Detroit Tigers spring training: Everything you need to know  —  Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season.  Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press.  —  CONNECT  —  Baseball is back!

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 …

Mended Rangers starters know ‘a lot of us you can mark down as question marks’  —  The last time Drew Smyly was seen on a big-league mound in a big-league game was Sept. 26, 2016, at the home of the Chicago White Sox, whatever it was called back then.  —  He threw 97 pitches in five innings …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

Everyone knows Andrus will be Rangers' leader in 2019, but will his bat lead offense?  —  The big Elvis Andrus news this off-season didn't have anything to do with what he was going to do on the field in 2019, but how he was going to take over the leadership duties in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse following …

Stephen Vogt agrees to minors deal with Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Free-agent catcher Stephen Vogt is returning to the Bay Area, agreeing to a minor league contract with the Giants.  —  Vogt shared the news in a text message Monday, when he was en route to the club's spring training complex in Scottsdale, Arizona.