The Yankees could feature the best bullpen in baseball history ... on paper  —  TAMPA - Luis Severino hesitated.  The Yankees ace had to temper his natural instincts a bit and understand what the future may hold for him - and the other starters.  While every rotation ace wants to be a workhorse …

Bring on spring!  After winter of discontent, can Cubs move on?  —  MESA, Ariz. — Eventually, Willson Contreras got bored.  The offseason had gone on long enough.  The Chicago Cubs catcher was used to playing baseball deep into the fall, but a team-wide offensive flameout last year led to a long winter.

First three Rangers pitchers to watch this spring have similar storyline, elbow scars  —  Shelby Miller was a National All-Star for the Braves in 2015 before getting traded after the season.  He hasn't been the same since, but the Rangers believe he can be effective again.

Which Detroit Tigers could make the team with a strong spring?  —  Who will start for the Detroit Tigers in 2019 after their offseason acquisitions  —  Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the top three dark horses to make the Detroit Tigers' roster in spring training:  —  1. Brandon Dixon

Lefty reliever Zach Duke signs 1-year contract with Cincinnati Reds  —  (Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports)  —  The Reds signed their first Major League free agent of the offseason Monday.  —  Left-handed reliever Zach Duke agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract, giving the Reds another lefty option in their bullpen.

Yankees keep checking in on free agent Manny Machado  —  Bombers not expected to have highest offer, but they're not out  —  Hungry for another Manny Machado update?  Not really?  Well, too bad — we have one.  —  As Yankees players trickle into spring training, the front office continues …

Mets Spring Training: 5 burning questions facing the Amazin's  —  Not so far down the list of great American pastimes, beyond baseball and barbecues and lottery scratch-offs, is an old-fashioned summer fireworks show.  Fireworks are a funny thing — most of the fun is in the anticipation, the expectation.

Country music legend Garth Brooks in spring training with Pittsburgh Pirates  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Garth Brooks has come out of baseball retirement.  —  The country music legend will spend just over a week participating in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates, reporting Monday with the pitchers and catchers.

Pirates announce deal with Melky Cabrera  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their minor league contract with outfielder Melky Cabrera, who will report to major league spring training.  —  If added to the 40-man roster, the 34-year-old would get a one-year contract …

All-Star pitcher Gerrit Cole goes to arbitration with Astros  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pitcher Gerrit Cole has gone to arbitration with the Houston Astros, asking to be given $13.5 million rather than the team's offer of $11,425,000.  —  Cole made $6.75 million last year when he earned …

Orioles Preview: Baltimore Starting To Rebuild As Spring Training Begins  —  The first part of the rebuilding of the Baltimore Orioles begins this season.  There's a new man in charge in the front office (Mike Elias), a new man in charge in the dugout (Brandon Hyde), and a plan in place …

Justin Verlander baffled rebuilding teams won't sign Machado, Harper  —  Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander isn't buying the theory that the market for big free agents is limited by rebuilding teams not being in position to sign stars. … Like last year, the marquee free agents this offseason …

Endy Chavez catches on again as Mets minor-league coach  —  His signature moment as a Met came in the 2006 NLCS, when he reached over the leftfield wall at Shea Stadium to rob the Cardinals' Scott Rolen of a home run.  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Endy Chavez, who made one of the most memorable catches …

Reliever Brad Brach, Cubs finalize $3M deal  —  CHICAGO — Brad Brach and the Chicago Cubs have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees the reliever $3 million and could be worth $8 million over two seasons.  —  Brach gets a $1.65 million salary this year and could earn $1.35 million …

Nick Hundley agrees to minor league deal with A's  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Oakland Athletics added depth at catcher on Monday, agreeing to a minor league contract with Nick Hundley.  —  If added to the 40-man roster, the 35-year-old would get a one-year contract paying a $1.25 million salary while in the major leagues.