Minor League Affiliate Makes Switch to Cubs

The managers and coaches in the Angels’ minor league system, most of whom work on year-to-year contracts, got a little more nervous about their job security Monday when the Boise Hawks of the Northwest League dumped the Angels as their major-league affiliate in favor of the Chicago Cubs.

In 11 years with the Angels under Manager Tom Kotchman, the Hawks won four league championships and never finished below second place. The Hawks agreed to stay with the Angels for another two years provided the popular Kotchman remained as manager.

“Tom is an institution in this market, and he’s a tremendous field manager,” Boise President Dan Walker said. “I didn’t think I was asking for too much.”

Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman said no. The Angels had no plans to move Kotchman, Stoneman said, but “we weren’t going to sign him because of a guy in Boise. I’ve never heard of that.”

Stoneman inherited the minor league staff when the Angels hired him in November. The Angels have offered no new contracts, even now that minor league seasons have concluded, leading several managers and coaches to fear Stoneman and farm director Darrell Miller might make sweeping staff changes.

“I would expect there would be some changes,” Stoneman said, “but I would also expect the bulk of them will be back.”

*

Could the Angels have stumbled across a starting pitcher in Al Levine?

In a spot start Sunday, Levine pitched four shutout innings. Manager Mike Scioscia said Levine would start Friday, with Scott Karl (0-2, 9.53 earned-run average in three starts) moving to the bullpen.

Levine said he would be happy to pitch in any role but would enjoy a chance to compete for a starting job next spring. In 1993, his last full season as a starter, he pitched 161 innings and led the Class-A Florida State League in strikeouts.

Scioscia, while intrigued by the possibility, said Levine has carved a valuable niche as one who can start, close and pitch middle relief as necessary.

“He has a very resilient arm,” Scioscia said. “That’s a great asset to have.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Tampa Bay Devil Rays, two games.

* Site--Edison Field.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Fox Sports Net.

* Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

* Records--Angels 72-72, Devil Rays 61-83.

* Record vs. Devil Rays--4-6.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

TIM BELCHER

(3-2, 8.05 ERA)

vs.

DEVIL RAYS’

BRYAN REKAR

(6-9, 4.57 ERA)

* Update--Pitcher Matt Wise said he hoped to pitch again this season after X-rays of his sore right elbow were negative. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Wise also said he would skip winter ball in favor of a program designed to add strength and increase weight. Said Wise, whose usual In-N-Out Burger order consists of two cheeseburgers, fries and soda: “I might have to switch to a chocolate shake to gain weight.”

* Wednesday, 7 p.m.--Ramon Ortiz (5-5, 5.72) vs. Cory Lidle (1-1, 9.57).

* Tickets--(14) 663-9000.