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March 24, 2008
BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer
TOKYO -- Manager Terry Francona is planning to go with a slightly different batting order that anticipated.
Jacoby Ellsbury will get the majority of playing time in center field over incumbent Coco Crisp, but for now, Francona is leaning toward having Ellsbury hit lower in the order -- seventh, most likely -- with Dustin Pedroia hitting first and Kevin Youkilis hitting second.
It had been presume that Ellsbury would hit leadoff with Pedrioa second and Youkilis sixth or seventh, but Francona wants to bring Ellsbury along slowly to start the year.
"It's certainly not a lack of confidence," said Francona of Ellsbury not being put in the top spot. "He did it in the World Series. But Pedey's done it (hit leadoff) and you put a young guy (leadoff), you place him a little bit at risk. We can always move him up later."
Posted by Art Martone 
at 6:20 AM | Permalink
