Giavotella receives championship ring before facing former team

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Hours before Friday night's game, the Royals gave an American League Championship ring to Angels manager Mike Scioscia so he could present it to former Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella.

Scioscia called for Giavotella to come into his office, which prompted Giavotella, who has been demoted many times in his career, to groan, "Oh, no, this can't be good."

But Giavotella was thrilled to find out why he was called into the manager's office.

Scioscia then insisted Giavotella put the ring on immediately.

"It's bad luck if you don't," Scioscia said.

Giavotella also was happy to see so many familiar faces and friends.

"This is the first time in my entire career playing against these boys," he said. "I got drafted by Kansas City in 2008 and a lot of these guys, I grew up with them in the Minor League system. It's going to be a fun time playing against them."

Seeing the Royals again reminded Giavotella to never take anything for granted

"Especially when I got designated for assignment in December," he said. "I didn't know what kind of shot I would have. But these guys picked me up and I had an opportunity to play. When I saw that Howie Kendrick was no longer here, I assumed this was open.

"It definitely gave me a new outlook on things, not to take things for granted. To come out here and enjoy every day you have in the big leagues. Because you never know when can be your last day."