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Location problems Rocker refuses minor league assignment for second day
Posted: Wednesday June 07, 2000 08:01 PM
MAUMEE, Ohio (AP) -- John Rocker was a no-show for a second day in a row, leaving officials of the Atlanta Braves organization wondering whether he will report to the minor leagues. Rocker has until Thursday to join the Class Triple-A Richmond Braves, who opened a three-game series Wednesday with the Toledo Mud Hens. Richmond manager Randy Ingle said he had no idea if or when to expect Rocker. "Your guess is as good as mine," Ingle said before the game. "He might come around that corner right now, he might show up in the middle of the night or even tomorrow." Earlier Wednesday, Rocker told Atlanta radio station WKLS that he may quit baseball. "I don't know if I'm even going down or not," Rocker said. "I'm still pretty chapped about the whole situation." "There's plenty of things I can do besides deal with the headaches of this garbage every day," he said. "I'd be a stock broker, probably. There's something to be said for having a job that's not just a complete headache." The parent Braves said Rocker was sent down because of poor pitching performances. Rocker, who had 38 saves a year ago for the National League champions, had 10 saves in 11 opportunities and a 3.93 earned run average with Atlanta this season, but had walked 25 batters in 18 1/3 innings. He was demoted one day after confronting a Sports Illustrated reporter who wrote a story in December about Rocker's offensive views on foreigners, gays and minorities. A Richmond spokesman said team officials haven't heard from either Rocker or his agent. "There's not a whole lot we know," Ingle said. "We don't know when he'll be here." Ingle said he was to meet with Atlanta assistant general manager Frank Wren to discuss how Rocker should be used. Ingle, who coached Rocker in 1996 and 1997 in the minors, was unaware of Rocker's comments on the radio. "I'd be really surprised if he quit," he said. Players from both teams insisted that they wouldn't let Rocker's situation bother them. "It's not affecting the mood or morale in the clubhouse," Richmond second baseman Steve Sisco said. "Our team hasn't been in the headlines. Only one name has been in the headlines." Sisco said he would be shocked if Rocker quit the game. The Mud Hens appeared anxious to bat against Rocker. "Everybody wants to face him," said Toledo infielder Chris Lemonis. "We know he's a great pitcher. All of that other stuff, whatever." Security was increased at Ned Skeldon Stadium, even though Rocker was not there. A plastic fence was erected to keep fans away from a walkway both teams use on the way to the field, and both clubhouses were closed to the media. Nearly 100 media passes were issued for the game between two teams that are among the three worst in the International League. A small crowd was on hand, despite a Shriners Night promotion and the chance to see Rocker. Steve Wood of Perrysburg, Ohio, who described himself as a Braves fan, was hoping to get a look at Rocker. "I can't support what he said, but I don't think he deserved this much," Wood said. "I love the attitude he has on the field. He just goes a little off the edge."
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