Texas Rangers trade for Rocker

<br>(Arlington, Texas-AP) -- Cleveland Tuesday traded embattled pitcher and former Atlanta Braves closer John Rocker to the Texas Rangers, in exchange for minor league pitcher David Elder. <br><br>Rocker

Tuesday, December 18th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Arlington, Texas-AP) -- Cleveland Tuesday traded embattled pitcher and former Atlanta Braves closer John Rocker to the Texas Rangers, in exchange for minor league pitcher David Elder.

Rocker last year was suspended for two weeks after his remarks on racial, ethnic and sexual minorities turned up in a magazine article.

He'll be reunited in Texas with new Rangers general manager John Hart.

Rocker will also now be a teammate with volatile outfielder Carl Everett, who went to Texas in a trade earlier this month from Boston.

Hart, as Cleveland's G-M, acquired Rocker from the Braves last June.

Rocker pitched poorly in Cleveland, going just 3-and-7 with four saves and a five-point-45 E-R-A in 38 games.

To make room for Rocker on the 40-man roster, the Rangers have designated pitcher Justin Thompson for assignment.

The Rangers' Web site reports Rocker is expected to be a middle-reliever on the Texas staff. Jeff Zimmerman will be the closer.

The Rangers say Rocker is currently in the Puerto Rican Winter League with the Bayamon Cowboys.