Giants serious about Bryce Harper as late entrants into free-agent frenzy  —  The Philadelphia Phillies, who have been the favorites to land free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper all winter, suddenly have serious competition in the San Francisco Giants.  —  One high-ranking rival executive boldly predicts …

2019 Cincinnati Reds questions: How good is the National League Central?  —  Editor's note: With Spring Training approaching, we'll answer an important question about the Cincinnati Reds each day until pitchers and catchers report Feb. 12.  Today's question: How good is the National League Central?

Miami Marlins' president wants fans to give team a chance  —  MIAMI — The outfield grass at Marlins Park was a worn-out mess on Saturday, with those who arrived for the team's annual FanFest being greeted by signs reminding them that the turf will be replaced soon.

Melky Cabrera agrees to minor league deal with Pirates  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates and veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera have agreed to a minor league contract, according to ESPN and multiple reports.  —  The agreement was first reported Sunday by The Athletic.

Confident and healthy Yu Darvish eager ‘to do something for Chicago and the Cubs’  —  Photos of Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The mound that Yu Darvish stood atop Sunday felt like a cozy home.  —  That's because he felt more comfortable using the resources …

3 Detroit Tigers prospects to watch in spring training  —  Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the Detroit Tigers' top three prospects to watch in spring training:  —  1. RHP Franklin Perez  —  Hooks pitcher Franklin Perez throws against the Tulsa Drillers at Whataburger Field on August 10, 2017.

Carlson, Knizner headline handful of non-roster players at Cardinals' camp  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • The wheeling, waiving, and maneuvering the Cardinals did earlier this offseason to squeeze a few prospects onto the 40-man roster assured this year some of the young players expected to surprise …

'We don't want to put any limits on Willie entering camp.  He's earned a real look'  —  Willie Calhoun showed improvement defensively from spring training until his 2018 Rangers debut after the All-Star break.  He has shown more improvement all around this off-season.

Braves preview: A bench built on versatility  —  Baseball's current climate favors flexibility.  Teams see less value in carrying a one-position player for the sake of a single tool.  The better franchises are those with options; not just assets for the front office, but pieces for the manager to contruct.

It's time to elect Tigers' Lou Whitaker to Baseball Hall of Fame  —  Get the numbers on a Detroit Tigers' all-time great, Lou Whitaker  —  Every once in a while, my faith in humanity is restored.  —  This happened recently when the most unlikely of sources, baseball writers, did something they had never done.

Cardinals' spring questions for 2019  —  Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold identifies the critical issues as the Cardinals open camp in Jupiter, Fla.  —  ONE GOAL: RETURN TO OCTOBER  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • At one point Friday morning, four members of the Cardinals' pitching …

Padres Pursuing Mike Moustakas  —  The Brewers are reportedly the front-runners to sign free-agent third baseman Mike Moustakas, but they're facing competition from at least one team.  The Padres, who have prioritized finding a third baseman this offseason, are “going after” Moustakas, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.