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Lineups and more . . .

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Staff June 4, 2009 11:20 AM

Good morning from sunny, downtown Detroit.

Today's lineups:

Red Sox
1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
2. J. D. Drew, DH
3. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Rocco Baldelli, RF
7. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
8. Julio Lugo, SS
9. George Kottaras, C
-- Tim Wakefield, RHP

Tigers
1. Clete Thomas, CF
2. Ramon Santiago, 2B
3. Magglio Ordonez, DH
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Curtis Granderson, CF
6. Brandon Inge, 3B
7. Ryan Rayburn, LF
8. Adam Everett, SS
9. Dane Sardinha, C
-- Dontrelle Willis, LHP

Terry Francona met with the media in his office and the first question, of course, was about David Ortiz not being in the lineup. This was fairly predictable since the Sox are facing the lefthanded Willis, even though Ortiz hit a base-loaded double in the eighth inning Wednesday night

Francona explained, "Day game after a night game, and with the angle he [Willis is a drop-down lefty] throws from, this is something to point to. We talked about it last night. We also want to make sure J. D knows when he's going to DH. This is just doing what you think is right. This is just a day he [Ortiz] is gonna sit.''

On Lugo making his first start after four games on the pine: "Just trying to do what's right. We don't want to lose sight of what we're trying to do with everybody.''

Francona said that Youkilis was okay to play even though he was kicked in the right ankle by Josh Anderson and left the game in the eighth inning Wednesday.

Tito had no problem with Tiger catcher Gerald Laird trying to break up Beckett's no hit bid with a bunt attempt in the sixth inning last night.

"I'm not big on unwritten rules and 'the book.' The book has gotten re-written by people who don't know how to write. Just play the game. It's 4-0 and they're trying to win the game.''

It's the final day of a three-city, 10-game trip.

Francona said, "When you put stuff in your suitcase and don't know what's clean and what's dirty, you know it's been a long trip.''

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5 comments so far...

Surprised, but glad to see Youk in the lineup. When I first saw him get hurt I thought it was his Achilles. Damn happy to be wrong.

Posted by steve June 4, 09 11:48 AM

So Francona is now playing the "Day Game after a Night Game" song with David Ortiz? And on top of that, the "tough lefty" tune as well? Funny, I don't remember DO sitting too many Saturday's when the Sox were facing Randy Johnson, Mark Buerhle, Scott Kazmir, Johan Santana, CC Sabathia or Ted Lilly. How the mighty have fallen.

Posted by Don June 4, 09 12:22 PM

Say what you will about Tito but you have to admit he has a great sense of humor. This is probably why he is a winner (and having a pretty good team helps).

Posted by Michael June 4, 09 12:32 PM

Sunny? Really? I am jealous.

Posted by Kate June 4, 09 12:46 PM

That's good stuff..

no offense to the younger Globe staff writers, who are solid and getting better all the time, but Id like to see more of Shaughnessy and Ryan on the road with the Sox...the difference in quality is noticeable

Posted by Dante June 4, 09 12:59 PM