A few things....

CINCINNATI - Manny Ramirez was in the clubhouse getting stretched out by the training staff. Ramirez is not in today's lineup, but it was a planned day off. Ramirez came out of last night's game after striking out in the 7th inning with a sore right hamstring.

Jason Varitek spent 7 hours in a Cleveland airport, stranded because of weather issues. He was in the clubhouse today, but Terry Francona said Varitek was still under the weather and noted that 7 hours in a Cleveland airport couldn't have helped.

Terry Francona was skeptical about instant replay being implemented during the season. "Putting something together that quickly...I don't know how that works. Changing rules in the middle of a season? They gonna take the DH away? That's something I don't understand."

Trot Nixon is back with the Mets and players and Francona were pleased to hear it. While Nixon won't solve the Mets' ills, his demeanor and the spark and toughness he provides should help that team, much like it helped the Indians in 2007.