Levine signs, adds depth to Cards' rotation

ST. LOUIS -- Relief pitcher Al Levine reached a preliminary agreement Thursday on a $950,000, one-year contract with the Cardinals, who are in the process of rebuilding their bullpen.

The 34-year-old right-hander could fill some of the innings taken last year by Dave Veres and Rick White, who left St. Louis as free agents. Team spokesman Brian Bartow said the signing was contingent upon Levine passing a physical, probably next week.

Levine was 4-4 with five saves and a 4.24 ERA in 52 appearances over 63 2-3 innings last year, his fourth season with the Anaheim Angels. He was not on the Angels' postseason roster and was not offered a contract after the season.

The deal guarantees Levine $600,000. In addition to his salary, he could make an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses.

Levine has a career record of 18-23 with nine saves and a 3.91 ERA. He has pitched in 288 games, all but seven in relief, and has worked in 50-plus games each of the last four years.

Last season, Levine was on the disabled list from June 27 to July 20 with tendinitis in his right shoulder.

Holdovers in the St. Louis bullpen from last season are closer Jason Isringhausen and left-handers Steve Kline and Jeff Fassero. Manager Tony La Russa also has said that left-hander Rick Ankiel could be used in a relief role.

The Cardinals also are expected to sign right-hander Joey Hamilton, who could either start or relieve. Hamilton's deal also is contingent upon him passing a physical.