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Keeping 'Em Fresh

Manager Terry Francona has made a couple of lineup alterations for today's game against the Blue Jays.

Coco Crisp is starting in center field instead of Jacoby Ellsbury, and Sean Casey is replacing Kevin Youkilis at first base.

"It's early in the season and with the days off (in the schedule), I'm trying to keep both guys going. I don't want anybody to sit too long," said Francona, referring especially to Crisp and Ellsbury.

"We're just trying to win a game and keep guys sharp. Our guys understand that and are good about being flexible," he said.

The insertion of Casey prompted Francona to change the batting order. Youkilis generally bats second behind Dustin Pedroia, but with Youkilis out of the lineup, Francona has moved Julio Lugo to the top of the order and dropped Pedroia to second. Francona acknowledged that Lugo enjoys batting leadoff, but the Sox yanked him out of the leadoff spot after about two months last year when he struggled badly with on-base percentage.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 11:27 AM | Permalink