John Farrell appears to enjoy fear, panic, and discord. At least one has to assume that since the team says Will Middlebrooks is fine, Will Middlebrooks says Will Middlebrooks is fine, and Will Middlebrooks is absent from the lineup.

Actually, he's not only absent, but conspicuously absent. The Red Sox have almost all their starters in the lineup today, with Middlebrooks being the only one missing out aside from DH David Ortiz, who's still away for personal reasons, and Jonny Gomes (assuming he even is a starter), who had his knee stitched up after a collision with the outfield wall.

Boston Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Shane Victorino, RF
4. Mike Napoli, 1B
5. Stephen Drew, SS
6. Daniel Nava, LF
7. Ryan Lavarnway, C
8. Mark Hamilton, DH
9. Pedro Ciriaco, 3B

Conspicuously present, on the other hand, is Mike Napoli, who will play his first game as a member of the Boston Red Sox. God willing, his hip will not spontaneously explode. And God willing, Will Middlebrooks will be here tomorrow. For now, though, let that terror linger.

Thanks, Farrell.

The game will, in fact, be broadcast on NESN and WEEI starting at 7:05 p.m., so there'll be a game thread later tonight for those interested.