A few things....

Terry Francona doesn't sound like man who will pull the plug on Julio Lugo anytime soon.

Lugo made his 12th error Sunday. Francona said he spoke to Lugo yesterday but indicated the team is trying to help Lugo, not destroy his confidence. Francona said Lugo has made some positive, aggressive plays lately, but that he kind of "nursed" the ball over first, accounting for Sunday's error. Francona said Lugo is probably trying too hard to live up to his contract. It appears Alex Cora will continue to come in as a late-inning defensive replacement.

Francona was happy to hear Julian Tavarez is close to signing with Milwaukee. Francona said he wishes all of his players well after they leave. Tavarez really wanted to join the Mets because a couple of his kids live in New York, but the Brewers need him with Derrick Turnbow in the minors and Eric Gagne and David Riske on the DL.

This is career game No. 2,000 for Manny Ramirez.