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October 3, 2007
The Red Sox manager was brief this afternoon because he's covered pretty much everything the last couple of days.
Boston finally has its lineup it wanted heading into tonight's Game One of the ALDS against the Angels. Everyone is healthy for the most part.
"We tried to get to a point where today we would have our lineup and pitching staff in order. Doesn't mean you win, doesn't mean you lose. But it means we send out our team the way we envisioned it and let them go play."
The manager also said it wasn't easy the last couple of weeks playing we different players out of the lineup at different times.
"We've remained together and strong and united," Francona said.
The Red Sox will send Daisuke Matsuzaka to the mound for Game Two of this series on Friday. It will be the first time this season Dice-K will face the Angels. Even though this is his first MLB postseason game, the right-hander has played in some big games in Japan.
Francona was asked this afternoon how curious he was to watch Dice-K's playoff debut.
"I'd say more than curious," said Francona. "I think that has not been an issue with us. I think we have enjoyed watching the way he has handled certain things that have been thrown at him. We've all seen the bumps in the road, the hiccups in some of the outings. But, being intimidated or shrinking from a challenge won't be one of them. I think this stage will be a good place for him to show what he can do."
Dice-K agrees.
"Because of those experiences [World Baseball Classic and High School Championship, which is extremely huge in Japan] I will be able to approach this game with the same approach and mentality that I've been able to approach my games during the regular season."
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 4:09 PM | Permalink
