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--> --> Rocker traded to Rangers CLEVELAND (AP) - John Rocker, who never fit in after being traded to Cleveland last season, was dealt by the Indians to Texas on Tuesday for a minor league pitcher, baseball sources familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. Rocker, whose remarks on racial, ethnic and sexual minorities in a magazine article led to his suspension for two weeks in 2000, will be reunited in Texas with new Rangers general manager John Hart. The sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the deal could be announced Tuesday afternoon. Rocker will also now be a teammate with volatile outfielder Carl Everett, who went to Texas in a trade earlier this month from Boston. As Cleveland's GM, Hart acquired Rocker from the Atlanta Braves last June for pitchers Steve Karsay and Steve Reed. But the deal backfired on Hart, who thought adding the left-handed Rocker might finally get the Indians their first World Series title since 1948. Rocker pitched poorly in Cleveland, going just 3-7 with four saves and a 5.45 ERA in 38 games. He was handed the closer's job upon arrival, but ended up giving it back to Bob Wickman. Rocker, 27, was never really accepted by his Indians teammates, either. And after saying he was thankful for a fresh start with the Cleveland media, he rarely granted interviews. Rocker became a distraction in the clubhouse during the AL playoffs. First, he threw water on fans taunting him during Game 1 in Seattle and compounded problems by clashing with Wickman over some remarks he made. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing