The Cleveland Indians, who had begun the day tied with the Sox for the league's best record, were still playing after the Sox beat the Twins last night, 6-4, and Francona said he wasn't planning to hang around to await word of a winner. "I've got a 13-year-old with me," said Francona, referring to his daughter, Jamie. "I'm going home."
The Indians lost shortly thereafter in Kansas City, 4-3, to the Royals, meaning they could at best tie the Sox for the best record in the league. The Sox, who also have secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs thanks to the AL victory in the All-Star Game, are 96-65, the Indians 95-66.
Francona said he was leaving it to Theo Epstein to inform the commissioner's office of their preference to play their first two games Wednesday and Friday.
Playing Wednesday and Friday allows the team to use its first two starters on regular rest twice in the series. Playing Thursday and Friday, a team would either have to pitch its Game 1 starter on short rest in Game 4, or use four starters. Choosing Thursday-Friday would also be a way to keep an opponent from using its top two starters on regular rest twice.
A couple of weeks ago, Daisuke Matsuzaka had indicated to Japanese reporters he'd been told he would draw the Game 2 assignment, but Schilling's strong performance this September appears to have dictated a change in plans. Matsuzaka, who has never faced the Angels, now figures to pitch Game 3 in Angels Stadium.
Another possible factor: While Matsuzaka had his best performance in weeks in Friday night's division-clinching win over the Minnesota Twins, his earned run average on the road (4.02) is significantly better than it is at Fenway Park (4.86). Matsuzaka said after winning Friday that "I've been told when I'm going to pitch, but I'm not sure I'm supposed to say."
Francona said before the game he did not want to discuss his playoff pitching plans until after today's finale.
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