Top News:
ESPN:
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.
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Mark Didtler / Baltimore Sun:
Boone embraces Yankees' expectations as spring training starts
Boone embraces Yankees' expectations as spring training starts
Discussion:
CBS New York
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
MLB spring training: Five issues to watch as pitchers and catchers report
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Gary Sanchez vows to improve defensively in 2018
John Harper / New York Daily News:
Aaron Boone is already bringing a Joe Torre-like touch to Yankees
Aaron Boone is already bringing a Joe Torre-like touch to Yankees
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
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 …
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Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
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 …
Discussion:
The Comeback, Los Angeles Times and Halos Heaven
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Mike Axisa / CBSSports.com:
Angels planning to ease Shohei Ohtani into things with a six-man rotation — Ohtani will also get a chance to hit with the Angels — On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Angels opened their spring training camp in Arizona, which means Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani reported for his first workout with the organization.
Discussion:
Orange County Register and Halos Heaven
ESPN:
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.
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R.J. Anderson / CBSSports.com:
Jeter says he's still a Yankees fan, hopes to build sustainable winner with Marlins
Jeter says he's still a Yankees fan, hopes to build sustainable winner with Marlins
Discussion:
NESN.com
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
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.
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports and NBCSports.com
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo preaches competition on eve of camp
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo preaches competition on eve of camp
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
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 …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout and Talking Chop
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
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.
Fox Sports:
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 …
Associated Press:
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.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, CBS New York and MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Associated Press:
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.
Matt Breen / Philly.com:
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.
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Bob Brookover / Philly.com:
Wait ... Gabe Kapler wants his Phillies players to do what?
Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
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.
Discussion:
Athletics Nation, FanRag Sports, NBCSports.com and MLB Trade Rumors
Tom Haudricourt / JSOnline:
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
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
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
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Starless Detroit Tigers report to spring training with less fanfare
Starless Detroit Tigers report to spring training with less fanfare
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Steve Buffery / Toronto Sun:
Sad day for Blue Jays' fans, players as Jerry Howarth announces retirement — Jerry Howarth won't be taking flight as the Blue Jays broadcaster anymore. — The voice of the Jays for 36 memorable years, an emotional Howarth announced his retirement Tuesday morning on Sportsnet 590 The Fan.
Discussion:
Ballpark Digest