Looking for Solutions to ‘Problems R Them’

Attention, class. Today’s lesson deals with the three Rs: Rocker, Relief and . . .

REALIGNMENT

It is not definite, but the internal buzz is that 2001 realignment will be put off in favor of adopting an unbalanced schedule within the current framework, if possible.

An unbalanced schedule would have teams playing more games within their division.

Commissioner Bud Selig insists he has the votes to get realignment approved--”the majority of clubs are disappointed we haven’t voted already,” Selig said by phone--but there has been enough nit-picking about the proposed plan that the unanimity-conscious Selig now favors a continuing search for a better concept, according to several American and National league executives.

“The two most important things are adopting an unbalanced schedule and rotating interleague play among the divisions,” Selig said. “We’re running tests of the schedule to determine which format best achieves that.”

The realignment that had been expected to be approved--and still could be--created four NL divisions of four teams each and three AL divisions, including a six-team Central and four teams in each of the West and East. Arizona and Tampa Bay would switch leagues, and the Texas Rangers would move from the AL West to the AL Central.

Although Arizona lacks a veto, its strong opposition to leaving the NL has been an ongoing Selig hurdle.

There is also NL opposition to elimination of the wild card in a four-division alignment, and there is AL opposition among the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals to a six-team Central, making it tougher to reach the playoffs. The overall proposal, in some measure, was aimed at satisfying a promise to the Rangers to move them into a Central time zone division for TV and radio purposes, but owner Tom Hicks recently received a significant new broadcast package for his Rangers and Dallas Stars, making a time zone switch less imperative.

The players union, which has approval rights, also opposed the proposal for several reasons and has circulated its own realignment plan, suggesting the Houston Astros join the Rangers in the AL West, creating two 15-team leagues of three divisions each. No chance. Astro owner Drayton McLane won’t leave the NL, and owners will never accept a schedule that would require an interleague game every night, which would be the case with 15 teams in each league.

As in all baseball decisions, self interest is the motivating factor.

ROCKER

The unrepentant John Rocker simply doesn’t get it.

Maybe this minor league stint will help the Atlanta Brave relief pitcher accept responsibility for his prejudiced thinking and offensive mouth, acknowledging that the blame rests with the message, not the messenger.

On the other hand, if the defiant Rocker hasn’t come to that realization already, there is little reason to think he will experience an epiphany in Richmond, Va. In fact, he is likely to find even more support for his biased views. As City Councilman John Conrad told the New York Post: “We have enough loudmouth racists in Richmond already, we don’t need any more.”

One thing is certain: The Braves are hitting Rocker in the wallet, which may carry more of an impact than professional counseling. If he is in the minors for 20 days--and he is almost certain to be, missing the Braves’ trip to dreaded Shea Stadium on June 29--he will fail to meet the second-year criteria for arbitration, losing a possible shot at

$2 million or more next year (he makes $290,000), providing he regains his pitching form.

Considering that an arbitrator reduced his fine from $20,000 to $500 when the union appealed Selig’s sanctions after his December comments in Sports Illustrated, the Braves will be exacting a large measure of financial retribution.

RELIEF

With Shaquille O’Neal blocking the view, it may have gone unnoticed, but the Angels and Dodgers continue to play through significant injuries, creating the possibility of an exciting second half--if both teams can finish what they start.

The Dodgers need a sound and effective Jeff Shaw as the closer, giving Manager Davey Johnson the flexibility to use Terry Adams, Alan Mills and Mike Fetters in the setup roles out of a bullpen that has a major league-leading 13 blown saves and is devoid of a left-hander in whom the manager has trust.

The Angels need Troy Percival, second in the league in saves, to remain an effective and durable closer on a revolving-door staff that seems incapable of giving the bullpen--or offense--a night of rest.

Percival, coming off a winter of major shoulder surgery, entered the weekend having already made 25 appearances, projecting to a career-high 69.

With Kent Bottenfield on the disabled list, the Angels have already employed 19 pitchers and faced the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend with a rotation totaling 12 major league wins before the current season.

The anticipated return soon of Ken Hill, Tim Belcher and Jason Dickson should enable Seth Etherton and Brian Cooper to continue their development at triple A but is no guarantee that the bullpen’s workload will be diminished. A resilient offense is averaging 5.5 runs a game, but the pitchers are giving up 5.69, which is a reason the Angels have been on the AL West treadmill with a lot of company. One win or one loss can move any of the four teams from top to bottom or vice versa.

Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane reflected on the tight race the other day and borrowed an auto racing term when he said, “Right now we’re all drafting on each other.”

A tireless Percival is a priority if the Angels are going to reach a higher gear.