Manager Terry Francona left here yesterday afternoon after the annual manager’s luncheon, but spoke with reporters yesterday morning.

Among the topics he addressed:

•The comfort factor next season for Japanese pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima: “I marveled at these two guys over the course of the year. What they were going through, there wasn’t a lot of relaxing times for them. … I think a year under their belt in our system or American baseball, our culture — (will help). They went through a lot of firsts and I thought they handled themselves really well. And I think it will be easier for them, yeah.”

•He downplayed the prospect of using a six-man rotation: “I think that we’re always trying to figure out ways to maximize everybody on our team. We spoke a lot about giving guys extra rest at times. There’s a lot of ways to do that. I think rather than talk about a six-man rotation, I think the point is keeping guys healthy and productive through a long season. That’s the goal.”

•Updated the condition of Tim Wakefield (shoulder): He was in Boston the other day. He looks terrific. He’s in great shape and it’s December. He’s not restricted now. He tested out the other day great.”

•On his celebrity status in Boston: “It’s an uncomfortable situation. I’ll give you an example. The other day at the drugstore, this lady is behind the counter and she goes, ‘I know you.” OK, so what do you say when you’re just trying to pay for the deodorant? The guy next to her, he says, ‘That’s the manager of the Red Sox.’ And she says, “No, it’s not!’ Well, I’m not going to argue with her that I am. I’m more comfortable just going home.”