How Jordy Mercer helped Detroit Tigers sign Josh Harrison  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Josh Harrison needed a place to stay.  —  It was 10 years ago and he had just been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Pittsburgh Pirates, arriving in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a duffel bag, luggage and nowhere to sleep.

Manny Machado's $300M, 10-year contract announced by Padres  —  SAN DIEGO —The San Diego Padres have announced their $300 million, 10-year deal with All-Star infielder Manny Machado, more than two days after the deal was agreed to.  —  Machado will be introduced Friday at spring training in Peoria, Arizona.

Adam Ottavino wows his manager and new teammates in first action as a Yankee  —  TAMPA - It was quite the introduction.  Adam Ottavino faced four batters in a simulated game Thursday morning.  The Yankees' newest reliever struck out all four.  —  He left his manager shaking his head and sympathizing with the hitters.

Phillies confident they will sign Bryce Harper as negotiations pick up  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies, according to a source, are confident they will sign Bryce Harper as they have ramped up their negotiations with the outfielder after being motivated by losing out on Manny Machado.

Mets' deep bullpen could let Seth Lugo sneak into rotation  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Let's imagine a scenario where Seth Lugo enters the rotation this year.  —  All it would take is an injury to one of the five starters for Lugo, Robert Gsellman or Corey Oswalt find his way in.

World Series drought disappointing for Yankees' Brett Gardner  —  TAMPA, Fla. - While Brett Gardner is looking forward to celebrating a special New York Yankees anniversary later this year, he had to admit Thursday that with it comes one disheartening reminder.

Gary Sanchez: Comeback player of the year or bust?  —  TAMPA, Fla. — For the bulk of the 12-minute interview session Gary Sanchez had at his locker as New York Yankees pitchers and catchers arrived to spring training, he was asked about one topic.  —  How will he rebound from his abysmal 2018?

Cubs might need to use a collection of closers, even after Brandon Morrow returns  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how Albert Almora Jr. has looked so far in spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Ryan Braun, 35, aiming to build off strong finish to last season  —  PHOENIX — Those days of playing every day, they're done for Ryan Braun.  Most important for the longtime Milwaukee Brewers star these days is making the most of the time he's in the lineup.  —  Now 35, Braun is inching closer to the downside of his career.

Indians, reliever Tyler Clippard agree to terms on minor contract  —  Clippard went 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in 73 games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Indians and two-time All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard have agreed to a minor league contract.