Pregame report

By Eric Wilbur

October 1, 2005

2 minutes to read

Despite hitting just .238 against lefthanders this season, Trot Nixon will play right field today and bat eighth in the lineup against Yankees starter Randy Johnson.

“We’ve come this far pretty much doing what we’re doing, and Trot plays a heck of a right field,” Red Sox skipper Terry Francona said in his pregame meeting with the media this morning.

Nixon did not face Johnson in Boston’s 1-0 loss at New York a few weeks back. In that game, Kevin Youkilis had some good at bats, playing first, while Kevin Millar was in right. It was a scenario that Francona toyed with for the past six days, but he explained he would rather Millar play first. Youkilis was 1 for 2 with a walk against the Yankees lefty, but has not seen an at-bat since mid-September, after fracturing his finger.

Youkilis is, however, available to pinch hit today, Francona said.

— The Red Sox are attempting to lighten the load on Boston hitters this afternoon by fitting fans in the center field bleachers with dark t-shirts, aimed to help the Sox pick up the lefty offerings from Johnson more easily, something the team did a few times last season.

“It’s probably not a perfect science,” Francona admitted.

Meanwhile, responding to reports that the Yankees had hired a knuckleball batting practice pitcher for the day, in order to get acquainted with the flutterings of Tim Wakefield, Francona shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe he’s a good cook,” he said. “We imported a 6-foot-11 guy.”

— Everybody in the Boston bullpen is available today, including Bronson Arroyo.

— If there is a Monday playoff game in New York, Francona said Matt Clement will get the start for the Red Sox. If the team also has to play a Tuesday playoff game against Cleveland, Francona said Wells would come back on three days’ rest.

— Francona also said Curt Schilling will pitch tomorrow no matter what happens today.

— With multiple playoff scenarios swirling, Francona said the team has printed out all the possibilities and will hand them out to the team today in order that they can more easily make arrangements for the week.

“The good thing about having one good pair of pants is I’m going to wear those and get on a plane somewhere,” Francona said.

Today’s Red Sox lineup:

CF Johnny Damon
SS Edgar Renteria
DH David Ortiz
LF Manny Ramirez
1B Kevin Millar
3B Bill Mueller
C Doug Mirabelli
RF Trot Nixon
2B Tony Graffanino

Today’s Yankees lineup:

SS Derek Jeter
3B Alex Rodriguez
DH Jason Giambi
RF Gary Sheffield
LF Hideki Matsui
2B Robinson Cano
1B Tino Martinez
CF Bernie Williams
C John Flaherty