NEW YORK, June 22 -- The Atlanta Braves finally rid themselves of controversial closer John Rocker Friday night, sending him to the Cleveland Indians for righthanded relievers Steve Karsay and Steve Reed.
The trade also sent minor league third baseman Troy Cameron to Cleveland.
"I found out it was finalized in the first inning and I told John he was traded," said Atlanta manager Bobby Cox following his team's 10-1 win over the New York Mets. "I think he wanted to leave and avoid the press. It was hard for him because he's been a Brave his whole career, but he was nice as can be. He was extremely pleasant and thankful."
"Acquiring John Rocker from the Atlanta Braves gives our club two proven closers in the back end of our bullpen," Indians general manager John Hart said. "Since he is signed through the 2004 season, it also gives us a guy that can help us for years to come and allows us the opportunity to get quality back for two pitchers who are eligible for free agency at the end of the season."
Rocker, who came under intense criticism for insensitive remarks made in a magazine article in December 1999, is 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA and 19 saves in 23 chances.
The Indians already have one of baseball's deepest bullpens, but are without setup man Paul Shuey, who is sidelined with a right elbow injury.
Cox said that both of Atlanta's new pitcher may start in the bullpen.
"I think it's good for both clubs," Cox said. "It gives us depth in our bullpen and I think we can do it (closing) by committee. I kind of like it that way."
The Braves and Indians reportedly discussed a deal for Rocker prior to last season as Cleveland was searching for a closer. The Indians have All-Star Bob Wickman as their closer and it is uncertain how manager Charlie Manuel will use Rocker.
Even though Rocker avoided the spotlight most of last season, his teammates remained aloof toward the 26-year-old lefthander, who in the magazine article called a fellow Brave a "fat monkey."
On June 13, Rocker had a heated argument with Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Raul Mondesi during a benches-clearing brawl. After the game, Braves All-Star third baseman Chipper Jones took a verbal shot at Rocker for escalating the tension.
Rocker was suspended and fined by Commissioner Bud Selig for racist and homophobic remarks made in the controversial article.
The comments were directed primarily at New Yorkers, but stung people across the country, including all-time home run king and Braves employee Hank Aaron, who said he was "sick and disgusted" after reading the statements.
Rocker goes from a team 3 1/2 games out of first place in the National League East to one that leads the American League Central.
Karsay has been spectacular again this season, allowing 28 hits and eight walks in 42 1/3 innings. He can close, recording 20 saves in 29 opportunities last season. But he has expressed a desire to start and with an injury to veteran John Smoltz, the 29-year-old Karsay could slide into Atlanta's rotation.
Reed, 35, is 1-1 with a 3.62 ERA in 31 appearances. He has allowed just 22 hits in 27 1/3 innings.
The Braves could use Kerry Ligtenberg as their closer. The 30-year-old righthander has converted his only opportunity this season and 12 of 14 in 2000.NEWLN:
