likes of outfielders J.D. Martinez and Brian Bogusevic as well as second baseman Jose Altuve and third baseman Jimmy Paredes to make strides. The lone veteran is Carlos Lee, who returns for the final year of his boondoggle contract to split time in left field and at first

Pitching let down the Reds in 2011, prompting a deal of coveted prospects to acquire San Diego righty Mat Latos. There are injury concerns on the left side of the infield with third baseman Scott Rolen returning from shoulder surgery and rookie shortstop Zack Cozart coming off elbow surgery. 2011: 79-83, third place. First Workout: Feb. 19/24. He’s Here: RHP

The Cubs are embarking on a massive rebuilding project under new manager Dale Sveum, with rookie first baseman Anthony Rizzo a key piece. Ian Stewart gets a chance at third base but much rides this year on the erratic trio of leftfielder Alfonso Soriano, closer Carlos Marmol and catcher Geovany Soto. 2011: 71-91, fifth place. First Workout: Feb. 19/24. He’s