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All-Star talk

BY PAUL KENYON
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The All-Star game came up for much discussion with Sox manager Terry Francona today. Most of it was positive, but Francona also offered news on how the club is working on one of the few negative aspects -- the traveling.

''This is going to be a tough thing for these guys,'' he said of his five all-stars. ''There are a lot of people trying to make this trip the least taxing on their bodies as possible. They’re going to go Detroit, San Francisco, maybe home, Boston. That’s tough. That’s not easy to do.

''In my limited experience with the All-Star game, it’s not relaxing. It’s an honor and all that, but it’s not anywhere close to relaxing. These guys get hit with a lot of stuff and it can wear on them a little bit.''

Francona made it clear he is happy David Ortiz will not take part in the home run-hitting conrest.

''I was amazed with what it took out of the guys,'' he said of the year (2005) he managed the American League team.

Francona said he would be thrilled if Josh Beckett started the game.

''I would be honored. I think Beckett would be honored,'' Francona said. ''That’s a call I have no business making. I can be a cheerleader and I will be. But that’s all that there is. I certainly understand who else is out there and what they’ve done, but because Beckett is our guy, we’d love it.''

Also, all indications are that Manny Ramirez will go to the all-star game this year. Three times in the past he has opted out after being named.

Posted by Paul Kenyon  at 5:45 PM | Permalink