BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Veteran pitcher Mike Timlin is traveling with the team and has his son, Jake, shagging balls during batting practice. He was not activated for this series and that decision was not an easy one for Terry Francona.

Timlin and the manager spent a chunk of time on Thursday discussing the decision and Timlin's role on the team. There is a strong chance that Timlin could be activated if the Red Sox advance to the ALCS or the World Series.

"I spent a lot of time with Mike," said Francona. "To be able to have the ability to talk through something with somebody after you've made a decision, I think, helps everybody. I think he left here [Thursday] feeling better.''

Francona said Timlin understood the decision to leave him off the roster, but was far from pleased.

"You can't expect guys to compete and just turn the switch off when you make a decision. I understand that. But his season is not over. Letting players talk is important, too."