Justin Verlander tweets ‘I can think of reason’ why Yankees aren't team to beat in AL  —  The New York Yankees have been widely projected this offseason as a World Series contender, but Justin Verlander has offered a subtle reminder that the Houston Astros are still a force to be reckoned with.

WGN-AM named new radio home of the White Sox  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Baseball is coming back to WGN-AM 720, named the new radio flagship of the White Sox on Wednesday.  —  “Get ready kids, the sweet sounds of the ball yard return to 720 on Friday February 23rd live from Arizona,” …

After offseason ranching, Cueto back with new-look Giants  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Johnny Cueto's offseason included time tending to cows, chickens and goats on his 500-acre ranch back home in the Dominican Republic.  And it included a decision to stay with the San Francisco Giants rather …

Stewart agrees to $575,000, 1-year deal with Braves  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Catcher Chris Stewart has agreed to $575,000, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.  —  The 35-year-old hit .183 in 51 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season.  He is a seven-year major league veteran.

Aaron Judge won't use injured shoulder as excuse for midseason slump  —  TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time, Aaron Judge admitted that the left shoulder he had arthroscopic surgery on in November started bothering him around the All-Star break last season — right about the time the New York …

First look: Japanese star Shohei Ohtani arrives at Angels camp  —  Shohei Ohtani's arrival at the Los Angeles Angels' spring training facility Tuesday consisted of a rush of media attention followed by a light toss.  —  Wednesday should offer fans a better look at the 23-year-old two-way player from Japan …

‘Chuck’ Norris gets a kick out of joining Cardinals  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Even though the Cardinals more or less evened the score with righthander Bud Norris as the years went on, the diehard fans won't forget the start of Norris' career with the Houston Astros.

Mets want Giants second baseman Joe Panik but aren't willing to trade Juan Lagares: source  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets covet Joe Panik. the team discussed dealing for the Giants' All-Star second baseman this winter, a front office source said.  The Giants need a center fielder and they …

Chris Gimenez marvels at Yu Darvish's mix of business and fun  —  Chicago Tribune  —  After taking a playful hit Tuesday from Yu Darvish, Cubs catcher Chris Gimenez replied quickly.  —  “I like Jon Lester,” Gimenez joked Wednesday in reference to Darvish's quip that he liked catcher Willson Contreras …

Diamondbacks on track to unveil humidor in 2018  —  Japanese right-handed pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano speaks at an introductory press conference at Salt River Fields on Feb. 12, 2018.  David Wallace/azcentral sports  —  Chase Field's standing as one of baseball's most hitter-friendly ballparks is subject to change.

Column: Is Joe Maddon changing his hair style?  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Does he or doesn't he?  —  Only his hair stylist knows for sure.  —  While everyone was fixated on the Cubs' signing of Yu Darvish to a $126 million deal Tuesday on the first day of camp, the big story was overlooked.

Rangers' Perez expects to enter season kicking  —  SURPRISE, ARIZ.  —  Don't waste time trying to tell Martin Perez that he won't be ready for Opening Day.  —  “I'll be ready for kicking ass,” the left-hander said Wednesday at Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers reported for spring training.

Twins spring training brings rotation questions, openings  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) On the first day of spring training for the Minnesota Twins, it was difficult to watch the drills on the field without thinking about the potential starting pitchers who weren't there.

Dominic Smith leaves unhealthy diet behind as Mets' first baseman feels ‘more like an athlete’  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Jacob deGrom's shorter hair isn't the only startling difference you notice immediately among the Mets' players at spring training.  —  Dominic Smith was challenged …

Cincinnati Reds Notes: Reed's role in bullpen wouldn't be permanent or inconsequential  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The fact Cody Reed is competing for a bullpen spot doesn't mean he's done as a starter.  It doesn't mean he'll be in a mop-up role if he makes the team.  And it doesn't mean he's conceded a spot in the rotation.

The Royals are waiting on Eric Hosmer.  Here's their contingency plan at first base  —  SURPRISE, ARIZ.  —  At the front of the clubhouse here, a row of locker stalls that once belonged to stars has been re-assigned to younger players.  This is where Eric Hosmer made his home each spring …

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.