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Boston Red Sox: Bob Hohler does a run-through of the Red Sox free agents in today's Boston Globe. Mike Timlin -- who was lights out in the postseason -- wants very much to return to Boston and is close to a deal. Second baseman Todd Walker is equally enthusiastic about returning but the team is not so keen on having him back. Starting pitcher John Burkett is also unlikely to be dealt with at this point. Meanwhile, Terry Francona will interview for the vacant manager's spot today. The Oakland bench coach has been given permission by general manager Billy Beane to talk to the Red Sox.

Chicago White Sox: Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune wonders how a manager can make a mistake on his first day on the job. In his opinion, that's just what Ozzie Guillen managed to do yesterday when he threw down the figurative gauntlet at the feet of slugger, Frank Thomas. Said Guillen, "I'm sorry, but Frank's going to play my way ...I want Frank to respect 24 players and 24 players to respect Frank. We have rules for 25 guys. And if a player doesn't like the rules ..." Morrissey applauds Guillen's egalitarian approach, but thinks he went about it in the wrong way -- especially with a personality like Thomas'.

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