--Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz talked with Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado for an hour on Monday to discuss his slow start. A year ago, Delgado was hitting .229 with a .702 OPS through June 25, and there were rumors that the Mets were going to release him. Delgado finished the year with 38 homers and 115 RBIs. Ortiz said that he got 50-70 text messages of encouragement after Sunday night's game. Ortiz admitted, however, that the fact that he has yet to hit a homer this year continues to weigh on him.
"I think about it all the time," he said.
On the subject of Manny Ramirez' suspension, Ortiz said, "It confuses me."
--The Sox will know more about Kevin Youkilis after he takes batting practice today. The team wants to avoid putting him on the disabled list if possible, even though today will mark his eighth day (and seventh game) in which he's unable to play.
--Former Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy will be offering color commentary for Tuesday's NESN broadcast.