We are officially in a rain delay at Fenway and heavy showers are expected over the next hour. While you wait for the first pitch from Kason Gabbard, here's a tidbit from Terry Francona's pre-game press conference. Francona was asked if he feels sympathy for Yankees manager Joe Torre, what with all of New York's injuries.

Francona's answer: "This might be a shocker to you, but I'm really hoping that they don't end up ahead of us ... We're trying to be the best team in our league."

Despite the presence of reporters from all the New York dailies, Francona did not want to talk about the upcoming series.

"Who are we playing today?," he asked. "We have to beat the Braves today.
The best way to do that, in my opinion, is to play a good game today. Then when it's time to play a good game (Monday) we'll do the best we can."

There will be more to read about the Yankees-Red Sox series in tomorrow's Press Herald.

One more note about today's game. As expected, third-baseman Mike Lowell is getting the day off. Kevin Youkilis has moved to third, with Eric Hinske playing first base (and batting seventh, behind Jason Varitek.

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