Last night’s postponement made for an early night for Red Sox bullpen catcher Alex Martinez. Boston will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a split doubleheader today with the first game at 3:55 p.m. and the nightcap at 8:35.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

BOSTON — Despite last night’s rainout at Fenway Park, Red Sox manager Terry Francona did have something to talk about after the postponement.

He was able to talk about his decision to ask Yankees manager Joe Girardi and Tigers skipper Jim Leyland to join him at this summer’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. Francona, along with Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, will serve as the A.L. and N.L. managers, respectively, since their teams reached the World Series in 2007.

This is the final season of Yankee Stadium as the Bronx Bombers will move across the street into their new stadium next season.

Francona said his decision to ask Girardi and Leyland to join him on the bench was an easy one.

“I thought it was appropriate the manager of the Yankees be there because it’s the last (All-Star) game (at Yankee Stadium),” said Francona. “I thought it was appropriate, and people may not want to hear that, but it’s the last time there and it just makes sense.”

Francona’s other choice was also a no-brainer.

He remembers playing in Triple-A and Leyland was a young manager in the minors, and it was clear to Francona that Leyland was a good manager then. After Francona’s playing career ended and he got into coaching and managing, he said Leyland was always there for guidance.

“He always had time for me when I was a young manager,” said Francona. “And the other thing is he makes my dad (former major-leaguer Tito Francona) feel like he’s the most important person in the world. This was my way of showing him my appreciation. I didn’t even know if he would be interested. He’s done this before as a manager and he was so great when I called him, and that made me feel really good. I will be honored to have him be there as part of what we’re doing.”

Francona first ran the idea by Leyland during spring training and the two spoke occasionally during the season before Francona officially asked him recently.

“I was just excited that he would say ‘yes,’ ” said Francona. “Both Joe and Jim were awesome with their responses.”

Girardi, in his first year managing the Yankees will reciprocate.

He was asked yesterday afternoon about the All-Star announcement and the New York media wanted to know if Girardi would give up his office to Francona.

“Of course,” Girardi responded. Francona “didn’t want me to move but I told him “It’s your office. You’ve earned it.”

The All-Star game will be played on July 15. Joining Hurdle will be Mets manager Willie Randolph and San Diego skipper Bud Black.

Also in the mix for the A.L. will be Red Sox first-base coach Luis Alicea, pitching coach John Farrell, third-base coach DeMarlo Hale, hitting coach Dave Magadan, bench coach Brad Mills and bullpen coach Gary Tuck.

Phyllis Merhige, MLB’s senior vice president of club relations, will be at Fenway Park today to discuss logistics with Francona.

jmcdonal@projo.com