Atlanta Braves fans surely haven't forgotten the chaotic presence that followed former closer John Rocker. He was likely one of the most polarizing figures to wear a Braves uniform. He was a force on the mound during his time in Atlanta, with a 2.63 ERA, 123 walks, and 259 strikeouts over four years.
Rocker was something to experience with a lot of energy and ferocity on the field. Unfortunately for him, some of that expanded off the field as well. That got him into a lot of trouble over the years. A Sports Illustrated article wasn't a help in making him very likable. He made some negative comments (to put it kindly) about a plethora of things and people that weren't received very well at all.
Naturally it brought some negative attention to the Braves and some of his teammates weren't very fond of it. Brian Jordan was vocal about Rocker, and called him a "cancer" at one point. Chipper Jones thought he was a good teammate and closer, but understood that Rocker wasn't very easy to like.
The Braves traded Rocker, along with minor league third baseman Troy Cameron, to the Indians in a four-player deal in return for Steve Karsay, Steve Reed, and cash on June 22nd, 2001.
Braves History: Atlanta trades known malcontent John Rocker to the Guardians
Fittingly enough, Rocker was traded after the Braves beat the Mets 10-1. He didn't mince any words about his feelings about New Yorkers at the time. He may have been hated more than Chipper was. Pitcher John Burkett said that Rocker seemed a bit shocked by the move. Surely it wasn't surprising for most people. Bobby Cox wasn't one to deal with drama in the clubhouse very well.
John Schuerholz said his off-field behavior wasn't a factor in the trade. But it's hard to believe it didn't have some part in the decision. Schuerholz stated, "That had nothing to do with it. That hasn't been an issue this year. It's been pretty tranquil in our clubhouse." He cited the return in the deal improving the bullpen as the motivation behind the move. Two birds, one stone...
Rocker's career fizzled out after he left Atlanta. He finished 2001 with Cleveland, but landed with the Rangers in 2002. He had a very short stint with the Rays in 2003, and never pitched in the big leagues again after that.
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