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 …

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.

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?

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.

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 …

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.

Alex Wilson agrees to minor league deal with Indians  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — Right-hander Alex Wilson has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and will report to big league spring training.  —  The 32-year-old had a 3.36 ERA in 59 games for Detroit last year, including a 0.71 ERA in his last 14 games.

Kyle Allman Jr., Cal State Fullerton avenge earlier loss to UC Riverside  —  RIVERSIDE — All UC Riverside coach David Patrick could do was gaze in awe and wonder when he would coach a team that could do what Cal State Fullerton did to his Highlanders over a 65-second span late in the second half Saturday evening.

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.

Former Reds, Bats pitcher Homer Bailey signs with Royals minor league team  —  Homer Bailey will try to prove himself with a new team this spring.  —  Bailey signed a minor league contract with the Royals, the team announced Saturday, which includes an invitation to spring training.

Gary Sanchez is now Yankees' biggest key to catching Red Sox … The Yankees stayed away from signing free-agent stars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, who wanted too many years and too many dollars.  They also didn't acquire catcher J.T. Realmuto from the Marlins.