Tuesday's game preview

Tonight the Sox host the Aneheim Angels of Los Angeles (or whatever they're calling themselves today). This series, as well as the Stinkins/Tampa series, are very important as the Sox and Stinkins look ahead to their series this weekend in New York.

Right now the Sox are 3 games in front of the Stinkins in the AL East. If things go well, they could go into NY up six. If things go poorly, they could go in tied.

The Sox send Tim Wakefield (14-10, 4.41) to the mound against John Lackey (11-5, 3.45). The Sox want to get to him early and often, keeping Francisco Rodriguez in the bullpen. He has 34 saves and 69 strikeouts in 54.1 innings.

The Sox hope to have Johnny Damon back tonight. He sat out Monday's game against Chicago with a sore shoulder, which he injured Sunday against Baltimore.

The Angels lead the AL West, up 1.5 games on the A's. Oakland and Cleveland are 1.5 games behind the Stinkins in the AL Wild Card race. Oakland is hosting Seattle for game 2 of their series tonight. Cleveland is at Detroit.