Do You Think An MLB Team Would Ever Sign John Rocker Again?

Question

...that is, if his arm was healed and such and wanted to get back into the game of baseball?

I ask because he was a great lefty at one time and we could all use one!

Answer 1

If he still had talent, of course he'd be back in baseball. As objectionable as his comments to Sports Illustrated were, other players have said things just as bad and stayed in the league. Baseball teams (and professional sports teams in general) are so bent on winning that they would sign Hitler if he could swing a bat. Think of all the second chances that Terrell Owens has received in football. Despite the cancer in the locker room that he is, teams will always continue to put him on the field because he can catch a football.

The only reason John Rocker is no longer in baseball is because he can't pitch. The only reason we are still talking about him is because of his mouth.

Answer 2

Yes he would get a chance but Rocker was never a great lefty. In 1999 he saved 38 games and had 104 k's in 72 1/3 inn. his era 2.49. His whip was 1.17..This was his 2nd year in the majors, first full year, he came back in 2000 with decent stats but not as good, then arm problems and mouth problems over took his career. John last tried to pitch in 2005 for a glorified bar league team and couldn't hack it, which is to bad because I always found what he said humorous. I really think that if his arm healed yes teams would give him a chance in spring training, teams always need left handed relief pitchers, remember Jesse Orosco was 46 and still playing in 2003. Left-handed relief pitcher, easiest way to major leagues, and people wonder why my 3 year old sons' right arm is duck-taped to his side.

Answer 3

It's about 3 years too late, but I think the only place that would have made sense for a team to sign him would have been the Mets.
He could have been a one batter specialist. The NY fans would have forgiven him, and he would have become a fan favorite, much like Derek Sanderson, (leaving the Bruins and becoming a Ranger) back in the 1970s.
With the acceptance of Mets fans, Rocker could have mentally recovered to the point where he would still be pitching.
I am not saying he did, but he was also quite bulky for a pitcher. He may have used performance enhancing drugs, but I do not have any evidence for it.

Answer 4

Jim Morris teaches us that anything can happen, especially if you're a fireballing southpaw, but Rocker, I think, comes with far too much baggage for any team to willingly pick up.

Rocker last pitched in the majors in 2003 (for the Devil Rays) and last pitched effectively in 2001. That's six years ago, and geez, if he couldn't cut it with the Rays, he's done.

Answer 5

John Rocker is too fargone to come back, but even if other teams had interest, he'd be a stain on the team. Basically, he's a P.R. nightmare waiting to happen.

Answer 6

He was cut by the minor league Long Island Ducks last year. I think the guy is washed up. However, if he makes a successful comeback in the minors. A major league may give him a chance.

Answer 7

Well, Percival is making a comeback so anything is possible.

#1 If he was healthy
#2 If he had his control back
#3 And he had in his contract to keep his racist/sexist/stupid mouth shut.

Then I think several teams would leap at him for their bullpen. Maybe not closer at first but certainly for setup at least. For a few years he was lights out.

Answer 8

I'm sure anyone would sign John Rocker again, if they could get him to shut his mouth every once in a while :)

Answer 9

NOPE! Go Angels!

Answer 10

no. why?