Mainstays in Boston May Be Out

BOSTON, Oct. 16 -- Thursday night's festivities at Fenway Park also carried the poignancy of a possible goodbye -- or a handful of them. For three longtime Boston Red Sox veterans, each of whom won two World Series rings here this decade, Game 5 of the American League Championship Series may have marked their final game in Boston.

Pitchers Mike Timlin and Tim Wakefield, both 42, absorbed the losses in Games 2 and 4, respectively. Timlin earlier this month hinted he will retire after the season, while Wakefield has kept his intentions to himself. Both have seen their roles reduced in this postseason, with Timlin being left off the division series roster and Wakefield narrowly edging out Paul Byrd as the choice to start Game 4.

As for catcher Jason Varitek, 36, he fully intends to keep playing in 2009 -- the only question is whether it will be in Boston. He likely will seek a multiyear contract this winter, and the Red Sox appear inclined to offer only a one-year deal, perhaps with one or more team options. If that is the case, Varitek could choose to sign elsewhere.

On Wednesday, Varitek declined to answer a question regarding the possibility of this being his final game at Fenway Park. He was hitless in 10 at-bats in the series, entering Game 5, and 3 for 24 (.125) for the postseason, with no extra-base hits and no RBI.

After being benched, as usual, for Wakefield's start on Tuesday, Varitek was back in Boston's lineup Thursday night.

Beckett Report Disputed

Red Sox Manager Terry Francona disputed a report on SI.com that pitcher Josh Beckett tore his oblique muscle in his final start of the regular season and has been pitching through the injury ever since.

"I don't know how that came about," Francona said. "I don't know how to answer it. It's not true."

Beckett did suffer an injury to his oblique, but it has been described as a strain, not a tear, and it was said to have occurred during a bullpen session between starts, not during a game. In any case, both Beckett and the team have said he is physically fine and not pitching hurt.

It's Ripken With an 'E'

Former Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken, who is working as an analyst for TBS during the postseason, visited the field during batting practice -- sporting an MLB-issued credential on which his surname was spelled "Ripkin" -- and received a stream of admiring visitors, including players from both teams.