DW Fan
11-07-01, 07:56 PM
I wonder how Met fans will like having Rocker on their team. :D
http://www.bergen.com/
Mets have their eye on volatile reliever
Wednesday, November 7, 2001
By PETE CALDERA
Staff Writer
NEW YORK -- Can you ever forgive John Rocker?
While the first hot-stove baseball coals are burning, the Mets are considering pursuing Rocker as a flame-throwing setup man to closer Armando Benitez.
Rocker's name has been brought up in recent organizational talks, according to sources. Club officials have been weighing Rocker's considerable, controversial baggage, and whether his wayward command -- and his public image -- can be repaired.
On Monday, the Indians signed right-hander Bob Wickman to a three-year contract, all but ending Rocker's brief and brutal career in Cleveland.
The Mets' off-season priority is to add offense, but all areas of the disappointing 82-80 club are under consideration.
"I think we'll be more open to anything right now," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said Tuesday. "Anything's got to be on the table right now for consideration. You tend not to get [a player] after a great season. You tend to get them after an off season where they've struggled, and hope they bounce back."
Shortly after being dealt by the Atlanta Braves, Rocker lost his closer's job to Wickman after a series of terrible outings. Rocker had just four saves with the Indians and lost seven games in 38 appearances, with a 5.45 ERA.
Overall last year, Rocker had 23 saves with a 4.32 ERA. He had 79 strikeouts in 66 innings, but walked 41 batters and blew seven saves.
And he didn't do much to alter his reputation as a troublemaker.
Braves teammates were happy to see their biggest distraction depart, but Rocker failed to make a fresh start in Cleveland.
He further isolated himself from his new teammates, and made disparaging comments about Wickman. During the American League Division Series, Rocker tossed water on Seattle fans who were shouting vulgar remarks from near the bullpen.
A month after the Mets lost the 1999 National League Championship Series to Rocker's Braves, the left-hander became a cause celebe for his racially charged comments about New Yorkers, published in a Sports Illustrated article.
The remarks earned Rocker a brief suspension from commissioner Bud Selig in April of 2000.
The Mets always have been conscious of adding players who have a good clubhouse presence, and it might take some selling with the public to convince people of Rocker's rehabilitation.
Rocker's price is right. It shouldn't take more than an unheralded minor-leaguer or two to get him.
The Indians must decide whether to offer arbitration to Rocker, 27, who made $1.9 million in 2001. New Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro suggested Monday that Rocker would be non-tendered or traded, telling reporters: "We are not going into the season with two closers."
The Mets have been adamant in their defense of Benitez. But they could use another power arm as a setup man to diversify a bullpen that features lefty John Franco (who features a changeup), and right-handers Rick White (fastball, slider) and Jerrod Riggan (splitter).
As for acquiring bigger ticket players, the Mets first want to see how baseball resolves its contraction issue. The breakup of the Expos and Twins could flood the market with attractive players.
"There's still a lot of what-ifs at this point," Phillips said. "We're all kind of waiting to see what the rules are."
EXTRA BASES: Meanwhile, the Mets announced outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo's $1.35 million option was triggered for 2002. Also on Tuesday, first baseman Todd Zeile underwent surgery in California to remove bone spurs from his right elbow.
Zeile is expected to be ready by spring training. However, the Mets are more than willing to deal Zeile, who will earn $6 million in 2002, the final year of his contract.
Fred Wilpon represented the Mets at Tuesday's owners meeting in Chicago. The Mets aren't likely to exceed their 2001 payroll of roughly $95 million. However, "Nothing's been finalized at this point," Phillips said … If owners vote to eliminate the Montreal Expos, the Pittsburgh Pirates could be moved to the NL East.
Former Teaneck resident George McClelland, who worked for the Mets organization in various capacities in Florida, died Sunday at age 73. McClelland's first job as a boy was delivering The Record.
http://www.bergen.com/
Mets have their eye on volatile reliever
Wednesday, November 7, 2001
By PETE CALDERA
Staff Writer
NEW YORK -- Can you ever forgive John Rocker?
While the first hot-stove baseball coals are burning, the Mets are considering pursuing Rocker as a flame-throwing setup man to closer Armando Benitez.
Rocker's name has been brought up in recent organizational talks, according to sources. Club officials have been weighing Rocker's considerable, controversial baggage, and whether his wayward command -- and his public image -- can be repaired.
On Monday, the Indians signed right-hander Bob Wickman to a three-year contract, all but ending Rocker's brief and brutal career in Cleveland.
The Mets' off-season priority is to add offense, but all areas of the disappointing 82-80 club are under consideration.
"I think we'll be more open to anything right now," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said Tuesday. "Anything's got to be on the table right now for consideration. You tend not to get [a player] after a great season. You tend to get them after an off season where they've struggled, and hope they bounce back."
Shortly after being dealt by the Atlanta Braves, Rocker lost his closer's job to Wickman after a series of terrible outings. Rocker had just four saves with the Indians and lost seven games in 38 appearances, with a 5.45 ERA.
Overall last year, Rocker had 23 saves with a 4.32 ERA. He had 79 strikeouts in 66 innings, but walked 41 batters and blew seven saves.
And he didn't do much to alter his reputation as a troublemaker.
Braves teammates were happy to see their biggest distraction depart, but Rocker failed to make a fresh start in Cleveland.
He further isolated himself from his new teammates, and made disparaging comments about Wickman. During the American League Division Series, Rocker tossed water on Seattle fans who were shouting vulgar remarks from near the bullpen.
A month after the Mets lost the 1999 National League Championship Series to Rocker's Braves, the left-hander became a cause celebe for his racially charged comments about New Yorkers, published in a Sports Illustrated article.
The remarks earned Rocker a brief suspension from commissioner Bud Selig in April of 2000.
The Mets always have been conscious of adding players who have a good clubhouse presence, and it might take some selling with the public to convince people of Rocker's rehabilitation.
Rocker's price is right. It shouldn't take more than an unheralded minor-leaguer or two to get him.
The Indians must decide whether to offer arbitration to Rocker, 27, who made $1.9 million in 2001. New Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro suggested Monday that Rocker would be non-tendered or traded, telling reporters: "We are not going into the season with two closers."
The Mets have been adamant in their defense of Benitez. But they could use another power arm as a setup man to diversify a bullpen that features lefty John Franco (who features a changeup), and right-handers Rick White (fastball, slider) and Jerrod Riggan (splitter).
As for acquiring bigger ticket players, the Mets first want to see how baseball resolves its contraction issue. The breakup of the Expos and Twins could flood the market with attractive players.
"There's still a lot of what-ifs at this point," Phillips said. "We're all kind of waiting to see what the rules are."
EXTRA BASES: Meanwhile, the Mets announced outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo's $1.35 million option was triggered for 2002. Also on Tuesday, first baseman Todd Zeile underwent surgery in California to remove bone spurs from his right elbow.
Zeile is expected to be ready by spring training. However, the Mets are more than willing to deal Zeile, who will earn $6 million in 2002, the final year of his contract.
Fred Wilpon represented the Mets at Tuesday's owners meeting in Chicago. The Mets aren't likely to exceed their 2001 payroll of roughly $95 million. However, "Nothing's been finalized at this point," Phillips said … If owners vote to eliminate the Montreal Expos, the Pittsburgh Pirates could be moved to the NL East.
Former Teaneck resident George McClelland, who worked for the Mets organization in various capacities in Florida, died Sunday at age 73. McClelland's first job as a boy was delivering The Record.