As promised, here is an abbreviated transcript from Terry Francona's pre-game session with the media, plus the Yankees lineup (Podada DH, Giambi on bench)

Francona:
(On rotation the next three days). "Wake, Lester and TBA. At some point, we need to maneuver our staff as we go forward. We may want to do that Wednesday."

(Kevin Youkilis' status?) "Youk is really sore on the inside part of his wrist … He’s a pretty tough kid. Hopefully, this will be, maybe, just today. That would be great."

(Manny Ramirez?) "Manny came in and talked to me today. He actually was trying to find a place to get some at-bats (in the minors) … There’s no where to send him … He’s 2-3-4 days out …
Just when he’s ready to play, play him. You have to keep running him out there and get comfortable again, because there’s nothing else to do."

(What has Dustin Pedroia meant to this team?) "He means a lot. This kid has been a mainstay for us. He’s brought that energy. Not only energy as a young player, but HIS energy because he is kind of a special young kid. Because of his stature he’s always had to play with somewhat of a chip on his shoulder. Our veterans have warmed to him. He’s kind of like your little brother. You can beat on him, but no one else better. The guys get a kick out of him and know he’s a good player."

(How is Eric Gagne doing?) "Well try to keep him on some consistent innings … I think when he got over here ... he tried to do too much. It’s human nature. Then when he was trying so hard to figure out some of the problems, he threw a lot in the bullpen and then he got a little tender. The rough outings were early and they’re a little bit removed. Now we just want to get him on a consistent basis. We need him. Just want him to pitch enough to where he can be the Gagne and throw all his pitches and be effective."

(On J.D. Drew's recent surge) ) "I think he’s been pretty good. Only reason I hesitate to say that is that as I soon as I say that, something else happened. He lines out three times or something. But his at-bats have been pretty good … When he swings the bat, our lineup looks a little different. He can do so many things. He can run the bases. He has that ability to drive runs in. He’ll take the walk. When he’s on his game, we look like a different lineup.
"When he came into spring training and the first couple of weeks of the season, he swung the bat about as well as you could. We talked all spring about him staying up the middle and staying through the ball. Then it just disappeared for a while and he kind of lost his way. He’s finding it back."

(Will Doug Mirabelli catch Monday?) "I don't know. He’s politicking for it, but I don’t know if he’s ready."

Now for the Yankees lineup:
Johnny Damon, lf
Derek Jeter, ss
Bobby Abreu, rf
Alex Rodriguez, 3b
Jorge Posada, dh
Robinson Cano, 2b
Melky Cabrera, cf
Doug Mientkiewicz, 1b
Jose Molina, c

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