SOX BITS

Steve Lyons filled in at third base Sunday for Kenny Williams,who is bothered by an ankle sprain. Fregosi had decided to restWilliams before the converted outfielder slammed into the dugout railSaturday while chasing a foul.

If Williams isn't ready tomorrow when the Sox play atCalifornia, Lyons will start.

Manager Jim Fregosi had kind words for Roy Smalley, who announcedhis retirement Saturday before receiving a World Series ring inMinneapolis. The Sox released Smalley, 35, this spring after theTwins returned him as part of a previous deal. "He's a classy guy,"Fregosi said.

"When we let him go, he said, `I want to thank you for the wayyou treated me in spring training."

The Sox are obligated to pay Smalley $1.6 million over the nextthree years. Sox clubhouse man Willie Thompson celebrated his 50th birthdaySunday. The Sox leave today for nine games on the West Coast (California,Oakland, Seattle).

Pitching matchups for the Angels series: Tomorrow - JackMcDowell (0-0) vs. Dan Petry (0-0), 9:05 p.m., Ch. 32; Wednesday -Dave LaPoint (1-0) vs. Chuck Finley (0-1), 9:05 p.m., Ch. 32;Thursday - Melido Perez (0-0) vs. Kirk McCaskill (0-0), 3:05 p.m.,SportsVision.