Rocker Testifies on Last Day of His Arbitration Hearing

John Rocker got the chance Thursday to explain his controversial comments, testifying on the second and final day of a hearing at New York he hopes will lead to a reduction in his suspension.

The Atlanta reliever, suspended by Commissioner Bud Selig until May 1 and fined $20,000, was the primary witness called by the players’ association, which hoped to convince arbitrator Shyam Das to overturn the penalty.

Das’ decision is expected later this month.

“It will be no sooner than 10 days from now,” management lawyer Rob Manfred said.

Former major league pitcher Scott Sanderson was the only other witness called by the union. He testified on the effects of a shortened spring training.

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The 9th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals has reversed an arbitrator’s decision to deny a claim by former player Steve Garvey. Garvey claimed he had an offer for a contract extension with San Diego for the 1988 and 1989 seasons that was later withdrawn because of ownership collusion. Neil Papiano and Bill Hertz, attorneys who represented Garvey, said that it could mean as much as $3 million for the former Dodger and Padre.

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Pitcher Mark Petkovsek avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract with the Angels for $1,512,500 million. Petkovsek, who was 10-4 with a 3.47 earned-run average in 64 relief appearances last season, earned $850,000 in 1999.

Staff writers Mike Terry and Tim Brown contributed to this story.