01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, June 21, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- In the clearest sign yet that the Red Sox intend to rely more and more on their young relievers, manager Terry Francona called four of the team's newest pitchers -- Manny Delcarmen, Jon Lester, Craig Hansen and Javier Lopez -- into his office yesterday and told the quartet about the organization's expectations for them.

"We're getting to the point where we'd like to keep them here," said Francona. "and we kind of want them to carry some responsibility. I'm OK with it; I'm actually a little excited."

Francona told the four that they would need to demonstrate to their veteran teammates that they're committed to winning.

"Attenton to detail, to be a professional,care about winning games more than personal statistics . . ." recounted Francona, itemizing the points he emphasized.

Delcarmen and Hansen -- the latter of whom was recalled after Monday's game to take the spot of Jermaine Van Buren -- will get some work in the sixth and seventh innings, while Lopez will be utilized as the lefty specialist. Lester, meanwhile, remains in the starting rotation.

"I think they're doing a pretty good job," said Francona. "We're not rushing them before they're ready."

All except Lopez are classified as rookies.

"It makes me feel good that they have confidence in me," said Hansen, now in his second stay in Boston this season, "Just going in there and hearing that all four of us are going to be used in key situations is good for our confidence."

Hansen got called upon last night to pitch the final two innings. He pitched a perfect eighth before getting into trouble in the ninth, allowing two runs on three hits. He fanned two.

The bigger work load for Delcarmen and Hansen means veterans Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez will more often pitch in games in which the Red Sox trail.

Opposing hitters were batting exactly .300 against Tavarez, who sported a 6.03 E.R.A. before last night. Seanez has been more successful -- .252 batting average allowed, 4.34 E.R.A. -- but surrendered a costly three-run homer in Atlanta Sunday night.

Foulke at a standstill

Keith Foulke's progress has been minimal since going on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis.

Foulke said yesterday that over the weekend he was unable to touch his face. He has no timetable to throw.

He said he "didn't know" how the elbow soreness developed. He's been getting heat, ice and electrical stimulation for the injury in recent days.

Snow still up for grabs

The Sox are attempting to find interest in first baseman J.T. Snow, who was designated for assignment Monday. The Sox have eight more days to trade him, release him or waive him.

It's likely the Sox will find a taker for Snow and the remaining $1.2 million in salary, but the return will be minimal.

'86 Sox to be honored

Next Tuesday, with the New York Mets in town for an interleague series, the Red Sox will honor the 1986 Red Sox club that won the American League pennant before losing, in ignominious fashion, to the Mets in the World Series.

Expected to be on hand are: Oil Can Boyd, Bruce Hurst, Al Nipper, Marty Barrett, Wade Boggs, Spike Owen, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, manager Joe Morgan and at least 10 others.

Vlady overtakes Manny

In fan balloting for the July 11 All-Star Game, to take place in Pittsburgh, Manny Ramirez has fallen behind Vladimir Guerrero of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Guerrero has more than 1.5 million votes, while Ramirez is second with more than 1.4 million.

Two other Sox players appear headed to selection. David Ortiz has more than 1.5 million votes (fifth overall). Ortiz is listed as a first baseman, since the game, to be played in a National League park, will not feature the designated hitter. Catcher Jason Varitek holds a slim 27,000-vote lead over Pudge Rodriguez.

Mark Loretta is second in voting at second base, behind only Robinson Cano of the Yankees. Mike Lowell is second at third base, behind Alex Rodriguez.

Around the horn

The Sox announced the signing of four more draft picks, including third-rounder Aaron Bates, a first baseman from North Carolina State and fifth-round pick Dustin Richardson, a lefty pitcher from Texas Tech. . . . The Sox improved to 7-1 against National League opposition this season and have won five straight interleague games. . . . Catcher Doug Mirabelli snapped an 0-for-12 slump when he doubled in the second.

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