John Rockhead as one of Lou's charges? Huh.....That might work...Or it might blow up in both their faces...

Devil Rays may sign Rocker to minor league deal
Associated Press


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- John Rocker wants back into baseball and could find a new home with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.


Rocker



The former Atlanta, Cleveland and Texas reliever worked out Wednesday at Tropicana Field and was impressive enough that Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella feels it would be worth signing Rocker to a minor league contract and giving him a chance to work his way up to the majors.

"He's chomping at the bit to get back in baseball and get back to the big leagues,'' Piniella said, adding that Rocker would be assigned to Triple-A Durham if does sign with Tampa Bay. "I think it would be a good gamble.''

Piniella and Devil Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said Rocker, whose career has plummeted since a Sports Illustrated article before the 2000 season in which he made disparaging remarks about gays, minorities and others, showed he's healthy.

"He threw the ball OK,'' Piniella said. "He wasn't totally pleased with his effort, but I think he showed enough to warrant an opportunity.''

LaMar said he has had some discussions with Rocker's agent, Joe Sambito, but wouldn't speculate on whether the pitcher will be signed. LaMar said a couple of other teams had looked at Rocker, too.

Rocker, who returned to Atlanta after the workout, is 13-22 with 88 saves in 278 major league appearances with the Braves, Indians and Rangers.

The 28-year-old left-hander was released by Texas in October after going 2-3 with a 6.66 ERA and one save in 30 appearances with the Rangers last season. He also was 1-0 in six games at Triple-A Oklahoma and 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in three rehab outings with Double-A Tulsa.

Rocker spent time on the disabled list with left shoulder and neck pain in July. He reported recurring pain following his rehab assignment at Tulsa in August and did not pitch again.

LaMar, who was in the Braves front office, when Rocker signed with Atlanta said he talked to Rocker about the problems the pitchers has had in the past and made it clear that the Devil Rays would expect "professionalism'' from him both on and off the field.

Piniella said he didn't have a problem with taking in a player with Rocker's background.

"When I look at a player, I don't look in the past. I look at the present and the future,'' the manager said. "I think he's learned from those things.''

Anaheim Angels 2002 World Champions!

Portland Expos 2003 World Champions!

Well, they made it official . . .

Devil Rays purchase contract of LHP John Rocker

Yahoo Story

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) - John Rocker is back in the major leagues.

In one of eight players moves Friday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays purchased the contract of the controversial lefthander from Class AA Orlando of the Southern League.

Seeking help in the bullpen, the Devil Rays signed Rocker to a minor league contract on April 10. At Orlando, Rocker allowed four hits over four scoreless innings, walking one and striking out two.

The 28-year-old Rocker went 2-3 with one save and a 6.66 ERA in 30 appearances with the Texas Rangers last season. He had a career-high 38 saves with the Atlanta Braves in 1999 but caused a big controversy that December when he made comments about gays and minorities in New York City.

Rocker's remarks drew a fine and suspension from baseball. He was showered with boos and projectiles in subsequent visits to New York.

In addition to bringing Rocker back to the majors, the Devil Rays also made a host of other moves, including activating lefthander Jim Parque from the 15-day disabled list. He will start Friday night's game against the Detroit Tigers.

Parque has been sidelined since April 9 with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. The lefthander has a history of arm problems. He was limited to eight starts for the Chicago White Sox last season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.

After earning a spot in the rotation during spring training, Parque started the regular season with an 0-1 record in two starts. He was torched for 13 runs and 12 hits in 6 2/3 innings.

In his last start before going on the disabled list, Parque gave up six runs and five hits in just 1 2/3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles.

Parque surrendered only three earned runs in 19 innings over three outings while rehabilitating at Class AAA Durham of the International League. He struck out 10 and walked three.

The Devil Rays on Friday also purchased the contract of outfielder Jason Tyner from Durham and recalled infielder Felix Escalona from Orlando.

In addition, the Devil Rays designated outfielder Chris Truby and George Lombard for assignment. They also optioned righthander Victor Zambrano to Durham and placed righthander Steve Parris on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder.

Parris has struggled this season, going 0-3 with a 6.25 ERA in seven starts.

The Devil Rays (13-22) enter Friday's game in the midst of a four-game losing streak and in last place in the American League East.

--Red Sox Fan--