School Is Still Out for Weaver

Jered Weaver didn’t attend classes Monday when the fall semester began at Long Beach State, but the Angels’ first-round draft pick said he was enrolled and had not ruled out continuing coursework toward a criminal justice degree.

If Weaver attended one class, the Angels would lose exclusive negotiating rights with the 12th overall pick in the June draft, and Weaver would forfeit the opportunity to collect a multi-million dollar signing bonus until after the 2005 draft.

“I don’t know if I want to get another semester in and get it over with,� said Weaver, adding that he would make his decision within the next few days. Later, though, Weaver added that the Angels didn’t “have anything to worry about.�

Eddie Bane, the Angels’ scouting director, said Weaver and his agent, Scott Boras, have told the Angels that the highly touted right-hander would not attend class. Weaver enrolled for the fall semester last spring, Bane said, well before the draft.

“I don’t think it would be intelligent to go to class,� Bane said. “It better be an awful good class, compared to what we’re offering. He’s going to get a lot of money from the Angels, and it’s time to go play.�

Bane said he hoped Weaver would sign so he could report to the instructional league in Mesa, Ariz., to get in pitching shape for the Fall League.

“You don’t want Mike Scioscia and Bud Black’s first time seeing the guy to be next year in spring training,� Bane said. “That’s not advantageous for Jered.�

Weaver said he hoped negotiations with the Angels could be completed soon.

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Second baseman Adam Kennedy is pulling double duty, according to Minnesota Twin outfielder Torii Hunter.

“I think Adam Kennedy is the Rally Monkey,� Hunter said Sunday, after Kennedy’s two-run walk-off homer gave the Angels a 4-2 victory. “The Rally Monkey lives within him. If you get rid of Adam Kennedy, the Rally Monkey is no more.�

Kennedy, who belted three homers against the Twins in Game 5 of the 2002 American League championship series, also hit a tiebreaking homer Friday to lift the Angels past Minnesota, 9-6.

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Boston Red Sox, three games.

Site -- Fenway Park.

TV -- Channel 9 tonight and Thursday, Fox Sports Net on Wednesday.

Radio -- KSPN (710), KTNQ (1020).

Records -- Angels 75-55, Red Sox 76-53.

Record vs. Red Sox -- 4-2.

Today, 4 p.m. (PDT) -- John Lackey (11-10, 5.00) vs. Curt Schilling (16-6, 3.38).

Wednesday, 4 p.m. -- Aaron Sele (8-1, 4.35) vs. Bronson Arroyo (7-9, 4.07).

Thursday, 4 p.m. -- Bartolo Colon (13-10, 5.38) vs. Derek Lowe (12-10, 5.22).