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'We trust him' Erratic Rocker makes Cleveland's postseason roster
SEATTLE (AP) -- John Rocker's pitching was not insulting enough to keep him off the Cleveland Indians' postseason roster. Rocker, who has been more erratic than effective since coming to Cleveland in a June 22 trade with Atlanta, made the roster amid speculation he would be left off. Cleveland manager Charlie Manuel wouldn't say exactly how he plans to use the fiery reliever in the best-of-five series against the Seattle Mariners. But Manuel indicated Rocker was kept for a reason. Rocker could be valuable against Seattle's John Olerud, who is 0-for-7 in the regular season against the left-hander. Olerud did have a game-winning hit for the New York Mets against Rocker in the 1999 NLCS. Right-hander Bob Wickman took over as Cleveland's closer and has 32 saves, but Manuel didn't rule out using Rocker in that role if necessary. "Even though he struggles at times, you've still got to stay with him," Manuel said of Rocker. "He's going to get back on track. I think we trust him more than he realizes." Rocker is 3-7 with a 5.45 ERA and four saves with Cleveland. The 26-year-old left-hander earned the save in Cleveland's 3-2 win Sunday in Toronto. "I don't think his confidence ever wavered," Indians assistant general manager Mark Shapiro said. "His pride was damaged. His role has changed and that's tough to accept. As an exec, you want a guy who wants to perform in crucial moments." Rocker didn't comment Monday, but said last week after Cleveland clinched the AL Central last week that he was looking forward to a chance to pitch in the postseason. Rocker hasn't allowed an earned run in 19 2/3 career postseason innings. "I pitched well in the postseason in the past," Rocker said. "I've pitched well in the past month and hope to keep that going. My velocity is back and my command is coming back. I'm just hoping they give me the ball." Manuel stressed that he has confidence in Rocker, and that he will emerge as "the top closer in the game." The Indians finalized their roster after Monday's workout at Safeco Field. Cleveland will start right-hander Bartolo Colon (14-12) against Seattle right-hander Freddy Garcia (18-6) in the first game of the best-of-five series. "I'm throwing the best that I can throw," Colon said. "They're one of the best teams in a long time in baseball. I've got to be on the top of my game, and I think I've got to have an idea of what I'm going to do on every pitch."
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