Rocker in Control After He Loses It

John Rocker was in complete control during his first minor league appearance Friday, but he couldn’t keep his temper in check around reporters at Maumee, Ohio.

Rocker, making his first appearance for the triple-A Richmond Braves, struck out the side in the ninth inning against the Toledo Mud Hens.

Facing the bottom of the order, Rocker struck out right fielder Chris Wakeland on three pitches. After giving up a walk, Rocker came back to get second baseman Chris Lemonis on three pitches.

Shortstop Jesus Azuaje stuck out swinging to give Richmond a 10-5 victory.

Rocker was much better than he had been in Atlanta where he had 10 saves in 11 opportunities and a 3.93 earned-run average this season but had walked 25 batters in 18 1/3 innings.

Before the game, an angry Rocker stalked off into the clubhouse after a throwing session in which he was agitated with reporters.

Rocker appeared angry as soon as he stepped out of the bullpen.

“Get a good picture of me throwing, that’s important,” he said while glaring at half a dozen reporters and photographers.

A few tosses later he again glared into the stands.

“Let me ask you something, is it more exciting to watch a guy throw or paint dry?” Rocker said to Richmond pitching coach Mike Alvarez. “Paint probably.”

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The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Brant Brown in a three-way trade with the Texas Rangers and Florida Marlins.

Brown was traded by the Marlins to the Rangers for right-hander Chuck Smith. The Rangers then sent Brown to the Cubs for veteran outfielder Dave Martinez.

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Utility infielder-outfielder Andy Fox was acquired by the Florida Marlins from the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfielder Danny Bautista.

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The San Diego Padres transferred Sterling Hitchcock to the 60-day disabled list, three days after the left-hander underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his pitching elbow.

Hitchcock, who had been on the 15-day disabled list, will be sidelined 12 to 18 months.