Lineups

Manny Ramirez is out of the lineup today, though not for any particular injury reason. Just a day off for the left fielder.

On that note, before I give you the lineups, I have to relate a short anecdote from last night. As I was rushing to the clubhouse after the Detroit Tigers had walked off with their win, I ran into Ramirez and clubhouse hairstylist LMonstro heading down the hallway on their way out of the park. (Mind you, this is about six or seven minutes after the game ended.)

Ramirez calls out to me, "You're too late!"

I, of course, had no idea what he was talking about.

He followed up, letting me know that I was too late to get him to talk after the game (the clubhouse is supposed to open up 10 minutes after the final out), because "I only play 8 1/2 innings now." He was joking, of course. I think.

Have I mentioned that covering Manny Ramirez -- particularly when he talks to the media -- is great?

OK, on to the lineups...

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Coco Crisp, CF
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Josh Beckett, SP

Tigers

1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Carlos Guillen, 3B
4. Magglio Ordonez, RF
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
6. Matt Joyce, LF
7. Marcus Thames, DH
8. Brandon Inge, C
9. Ramon Santiago, SS

Justin Verlander, SP