Beckett throws without pain  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sox pitching coach John Farrell played catch with Josh Beckett and indicated while Beckett will likely not accompany the team to Japan, he is progressing well and threw without pain.  —  “Good news was there were no restrictions as far …

Duncan can't slow down and doesn't want to  —  Shelley Duncan has seemed baffled by all the furor surrounding his late, spikes-up slide into the Rays' Akinori Iwamura on Wednesday.  —  Duncan never saw plays like that criticized when he was growing up in and around Major League Baseball.

Can Pedro tame Tigers in first real test for Mets?  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Johan Santana's starts already are events at Tradition Field.  Maybe not Pedro Martinez-sized events, but Mets fans down here want to get an up-close look at their new No. 1 starter.  —  Today will be a Pedro-sized event.

Joe Girardi still unsure of Joba Chamberlain description  —  TAMPA - With Opening Day two weeks from tomorrow, the Yankees still are deciding what role Joba Chamberlain will have on the pitching staff.  —  Chamberlain allowed four hits, including a solo homer by Curtis Granderson …

Help from above?  Angels' non-trade looking good right about now  —  Angels: Five things to know  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — You looked at Miguel Cabrera in a Detroit uniform this spring and imagined the possibilities.  A bat that will have a lethal impact on the American League race.

Yanks' young guns face uphill fight against history  —  TAMPA - Although no one in the Yankees' high command is prepared to put a specific number on it, it is reasonable to assume they are hoping for Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy to make 25 to 30 starts apiece this season …

Is Pierre odd man out in Dodgers' outfield?  —  VIERA, Fla. - By all accounts, including their own, neither Andre Ethier nor Matt Kemp has been told anything specific about what Dodgers officials have planned for them once the regular season begins.  —  As a result, they have toiled …

Kyle Farnsworth's softer side  —  TAMPA - Anyone who has seen Kyle Farnsworth unleash his 100 mph heater, daring the hitter to take his best shot, knows one thing about one of the game's most aggressive pitchers: He is a competitor who puts everything he's got into each pitch, sometimes at the expense of his command.

Big Unit sees improvement vs. Angels  —  Hurler concerned by low pitch count in second spring start  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Randy Johnson knows he still has a long way to go in his rehab from back surgery, but he is definitely pleased with his progress.  —  Johnson allowed just one hit …

Who is Counting Anyway  —  The Quad post introduced the counting stats in Total Bases and Times on Base, as opposed to rate stats, such as On Base Percentage and Slugging percentage.  —  The formula for Times on Base (TOB) is  — (H + BB + HBP)  —  The formula for Total Bases (TB) is

Barton makes strong push  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa long ago advanced the notion that experience breaks ties at the end of spring training.  The adage is being challenged this month.  —  Unable to carry more than five outfielders into the season …

REGGIE LOSES HIS PINSTRIPES  —  Major League Baseball has ordered Reggie Jackson out of uniform for the remainder of spring training games after the Hall of Famer was on the field during this past Wednesday's altercation.  —  Jackson, who was on the field dressed in gray baseball pants …

Every Given Sunday  —  Competing with the Kids  —  Gone is Johan Santana, two-time Cy Young Award winner and considered by many to be the best pitcher in baseball.  Gone is Torii Hunter, seven-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder, team leader and face of the franchise.