Nearly 100 sets of brothers have played together as teammates in Major League history.

The Brewers announced Thursday that they will be adding a new gold-colored alternate jersey for the 2013 season.

Outfielder Nyjer Morgan will reportedly play in the Far East this season, as the former Brewers outfielder has agreed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan’s Central League on a one-year deal that will pay him $1.6 million.

The Mets have signed free-agent starter Shaun Marcum to a one-year deal pending a physical, a source told MLB.com on Thursday.

Once thought to be out of the Mets’ price range, top free agent Michael Bourn’s appeal grows after Scott Hairston’s deal with the Cubs removes yet another candidate to fill New York’s apparent need to add a proven outfielder.

General manager Jack Zduriencik didn’t want to get into a public discussion of the Mariners’ attempt to extend Felix Hernandez’s contract this offseason, but he again made it clear the club wants to keep the 26-year-old ace in a Seattle uniform for as long as possible.

To have the closer as the most serious question left isn’t the worst sign for a team heading into Spring Training. For a contending team, though, it’s a serious question, and Tigers manager Jim Leyland sounded Wednesday like someone making it his priority to figure out what he has in Bruce Rondon.

Dan Uggla’s encouraging stretches were overshadowed by maddening offensive droughts during his first two years in Atlanta, but the second baseman’s confidence is at a high point as Spring Training approaches.

With work still to be done, manager Eric Wedge expressed optimism that the Mariners will continue improving as a strong group of young talent begins meshing with the addition of key veterans like Michael Morse, Kendrys Morales, Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay and Robert Andino.

Eric Wedge is counting on newcomers Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, Michael Morse and Kendrys Morales to provide a veteran leadership the manager feels the Mariners lacked in the past few seasons.

The Braves and D-backs agreed Thursday on a trade that will send outfielder Justin Upton to Atlanta as part of a seven-player swap.

Heading into Spring Training, things are a little different for Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman. But the 24-year-old — who is coming off a career year despite spending the first half in Triple-A — said he will try to approach next month’s camp with the same mindset.

Mike Matheny took the question — one in which he was asked to discuss possible remedies for the offense’s maddening inconsistency last year — and jokingly shifted the onus elsewhere. “That’s John Mabry’s job,” the soon-to-be second-year manager replied. “He has to figure that out.”

Considering the sacrifices the military has made for them through the years, the Astros were more than happy to turn the tables Wednesday afternoon and serve lunch, sign autographs and take photos with more than 250 service members and their families as part of the team’s annual CAREavan.

The Braves have acquired Justin Upton and Chris Johnson from the D-backs in exchange for five players, including Martin Prado. Upton will join his older brother, B.J., in Atlanta’s outfield.

The Rockies, Astros, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Indians and Marlins will open Spring Training next month with a different manager than a year ago, and all six managers face different challenges.

Dodgers left-handed reliever Scott Elbert underwent a second arthroscopic operation on his left elbow Wednesday, putting his 2013 availability in question.