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.

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 …

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 …

Reliever Joakim Soria arrives at White Sox camp ‘to do what I do’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Pitchers and catchers drifted in and out of the White Sox clubhouse on the official reporting date to spring training, many of them sporting cotton balls taped to their arms after giving blood during physicals.

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 …

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.

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.

Braves To Sign Chris Stewart  —  The Braves have reached agreement with catcher Chris Stewart on a one-year deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman (via Twitter).  It's a non-guaranteed MLB contract, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution adds on Twitter, which could pay Stewart $575K …

Mike Montgomery wants to protect his arm: ‘I just want to make sure my arm is healthy’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Mike Montgomery made no demands to President Theo Epstein, but the Cubs' versatile left-hander prefers his left arm be protected in the likely event he doesn't become a full-time starter in 2018.

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.

Notebook: Gausman, Orioles avoid arbitration  —  Orioles, starter Gausman avoid arbitration hearing  —  The Orioles avoided an arbitration hearing with starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, agreeing to a $5.6 million, one-year contract.  —  Gausman's hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday.

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.