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Tidbits: Francona managing his health

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MLB.com

10/09/09 2:10 AM EST

ANAHEIM -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona did not participate in pregame introductions Thursday night because he was suffering from the effects of food poisoning, which he believes he contracted at a Mexican fast-food restaurant earlier this week.

When asked after the game how he was feeling, he answered, "Not very well, thank you. I appreciate you asking. It's been a tough day."

Despite his condition, and the 5-0 loss to the Angels, Francona still had a sense humor. When asked what his "beef" was with the first-base umpire, he quickly responded: "Don't bring up the word beef, please. I don't think he got the call right."

A proud brother
Angels right-hander Jered Weaver said he was "nervous" when he watched his brother, Dodgers right-hander Jeff Weaver, pitch against the Cardinals on Wednesday in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

But Jeff delivered and got the win after pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Los Angeles' 5-3 win over St. Louis. It was much to the delight of Jered, who watched the game on television and is rooting for a Freeway World Series, matching both the Angels and Dodgers.

"It's not very often where two brothers can be in the same playoff in the same season, so it's really cool for the both of us," Weaver said. "Like I said, we're both rooting each other on, and hopefully, it can be an L.A. - L.A. World Series, which would be really sweet."

Okajima ready
Red Sox lefty reliever Hideki Okajima will be ready when needed. He has pitched just once since Sept. 23 because of a strain on his right side, but Francona said the injury is no longer an issue.

"I think we're really pleased with how quickly he's come around and how strong he feels," Francona said. "They cranked him around pretty aggressively yesterday and he didn't feel anything."

Last stop: Anaheim
Jim Fregosi, who had his number retired by the Angels, originally signed with the Red Sox. The Angels took him in the 1960 expansion Draft. Three members of the Red Sox's Hall of Fame -- Tony Conigliaro, Luis Tiant and Frank Malzone -- all played the final game of their careers with the Angels.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.