Rocker refuses assignment for second day

MAUMEE, Ohio -- John Rocker was a minor league no-show for a second straight day, leaving officials of the Atlanta Braves organization wondering whether he will report to the Triple-A Richmond Braves. Rocker has until Thursday to join Richmond, which opened a three-game series with the Toledo Mud Hens on Wednesday night. Richmond manager Randy Ingle said he had no idea if or when to expect Rocker. "Your guess is as good as mine," Ingle said before Wednesday's game. "He might come around that corner right now, he might show up in the middle of the night or even tomorrow." Earlier Wednesday, Rocker told Atlanta radio station WKLS that he may quit baseball. The parent Braves said Rocker was sent down because of poor pitching performances. He was demoted one day after confronting a Sports Illustrated reporter who wrote a story in December about Rocker's offensive views on foreigners, gays and minorities. A Richmond spokesman said team officials haven't heard from either Rocker or his agent. "There's not a whole lot we know," Ingle said. "We don't know when he'll be here." Ingle said he was to meet with Atlanta assistant general manager Frank Wren to discuss how Rocker should be used. Ingle, who coached Rocker in 1996 and '97 in the minors, was unaware of Rocker's comments on the radio. "I'd be really surprised if he quit," he said. Players from both teams insisted they wouldn't let Rocker's situation bother them. "It's not affecting the mood or morale in the clubhouse," Richmond second baseman Steve Sisco said. "Our team hasn't been in the headlines. Only one name has been in the headlines." The Mud Hens appeared anxious to bat against Rocker. "Everybody wants to face him," Toledo infielder Chris Lemonis said. "We know he's a great pitcher. All of that other stuff, whatever." Security was increased at Ned Skeldon Stadium, even though Rocker was not there. A plastic fence was erected to keep fans away from a walkway both teams use on the way to the field, and both clubhouses were closed to the media. Nearly 100 media passes were issued for the game between two teams that are among the three worst in the International League. A small crowd was on hand, despite a Shriners Night promotion and the chance to see Rocker. The Braves beat the Mud Hens 10-1 before a crowd of 4,563, less than half the capacity of the stadium but larger than most of the Mud Hens' crowds this season.

	John Rocker talks on the phone in a Turner Field tunnel on Monday. When Rocker realized he was being photographed, he stood up and cursed the photographer.