New Controversy Ignited by Rocker

John Rocker has never been one for building bridges with fellow humans, as the Indians reliever proved once again by trying to drag a teammate into a controversy in the midst of the playoffs.

After being criticized for throwing water on abusive fans in Seattle, Rocker told reporters after Game 2: “There’s a certain guy on this team who has a lawsuit filed against him for gay-bashing. Why doesn’t that make the papers?”

Rocker was referring to a lawsuit filed in 1998 by a former New York Yankee clubhouse worker who alleged he was harassed by players because of his sexual orientation, and fired by the Yankees because he contracted HIV. Named in the suit were Indians closer Bob Wickman, who was then with the Yankees, along with Mariano Rivera, Jeff Nelson and New York General Manager Brian Cashman.

One of the reasons the story hadn’t been well publicized was because it had been kept a secret until Rocker let it out of the bag. Asked about Rocker’s comments, Wickman told the Cleveland Plain Dealer: “John has the freedom of speech. He can say whatever he wants.”

Rocker assumed Wickman’s role as closer when he was acquired from Atlanta, but Wickman regained the role after Rocker struggled. Wickman said he spoke to Rocker about his comments.

Jim Thome’s 17th career playoff home run in the sixth inning left him one homer behind the all-time postseason record of 18, set by the Yankees’ Mickey Mantle and later tied by Reggie Jackson.

“It’s nice that we’ve been in so many postseason games,” Thome said. “When you start out, you never think about being in that situation. It’s very special.”

*

Whether the Mariners were looking past Cleveland is unknown, but page 152 of their postseason media guide includes an American League Championship Series schedule that lists Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 as taking place in Seattle.

TODAY

MARINERS’

FREDDY GARCIA

(0-1, 6.75 ERA)

vs.

INDIANS’

BARTOLO COLON

(1-0, 0.00 ERA) Jacobs Field, 10:15 a.m.

TV--Fox Family

Update--Seattle will try to bounce back from its Game 3 drubbing behind ace Freddy Garcia, who was hit hard in a 5-0 Game 1 loss. He gave up four runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Cleveland’s Bartolo Colon can finish what he started. Colon had 10 strikeouts in eight innings in Game 1.