J.D. DURBIN

A POWERFUL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

April 9, 2007 ... No game scheduled ... Rookie Dustin Pedroia played last September in Fenway, but this will be the first time he stands on the first-base line after being introduced as the team's starting second baseman.

With reporters and cameramen advised that the ballpark was closed until an appearance by some "Impossible Dream" team members later in the afternoon, Daisuke Matsuzaka got to throw off the Fenway Park mound for the first time in relative seclusion in advance of his start tomorrow. Mike Timlin also threw, and while the Sox did not make an announcement last night, the plan is for Timlin to be activated for the opener.

The Sox, who had an open spot on the 40-man roster, made a waiver claim on J.D. Durbin, the second time in the span of 12 days that Durbin has been claimed on waivers. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, who last season was shut down because of nerve damage in his right biceps, was claimed from the Twins by the Diamondbacks March 29, and subsequently designated for assignment

The Sox are planning to wear vintage uniforms from 1967, part of the tribute to the Impossible Dreamers.