Pitching hard to gauge based just on spring training  —  TAMPA — Let's go back exactly a year so we can appreciate just what an inexact science it is to predict baseball, in general, and what a rotation will do, in particular.  —  We just knew in the aftermath of Cliff Lee's spurning …

ST. LOUIS  • All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran finalized a two-year deal with the Cardinals on Thursday evening, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed to the Post-Dispatch.  —  The switch-hitting outfielder brings some desired depth to the Cardinals outfield while also restoring …

Salvador Perez out 3-4 months after knee surgery; Royals interested in Ivan Rodriguez?  —  So much for Salvador Perez only missing a few weeks.  —  Perez underwent his scheduled knee surgery today and the Royals announced afterward that he's expected to be out for 12-14 weeks, which would mean a mid-June return at the earliest.

Phillies release Willis  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies have released Dontrelle Willis, the enigmatic lefthander who was attempting to revive his career as a reliever.  —  He was plagued by ineffectiveness and arm soreness during the first four weeks of camp.

Arroyo channels Vedder at Woodjock fest  —  Pitcher, band perform four-song set of Pearl Jam classics  —  MESA, Ariz. — In the fine tradition of most musicians, Bronson Arroyo arrived stylishly late on Thursday night, 10 minutes before his scheduled 10 p.m. set.

Red Sox Agree To $800,000 Deal With Dominican Righty Simon Mercedes  —  The Red Sox have agreed to a deal with Dominican righthander Simon Mercedes, which according to an international source is for an $800,000 bonus.  —  However, that deal is still pending several hurdles …

Heyward hits grand slam to back Hanson  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Jason Heyward's first-inning grand slam off Wandy Rodriguez propelled the Braves to a 9-5 win over the Astros at Champion Stadium on Friday night.  —  Rodriguez retired the first two batters he faced before allowing five two-out hits in a five-run first inning.

Mauer Plays First for Twins in Win Over Red Sox  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Jon Lester worked on something he hopes he doesn't have to spend much time doing during the regular season: pitching out of jams.  —  Joe Mauer made his first spring training start at first base for a Minnesota Twins split squad …

Danks pitches four innings, drives in two runs  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Daniel Hudson turned in a solid outing for the D-backs as they beat the White Sox, 4-2, on Friday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at Salt River Fields.  —  The D-backs took a 2-0 lead in the first thanks to Geoff Blum's two-out …

Loney goes deep, Lilly goes four scoreless  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — James Loney slugged a three-run homer and Ted Lilly tossed four scoreless innings as the Dodgers beat the Rangers on Friday, 5-2.  —  Loney followed a second-inning leadoff double by Andre Ethier and a walk to Juan Rivera …

Rizzo, Lalli club homers against Giants  —  MESA, Ariz. — Aubrey Huff hit a tiebreaking RBI single in a two-run fourth to spark the Giants to a 3-2 victory Friday over the Cubs in front of 13,245, the largest crowd this spring at HoHoKam Park.  —  Chicago's Matt Garza, making his third start, had his longest outing this spring.

Jays lose Romero in win over Rays  —  Ricky Romero pitched four hitless innings before leaving with a tight left groin, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa bay Rays 5-0 Friday.  —  Jeff Niemann, in the three-way scramble for one of the last two spots in Tampa Bay's rotation, gave up four runs in 3 1-3 innings.