The lineup for today's ESPN game is set, and the roster is taking shape.

Here is the lineup:
Julio Lugo SS
Coco Crisp CF
Jason Varitek C
J.D. Drew RF
Eric Hinske 1B
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Alex Cora 3B
Bobby Scales LF
Daisuke Matsuzaka P

Manny Ramirez is out sick (honest) ... Couple of interesting inserts in the Reds lineup: 1B Scott Hatteberg, SS Alex Gonzalez ... And, no, Bronson Arroyo, is not pitching ... matchup of the day: Ken Griffey Jr. vs. Matsuzaka.

Sox manager Terry Francona said that journeyman outfielder Alex Ochoa has been told that he will not make the big league club (which, really, is no surprise). Previously infielder Joe McEwing and infielder/outfielder Bobby Scales were told the same thing. The Red Sox are waiting for the three to decide if they will go to Triple-A Pawtucket or seek their fortunes elsewhere.

Relieve Mike Timlin (strained oblique) is scheduled to throw his first seesion on the mound tomorrow.

For today's ESPN game, the managers will be interviewed during the game. Francona said it is okay in spring training, but the regular season presents a problem: "It’s a very difficult thing to do during the year," he said. " Fans seem to like it, but they’re not getting anything from me during a game. It just seems like a violation. The dugout is our place. We’re working".

David Ortiz is not here because this is a National League park, so there is no DH. Francona said it is a rule that is not needed for spring training: "That would be a rule that would be nice to be amended. We’re coming up on four days until we leave, and Ortiz can’t come today."

Maybe the teams should play by their own rules, the AL team using a DH and the NL having its pitcher bat. "I think it would be great," Francona said. "It’s fallen on deaf ears, so far."

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