Boone embraces Yankees' expectations as spring training starts  —  On the day pitchers and catchers reported for his first spring training as New York Yankees manager, Aaron Boone acknowledged the pressure.  —  “Embrace that expectation,” Boone said Tuesday.  “Expect to go out there and be great.

Shohei Ohtani's main impact will come as a pitcher, Mike Scioscia says  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is quickly discovering how his every move at Los Angeles Angels' camp will be scrutinized this spring.  About 50 Japanese media members gathered at the entrance of the player parking lot …

Joe Maddon puts up defense of 2017 Cubs: 'There's nothing negative about lasy year'  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Manager Joe Maddon quips occasionally about bar room banter, but he's willing to put up a fight for his 2017 Cubs team that fell short of reaching the World Series.

As Cardinals camp opens, Gregerson relishes opportunity to finish where he started  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • There were times, way back in 2006 as a late-round reliever marooned at Class A, that Luke Gregerson was certain the next call coming to the bullpen for him wouldn't send him into the game but home, back to school.

Marlins CEO Derek Jeter says he's fine with ‘well-groomed’ facial hair  —  Though he was clean-shaven during his playing career for the New York Yankees, an organization noted for its strict policy on facial hair, Derek Jeter says he's fine if members of the Miami Marlins want to sport a mustache or beard.

Phillies like their pitchers, but could still add  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — There will not be much drama as the Phillies finalize their roster after six weeks of spring training as the major decision will be choosing a fifth starter from the handful of arms in the race.

New manager Mickey Callaway has big ideas for Mets  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — For a first-time manager, Mickey Callaway was mighty bold about his own expectations with the New York Mets.  —  “The front office has gotten us the players.  The coaching staff is the best coaching staff in the big leagues,” he said Tuesday.

Detroit Tigers' Daniel Stumpf favorite for lefty role, never satisfied  —  Watch as the Detroit Tigers' pitchers and catchers warm up with a game of catch on the first day of spring training on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, in Lakeland, Fla. Video by Anthony Fenech/DFP

Baseball's back!  Here's what Cubs and White Sox players did while they were away  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Cubs and White Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training this week after three-plus months of downtime.  —  Certainly, the players spent some of the offseason whipping themselves into the best shape of their lives.

Starting pitching: With Jimmy Nelson on the mend, Brewers rotation up for grabs entering camp  —  Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell has pitching concerns to address.  He talked about some of his options at the 2017 Winter Meetings.  Milwaukee Brewers video  —  CONNECT

Yankees' free agent infield, pitching options as spring training begins  —  TAMPA — At this juncture, it feels like the Yankees are doing a balancing act, weighing the potential risks and rewards of adding to their roster while also having to stay under the $197 million luxury-tax threshold.

Ex-A's right-hander Jarrod Parker retires after career derailed by injuries  —  A%E2%80%99s+Chris+Bassitt+discusses+ rotation+  —  Chris+Bassitt+on+competing+for+ A%E2%80%99s+rotation+spot+  —  Pitcher Chris Bassitt talks about competing for a starting job with the Oakland Athletics.

White Sox reliever Nate Jones says he's healthy, ready to contend for closer role  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Nate Jones was on the mound when Matt Davidson stepped into the batter's box to track pitches for the veteran White Sox reliever.  —  “I was warning him: 'Hey, man …

Yankees' Dellin Betances lightens load, fine-tunes delivery  —  Reliever worked with a nutritionist during the offseason and lost 16 pounds.  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Dellin Betances began last season as one of the premier relievers in baseball.  He ended it as an afterthought …

Head coach Frank Reich discusses plan for Indianapolis Colts  —  INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Indianapolis Colts' brain trust admitted to a temporary case of brain freeze.  —  It was Frank Reich Day at Lucas Lucas Oil Stadium Tuesday, but let's not kid ourselves.  That never was the plan.  —  Never.

Braves' top prospect Acuna arrives in camp early  —  Braves' top prospect Ronald Acuna reported to spring training Wednesday, four days before position players were due to report.  —  Acuna, 20, is the consensus top prospect in baseball and will compete for the starting left-field job at spring training.