Perhaps nobody appreciates the fresh start the coming spring brings more than the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are coming off another losing season.

Chris Carpenter addressed the media on Monday morning at Busch Stadium for the first time since general manager John Mozeliak announced that it was unlikely the veteran pitcher would be able to pitch during the 2013 season.

After last year’s World Series and a quick offseason, Justin Verlander decided he can’t get his arm in the shape he’d want it to be for the World Baseball Classic.

This offseason, big trades sent top-tier starters to new teams. The Royals and Blue Jays are among those entering Spring Training boasting some of the most improved staffs in the Major Leagues.

As camps open, there is one very important thing that can be gleaned from just about every team: health, or lack thereof. Pretty much every manager would rather have hurt players get healthy, and healthy players stay that way, than win every game of Grapefruit League or Cactus League play. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the players and teams facing the most pressing health questions over the next seven weeks.

Pitchers and catchers report. There it is. Go ahead and say it again. Pitchers and catchers report. It’s happening. Right now.

Angels camp officially opens Monday, when pitchers and catchers report for their physicals four days in advance of the first full-squad workout at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Angels camp officially opens Monday, when pitchers and catchers report for their physicals four days in advance of the first full-squad workout at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Officially, Tigers pitchers and catchers report to camp on Monday, but many have been filing in over the past several days. They’ll get to work Tuesday morning on the back fields at Tigertown, where fans have already begun gathering to get their first look at a season with championship expectations.

Officially, Tigers pitchers and catchers report to camp on Monday, but many have been filing in over the past several days. They’ll get to work Tuesday morning on the back fields at Tigertown, where fans have already begun gathering to get their first look at a season with championship expectations.

By the time the full squad shows up later in the week, the Astros will have 61 players in uniform — including 21 non-roster invitees, and four new members of the field staff, led by first-year manager Bo Porter.

By the time the full squad shows up later in the week, the Astros will have 61 players in uniform — including 21 non-roster invitees, and four new members of the field staff, led by first-year manager Bo Porter.

On Saturday night, the eve of reporting day for Cleveland’s pitchers and catchers, the club and Jason Giambi came to terms on a Minor League contract that gives Giambi the chance to come to camp as a non-roster invitee.

On Saturday night, the eve of reporting day for Cleveland’s pitchers and catchers, the club and Jason Giambi came to terms on a Minor League contract that gives Giambi the chance to come to camp as a non-roster invitee.

The Urban Youth Academy event gave many of California’s most prominent prep players a chance to compete in front of scouting directors from big league teams.

Come Wednesday morning, the first workout in Arizona for Padres pitchers and catchers, there will be a total of 36 pitchers on the field.

With players to begin reporting for Spring Training Monday, the D-backs hope changes to the roster — including the arrival of Didi Gregorius — will help them battle in 2013.