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Gagne: Coming to Boston ``one of the easiest decisions I've ever made" »
August 1, 2007
A few notes from Sox manager Terry Francona’s pre-game meeting with the media:
* On the acquisition of reliever Eric Gagne: ``Any time you feel like you got deeper, especially pitching, it is exciting. . . . (Having Gagne) it gives us another arm late in the game where we don’t wear people out hopefully.
* Francona planned to meet with Gagne and pitching coach John Farrell following tonight's batting practice: ``I know that for him, his program is very regimented and is very important to him, like (Jonathan Papelbon) so there’s going to be learning on our part and there’s going to be some give and take so we where we can try to make it as close to perfect as possible. Sometimes the game doesn’t get played out perfect, so we’ll make sure the communication is outstanding and we’ll make it work.’’
* Although he would not elaborate out of respect for the family, Francona said that J.D. Drew’s 17-month-old son Jack underwent ``some pretty extensive surgery’’ last night and does not expect Drew to be available for tonight’s game.
* Mike Timlin, who hasn't pitched since last Monday because of soreness in his right shoulder, is available to throw tonight, although Francona says he would prefer to wait until tomorrow to use him.
* Francona, who has become an ardent Celtics fan, says he is almost as excited about the Celts’ acquisition of Kevin Garnett as he is about the Sox grabbing Gagne: ``Gagne is first, but not by a lot. This is a big deal. I am really excited about this. My kids love (the Celtics). I love it. I like to watch (Celtics television commentator) Tommy Heinsohn. He cracks me up.’’
Posted by Carolyn Thornton 
at 5:36 PM to Thornton
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