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Fox Sports:
Astros start workouts with an unfamiliar ring - as champions — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Amid the long tossing, sprinting and bullpen sessions that comprised Houston's first spring workout, the Astros also informally dedicated time to a balancing act. — Never in the Astros' previous 55 seasons …
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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.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
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.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
RELATED:
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
WGN-AM named new radio home of the White Sox
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox Sign Hector Santiago
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 …
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ESPN:
Bulked up Tim Lincecum working out for teams Thursday — Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, sporting a bulked-up physique, will hold a workout for teams on Thursday at Scottsdale Stadium. — Scouts from at least 12 Major League organizations are expected to be in attendance.
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times and 1500 ESPN Twin Cities
Fox Sports:
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.
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Braves To Sign Chris Stewart
Braves To Sign Chris Stewart
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, Bucs Dugout and Talking Chop
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Joe Maddon melds baseball, art in surrealistic day at Cubs camp — Chicago Tribune — When asked last month to speculate on Joe Maddon's theme for the 2018 season, Ben Zobrist asked what his manager had been reading of late. — Informed Maddon had read Walter Issacson's best-selling biography …
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David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
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 …
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ESPN:
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 …
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Mike Axisa / CBSSports.com:
Angels planning to ease Shohei Ohtani into things with a six-man rotation
Angels planning to ease Shohei Ohtani into things with a six-man rotation
Discussion:
Orange County Register and Halos Heaven
Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
Shohei Ohtani's main impact will come as a pitcher, Mike Scioscia says
Shohei Ohtani's main impact will come as a pitcher, Mike Scioscia says
Discussion:
The Comeback and Los Angeles Times
Fox Sports:
Reds open camp with only 1 open spot in the rotation — GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Reds opened camp on Wednesday with one unclaimed spot in the rotation, a major improvement over last year. The question is whether their three veteran starters can make it to opening day without any setbacks.
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John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
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.
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
‘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.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Mozeliak confident Cards have done enough
Mozeliak confident Cards have done enough
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
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 …
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Fox Sports:
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.
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:
FanGraphs Baseball, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and NBCSports.com
Peter Botte / New York Daily News:
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 …
Rustin Dodd / Kansas City Star:
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 …
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 …
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune