BOSTON - Because the Red Sox won the World Series in 2007, manager Terry Francona will represent the American League as the All-Star manager today and tomorrow in New York. He has said many times that it will be an honor to manage the All-Star team. But, a few days off wouldn’t be bad, either.

“I wish there was a way to do both,” Francona said. This is the second time he has managed the All-Star game — the first was 2005 in Detroit after the Sox won the Series in 2004.

“Be careful what you wish for,” Francona offered. “The fact that we’re doing this means something went right, and we would like to continue that. I would much rather complain about being tired, than being fresh as a daisy and losing.”

Francona and his entire coaching staff, along with the team’s seven All-Stars — Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, J.D. Drew and Jonathan Papelbon — took a train last night from Boston and won’t have too much free time over the next couple of days in New York. There will be a late-morning news conference today at which each manager will announce the starting pitchers from the respective leagues. The A.L. will work out from 4:30 to 5:30, and the N.L. will follow before the home-run derby at 8 tonight.

During the derby will be the only time Francona, and the rest of the All-Star participants, will be able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. In fact, Francona said yesterday that during the All-Star game in 2005, the derby was his favorite part.

After the All-Star break, the Sox will leave for the West Coast on Thursday morning and have an off-day workout at Angels Stadium later that day.