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Cherington On Twitter: Dice-K Won't Be Ready

BOSTON (CBS) - Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said Tuesday that starter Daisuke Matsuzaka will not be ready for the start of the 2012 season.

Cherington, while answering several fan questions through the Red Sox official Twitter account Tuesday, said that Dice-K will not be ready for the start of next season, but is making good progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

As for other options to fill in for the injured John Lackey and Matsuzaka, Cherington said the team will look internally and at available free agents.

"We'll create rotation competition and have some internal candidates," said Cherington.

As for Lackey, who is out for all of 2012 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Cherington said he looks forward to his recovery and eventual return.

The Red Sox interviewed Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin on Monday, and are set to meet with Dale Suevm on Wednesday. Who else is out there?

"We interviewed Pete Mackanin yesterday. We'll meet (with) Dale Sveum tomorrow and there will be other candidates as well," said Cherington. "I look forward to getting to know the candidates better and finding the right person to lead our team in 2012 and beyond."

Fans asked several more questions, including...

Q: What is going to happen with David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon?

Q: Does the Red Sox lineup have to get more righty?

Q: If (Ryan) Lavarnway can hit in the majors, he should start at (catcher). Isn't (Mike) Napoli proof that a (catcher) can make up for his bad (defense) with his bat?

Q: Have you checked the secret compartment under Theo's desk yet? I heard that's where he keeps the emergency whiskey.

Q: Coming to Boston is tough after last year. Is your mindset on winning World Series in 2012 or is 2012 a rebuilding year?

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