Top News:
Fox Sports:
Stars back on the field as pitchers, catchers begin workouts — Justin Verlander is looking forward to a full season with the Houston Astros, while the New York Mets are hoping for a healthier year for their starting staff. — The New York Yankees? Well, this season may not be about their pitchers …
RELATED:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Notebook: Norris ‘honored’ to be with Cardinals — • The Philadelphia Phillies had a lefthanded pitcher named Tommy Underwood in the 1970s, and he had beaten the Cardinals five times in a row in 1975-76. That's when general manager Bing Devine decided to acquire him at the trading deadline in 1977 …
RELATED:
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
New pitching coach, new philosophies at front and center for Cards in spring training — St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Mike Maddux (center) talks with pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon as manager Mike Matheny observes during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 …
Associated Press:
Ohtani draws attention as Angels begin workouts — Shohei Ohtani emerged from the clubhouse and tipped his cap to the swarm of Japanese countrymen capturing his every move, cameras clicking a mile a minute. — He offered that signature smile, something Angels manager Mike Scioscia noticed right away …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven …, miamiherald and ESPN
RELATED:
Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
Shohei Ohtani impresses with bat, demeanor at Angels workout
Shohei Ohtani impresses with bat, demeanor at Angels workout
Discussion:
USA Today
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
No lack of optimism as White Sox open spring training camp — Chicago Tribune — Tucked away in a secluded area of Camelback Ranch, general manager Rick Hahn spoke openly about the progress of the White Sox's rebuild during his annual media session on the opening day of training camp.
RELATED:
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
WGN-AM named new radio home of the White Sox
Shawn Windsor / Detroit Free Press:
No expectations for Detroit Tigers? It might make them easier to watch — 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
RELATED:
Blair Kerkhoff / Kansas City Star:
Kansas City got a second chance at the majors, and made it work — When the 2018 season concludes, the Royals will have closed the book on 50 years of competitive existence with an overall record under .500. — We'll get 'em in the next half-century. — But although they've posted …
RELATED:
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 …
Discussion:
Royals Review and MLB Daily Dish
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks at spring-training practice … Manager Torey Lovullo suggested Wednesday another position that will be open to competition in Diamondbacks' camp this spring: a corner outfield spot. — With A.J. Pollock entrenched in center and David Peralta holding down one of the corners …
RELATED:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks on track to unveil humidor in 2018
Diamondbacks on track to unveil humidor in 2018
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball, AZ Snake Pit and NBCSports.com
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers To Sign Wade Miley — The Brewers have signed southpaw Wade Miley to a minor league contract, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports (Twitter link). Miley will earn $2.5MM in guaranteed money if he cracks Milwaukee's MLB roster, and could earn as much as $5.7MM if he makes 29 starts in 2018.
Discussion:
Camden Chat …, Brew Crew Ball, Bleacher Nation, FanRag Sports and Al's Ramblings
RELATED:
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Matt Breen / Philly.com:
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 …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Put me in, Coach! How much embarrassment would you be willing to endure to play major league baseball? — IF, BECAUSE OF an unintended loophole in the collective bargaining agreement, the Miami Marlins discovered they could save $1 million by letting you play an entire major league game …
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.
RELATED:
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.
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
For free agents at MLB's Camp Jobless, it's ‘not about money. Just an opportunity’ — BRADENTON, Fla. — It's the other spring-training camp, the one with players wearing black T-shirts and shorts instead of team uniforms, no fans in the stands, no autograph seekers, no media, not even a peanut vendor in sight.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs counting on closer Brandon Morrow and fifth starter Tyler Chatwood — Chicago Tribune — Sure, it helps to land the big blow of the offseason before spring training by adding marquee free agent Yu Darvish to a National League title contender. — But for the second consecutive …