01:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 3, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA -- Manager Terry Francona had expected to spell out specific usage patterns for his bullpen this weekend, but never got too specific. What Francona did reveal, on the eve of today's regular season opener, wasn't surprising: Jonathan Papelbon and Mike Timlin will be his primary set-up men for closer Keith Foulke.

Papelbon, who split time between the rotation and the bullpen a year ago, will see some use in the seventh inning with Timlin in charge of the eighth.

That leaves three veteran relievers -- David Riske, Rudy Seanez, and, once his suspension is served, Julian Tavarez -- to handle the sixth inning, and the seventh or eighth on days when Papelbon and Timlin are unavailable.

There will be times, Francona said, when Papelbon could come into a game in the seventh inning and be allowed to finish it.

Lineup looks a lot different

The expected lineup for today's opener will feature just two returnees from the 2005 opener -- DH David Ortiz and left fielder Manny Ramirez.

Four players will be part of the Red Sox regular season lineup for the first time -- center fielder Coco Crisp, second baseman Mark Loretta, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman Mike Lowell.

Spring record: 9-20-1

The Sox were shut out yesterday for the second time in the last four days and third time this spring when they were blanked by the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-0.

Matt Clement was stung for three runs in the first and the Phils later added solo runs in the sixth and eighth innings.

For what it's worth, the Sox finished the spring with a 9-20-1 mark, the second-worst record of any major-league team -- only the Washington Nationals at 9-23 were worst -- and Boston's worst in the last 33 years.

The team's media guide lists spring training records dating to 1973. Only 1993 and 1975 -- when the Sox compiled 11-20 records each time -- were close to this year's.

Tavarez starts his suspension

Tavarez will begin serving his 10-day suspension today, but yesterday, he got two innings in during Boston's final spring training game. He was disciplined Thursday for his part in an on-field altercation with Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright last week.

Tavarez didn't allow a hit and struck out three in working the third and fourth innings.

He traveled with the Sox to Texas yesterday and will take part in Opening Day ceremonies with the Sox before returning to extended spring training in Fort Myers where he will throw on the side until the suspension is completed.

Manny Delcarmen pitched 1 1/3 innings, followed by Jermaine Van Buren (1 2/3), Tim Bausher ( 2/3 of an inning) and Mike Bumatay ( 1/3 of an inning).

New media contact

The Red Sox announced the hiring of John Blake as vice president/media relations. Blake had previously worked for the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. He'll be the primary media contact for the club. Blake replaces Glenn Geffner, who has been made vice president/communications.

Ramirez asks for day off

Ramirez was a late scratch from the lineup after telling Francona that he would be content to take batting practice, rather than take part in the game for just two at-bats as was originally planned. Francona didn't object. "He's been awesome this spring," the manager said.

Wells pitches six innings

David Wells pitched six innings in a minor-league game in Fort Myers before flying with Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett to Texas.

Mike Lowell was 1-for-2, finishing the spring at .327 after getting off to a 3-for-21 (.143) start.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340