The Associated Press

The St. Louis Cardinals acquired outfielder Roger Cedeno from the New York Mets Saturday for backup catcher Chris Widger and infielder Wilson Delgado.

The speedy Cedeno was a huge disappointment after signing an $18 million, four-year contract with the Mets before the 2002 season. The Cardinals also get cash considerations in the deal.

"It was the best thing for everybody involved. Roger gets a fresh start and we can move on," Mets general manager Jim Duquette said.

Widger and Delgado are expected to start the season in the minors, although Widger could refuse the assignment and ask for his release.

Cedeno is expected to join the Cardinals today. The 29-year-old switch-hitter is a .275 career hitter with 37 home runs, 243 RBI and 208 stolen bases.

METS: Pitcher Al Leiter was hit in the head by a line drive Saturday and could miss his first start of the season.

Leiter grabbed the side of his face after getting hit by Alex Gonzalez's liner in the second inning of New York's 21-13 win over the Florida Marlins.

He fell on the mound, but never lost consciousness. After being treated by trainers, he stood up on his own and walked to a nearby golf cart that brought him to the clubhouse.

Leiter was taken to Jupiter Medical Center for a CT scan and X-rays, which were negative.

"I'll be fine. I've got a little headache and a little bruise," Leiter said. "I saw it and I thought I had it. It was knuckling a little bit and I missed it."

The left-hander said he didn't know if he would miss his first start Thursday night in Atlanta.

PHILLIES: Philadelphia got everything it wanted in the first game at its new home - except for a win.

The Cleveland Indians spoiled the first event at Citizens Bank Park with a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

The outcome didn't seem to matter for the sellout crowd getting the first look at the ballpark.

The intimate baseball-only ballpark mixed modern conveniences with old-time charm. Real grass, an open-air stadium with a splendid view of Center City, wider seats angled toward home plate and more concession choices with a local flavor made the ballpark a hit with fans.

"There's so much more character than the concrete toilet bowl (Veterans Stadium)," said Gene Schriver, of Huntington Valley, Pa.

SHORT HOPS: Boston Red Sox closer Keith Foulke finished a rocky spring by giving up two runs while getting only one out Saturday in a 5-0 loss to the Braves. Foulke finished the spring with a 15.59 ERA, giving up 17 hits and 15 runs in 8 2-3 innings.

• Hours after learning he'd won a spot in Pittsburgh's rotation, Ryan Vogelsong capped a solid spring with four strong innings in the Pirates' 7-4 victory over the Twins. The right-hander gave up one run and struck out seven in the final four innings for the win. He finished with a 2.05 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 26 1-3 innings.

• The Athletics signed catcher Tom Wilson to a minor league contract.

It will be his second stint with the A's after making his major league debut with Oakland in 2001.

• Rockies outfielder Larry Walker was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained left groin. A three-time NL batting champion and the league's MVP in 1997, Walker hit .284 with 16 homers and 79 RBI last season.