News and notes from pregame

TOKYO -- Just wanted to give you all a few updates from the pregame session with manager Terry Francona, at least the ones that don't relate to Dusty Brown or Sean Casey.

But before I get into that, we're about an hour from the first pitch of the season here at the Tokyo Dome. The place is gradually beginning to fill up with fans, though few of those fans seem to be wearing Oakland A's gear. Go figure.

Francona discussed the lineup: "Maybe not [the same lineup tomorrow]. Pretty different pitchers.

"We try to match speed and on base. Those are your two factors in my opinion. How do you score runs? Guys can run, that's certainly an element. But getting on base in front of the guys in the middle of the order is the most important thing that we have going. I think that makes your speed secondary. Don't get me wrong, we like having the speed. Just you've got to get on base with those guys coming up. And we're a little daring with our speed if they're hitting in front of those guys."

He also said that, in deciding between having Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia batting No. 1 vs. No. 2, he relies on the comfort of his players. Youkilis is more comfortable hitting second and, since Pedroia doesn't seem to care, that leaves him with the leadoff spot. For now.

We do have an update on the pitchers for the exhibition series against the Dodgers. Bartolo Colon will pitch on Friday at Dodger Stadium, then Tim Wakefield (at the Coliseum), then Clay Buchholz. The team is going to be able to use the designated hitter in Los Angeles, against the Dodgers.

"We had the ability to kind of manipulate our days there," Francona said. "I think we thought pitching Wake that game in the Coliseum was sort of an honor for him. I know the left field wall is also 190 [feet] but he'll be able to handle that. It's going to be a big crowd."

Mike Timlin has been shut down for three to four days, after throwing. He had a reaction and the trainers wanted to make sure he wasn't going to make the injury worse.

Josh Beckett has a chance to pitch in Toronto, though Francona said the team isn't going to force the issue.