Rocker

In contrast to Wednesday, the first day of the grievance hearing, there were few protesters on the sidewalk outside baseball's offices.

Baseball management completed its case Thursday, and Rocker was the first witness called by the players' association.

Rocker, banned by commissioner Bud Selig until May 1 for his comments about gays, foreigners and others, met privately with Selig on Wednesday.

Selig testified on the rationale of his decision and was questioned by union lawyer Gene Orza on what precedents he considered, according to several participants in the hearing who spoke on the condition they not be identified.

Selig, one source said, testified he made his decision because he thought it was the correct penalty and did not consider past suspensions. Selig didn't publicly discuss what he said.

"I just completed somewhere between five and six hours of testimony," Selig said as he left the building in the early evening. "I issued my suspension. It is what it is. Now it's in the hands of the arbitrator."

Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman, who has been critical of Rocker, and Braves president Stan Kasten were the other witnesses to testify.

Kevin Hallinan, baseball's executive director of security, was management's final witness Thursday.

Arbitrator Shyam Das is expected to issue a decision this month.

Boazman, who testified on the effect of Rocker's remarks in the community, brought along a group from Atlanta to protest. They were kept behind wooden police barricades as the hearing took place 31 floors above.

"It was basically to convey to the masses we were disappointed in the appeal," Boazman said. "We started this whole thing saying Rocker should be released. We still believe that."

Kasten, the source said, testified about the effects of Rocker's remarks on the Braves.

A rat, holding a sign "New York Immigrants Against Rocker!" was on the sidewalk Wednesday, provided by Local 78 of the Asbestos, Lead and Hazardous Waste Laborers union, which had it nearby for another protest. The rat, which cost $8,000, has appeared in front of several businesses in New York in the past year.

Rocker, razzed by Mets and Yankees fans during the pennant race and postseason last year, told Sports Illustrated in December he would never play for a New York team because he didn't want to ride a subway train "next to some queer with AIDS." He also mocked foreigners and called a Latin teammate a "fat monkey."

Selig responded Jan. 31 by suspending him for all 45 days of spring training and the first 28 days of the season, fining him $20,000 and ordering sensitivity training. The players association, successful at overturning or shortening many suspensions, then filed a grievance.

Under baseball's rules, the commissioner's office puts on its defense first, then the union calls its witness. Howard Ganz, representing owners in their litigation with umpires, was the lead lawyer for management.

Meanwhile, trade rumors have surfaced involving Rocker, but no deal appeared imminent.

"The Chicago White Sox are not interested in obtaining pitcher John Rocker," White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. "We have spent a great deal of time over the last two seasons developing a roster of young players who care about the Chicago community and care about our fans. We believe that character counts in building a championship baseball team our fans can support."

The union says the suspension was without "just cause," arguing speech shouldn't be punished, even if it's offensive. Selig wasn't concerned his ruling could be overturned.

"I don't look at it in this context because they do have the right to appeal," he said. "Other commissioners have had to go through this process and have been appealed. I did what I thought I had to, what was right."