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October 21, 2007
BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- With the exception of Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the rest of the Red Sox pitching staff is available for use tonight in the deciding Game Seven of the ALCS.
And while that includes a possible inning or two from starter Josh Beckett, the largest onus for securing Boston's second World Series berth in four years very well may rest with the relievers if starter Daisuke Matsuzaka should falter.
To that end, Boston's regular bullpen corps is rested and ready to go, but not necessarily rusty, thanks in part to the events of Saturday night's Game Six.
Javier Lopez worked a spotless inning, as did Eric Gagne, though Gagne likely will be one of manager Terry Francona's last options out of the bullpen tonight. Hideki Okajima warmed up as did Mike Timlin, and while they didn't get in the game, Francona said that activity helped chip away at any rust that might have developed from a lack of use in the series.
''We were able to stay away from some guys we might be able to extend tonight if we need to,'' said Francona.
Jonathan Papelbon didn't throw but pronounced himself ready to work multiple innings tonight.
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 5:48 PM | Permalink
