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 …

White Sox have high expectations after 67-win season  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Coming off a 67-win season, the Chicago White Sox have high expectations.  —  “It's a good group of young men, and we're looking forward to seeing how it plays itself out,” manager Rick Renteria said Wednesday …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spring training: Phillies trying prospect Roman Quinn at shortstop  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Roman Quinn has not played shortstop since 2014.  And when he did, he struggled, amassing 61 errors in 149 games in the low minors.  But that has not stopped Gabe Kapler from trying to see if Quinn …

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 …

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.