‘‘Baseball’s always been strong on routines,’’ says Mike Timlin. ‘‘It makes players comfortable. It’s more a timing thing; I stretch during the first inning, I do visualization in the second and third. Stretch my arm and legs in the fifth. I play catch in the seventh and I’m ready to go in the eighth. In the bullpen I say a prayer after the last pitch and ask God for strength. Then I always run to the hill.’’