Levine Waits for His Ring

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla â€”  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- There is a champion among the last-place Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Al Levine, who pitched for the Angels last season and earned a World Series ring.

“Everyone wants to see it,� he said.

He’d love to show off the ring, but he hasn’t received it. The Angels pledged to deliver every ring in person -- Lou Pote, pitching in Japan this year, has gotten his -- but Levine still awaits his, even though the Devil Rays played in Anaheim last week.

Tim Mead, the Angels’ vice president, attributed the delay to a production snafu. He said Levine and pitcher Dennis Cook, the other player awaiting a ring, each should receive one shortly.

Levine extended his streak of scoreless innings to 17 1/3 Sunday, setting a franchise record for Tampa Bay relievers.

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The Angels had at least one batter hit in each of the four games of this series, six in all. In the final game, with two out in the ninth inning, Angel reliever Brendan Donnelly hit Tampa Bay’s Aubrey Huff. After the game, Huff said he did not take offense, and Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said Donnelly was not throwing at Huff.

“Nobody ever hits anybody on purpose, do they?� Donnelly said.

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Baseball America projects the Angels to select Louisiana State shortstop Aaron Hill with their first pick -- the 23rd overall -- in Tuesday’s draft. If a team drafting higher selects Hill, the Angels could opt for one of two high school players -- outfielder Ryan Sweeney (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) or shortstop Brandon Wood (Scottsdale, Ariz.).... Scioscia said closer Troy Percival “looked strong� in a bullpen workout Sunday. Percival is scheduled to pitch a simulated game Wednesday and hopes to be activated from the disabled list Saturday.... Center fielder Darin Erstad batted second in each of the Angels’ first 18 games. In the 36 games since his injury, the Angels have used seven players in the No. 2 slot: Jeff DaVanon, Chone Figgins, Benji Gil, Troy Glaus, Adam Kennedy, Eric Owens and Scott Spiezio. Erstad is scheduled to rejoin the team June 9, after completing his rehabilitation assignment at triple-A Salt Lake.... The Angels play under National League rules this week, so designated hitter Brad Fullmer will play some first base and the pitchers will hit, or try to. Ramon Ortiz, who starts Tuesday, is 0 for 14 in his career. Jarrod Washburn, who starts Wednesday, is five for 14. John Lackey, who starts Thursday, singled in his first major league at-bat, in the World Series.