Why didn't Cubs throw money at big free agents?  'We don't have any more'  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs' apology tour continued Monday when chairman Tom Ricketts talked to the team about the embarrassment brought on by his father's racist emails being publicly exposed, vowing that the team will become lovable once again.

Noah Syndergaard ready to listen if NY Mets want to make a deal  —  Brodie Van Wagenen on the Mets' depth  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — If the New York Mets want to talk, Noah Syndergaard will listen.  —  Syndergaard, 26, is one of the sport's top young pitchers and under contract through 2021.

Giancarlo Stanton talks about growing comfort in AL, playing games that matter  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Now that he's playing in the Bronx, the stretch between May and October has a much different significance to Giancarlo Stanton.  It's one he's incredibly thankful for, too.

Kris Bryant happy to clear the air with Yadier Molina over comments about St. Louis  —  MESA, Ari.  — Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant said he's more than happy to clear the air with Yadier Molina after offseason comments made by Bryant about the city of St. Louis raised the ire of the Cardinals' All-Star catcher.

Padres make big offer to free agent Manny Machado  —  MESA, Ariz. — Manny Machado, one of the biggest prizes on the free agent market, has finally received a contract proposal that may suit his demands.  —  The San Diego Padres submitted an eight-year offer to Machado worth between $240 million …

Monday in Cards camp: Cecil has trouble throwing strikes, but he was sick  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Lefthander Brett Cecil was the first Cardinals' pitcher to face hitters Monday.  He didn't throw many strikes, perhaps two out of 15 or so pitches in his stint, but he became ill while he was warming …

'There's no more excuses.' Four core Rangers players are ready to grow up in 2019  —  These are perilous times for the Texas Rangers, who are trying to produce young talent that can lift the franchise back to where it was the last time it went through a rebuilding phase.

Jorge Posada: Joining Derek Jeter with Marlins is ‘Perfect timing’  —  JUPITER, Fla. — A black cap with the Miami Marlins' new neon logo sat atop Jorge Posada's graying hair Monday, a jarring sight for fans who recall he spent his entire playing career with the New York Yankees.

Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer: No hard feelings after arbitration loss  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — It's been a whirlwind of a week for Michael Fulmer.  —  Last Wednesday, he attended his salary arbitration hearing against the Detroit Tigers in St. Petersburg.  On Friday, he traveled back to Oklahoma …

Baseball notebook: Source says Moustakas, Brewers nearing a deal  —  Source: Moustakas, Brewers nearing a deal  —  Mike Moustakas and the Brewers are nearing a deal that would keep the third baseman in Milwaukee for a guarantee of $10 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Rob Manfred says pitching clock will be introduced in spring training and brushes off players' free agency gripes  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Major League Baseball is unilaterally starting the use of pitch clocks for spring training games, while brushing off complaints from players about the slow free agent market.

Reds' Joey Votto tries to rebound from subpar season  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Joey Votto has spent the offseason trying to make sure he doesn't have another subpar season.  —  The Cincinnati Reds star led the National League in on-base percentage last year but hit just 12 homers …

Rookie Davis, former Reds pitcher, reaches minor-league deal with Pittsburgh Pirates  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Monday that they've signed former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rookie Davis to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league Spring Training.

Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner says Boston, Chris Sale have discussed contract extension  —  Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner says Boston,  —  Chris Sale have discussed contract extension originally appeared on  —  Chris Sale's 2018 season was everything the Red Sox hoped for, and more.

Dodgers' Kenley Jansen hoping higher spin rate will help him sizzle  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Kenley Jansen wore a wide smile in the moments following this past Friday's workout.  The Rapsodo tracking devices and high-speed cameras set up throughout the bullpens of the Los Angeles Dodgers' spring …