Rocker’S Penalty Cut

Now comes the hard part for John Rocker - making amends with teammates, fans and society in general.

The Atlanta Braves reliever was cleared for spring training Wednesday when his suspension was cut in half by an independent arbitrator, who ruled that Rocker should sit out the first 14 days of the regular season for offending gays, minorities and foreigners. His $20,000 fine was also cut to $500.

The decision, the first by baseball’s new arbitrator Shyam Das, was criticized by commissioner Bud Selig. He said it “completely ignores the sensibilities of those groups of people maligned by Mr. Rocker and disregards the player’s position as a role model for children.”

On Jan. 31, Selig banned Rocker from all 45 days of spring training and the first 28 days of the season for his comments in Sports Illustrated. Rocker and the players’ association asked the arbitrator to overturn the decision, saying it was out of line with past sanctions.

Rocker planned to be at the Braves’ training complex today for a private meeting with his teammates prior to Atlanta’s first exhibition game. He also was scheduled to hold a news conference.

Manuel itches to return

Charlie Manuel is obeying doctor’s orders as he recovers from emergency colon surgery. But the Cleveland Indians manager isn’t happy about it.

“Not good,” Indians bench coach Grady Little said when asked about Manuel’s spirits. “He’s still mad.”

Manuel was resting comfortably as he recuperates after having eight inches of his colon removed on Monday night.

“I’m sure he’s about ready to talk some baseball right now,” said pitching coach Dick Pole.

The 56-year-old Manuel, who has had two heart attacks and undergone open heart surgery, is expected to be hospitalized more than a week.

Rehab for Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry has entered a drug rehabilitation center, the suspended New York Yankees slugger said today in a statement.

Strawberry was banned for one year on Wednesday following his third strike for cocaine use.

Erickson out 6-8 weeks

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Scott Erickson will have arthroscopic surgery Friday to remove bone chips from his right elbow and will miss 6-8 weeks.

Dr. Lewis Yocum, who will operate in Los Angeles, discovered the chips in a CAT scan.

Kendall’s ankle fine

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendall, who hasn’t played since severely dislocating his ankle last season, will make his spring debut in an exhibition game Saturday against the New York Yankees.

Kendall has reported no problems so far this spring. He is running normally, and the Pirates have taken no special precautions with him.

“The ankle’s fine,” said Kendall. “It’s probably stronger than it was before.”

Chipper’s elbow hurts

The Atlanta Braves hope third baseman Chipper Jones can wait until after the season to have a bone spur removed from his right elbow.

The injury, which was caused by strain from the repetition of throwing, is fairly common, said team orthopedist Joe Chandler.

“He’s had it for a while,” Chandler told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s something we hope we can take care of at the end of the season.”

Royals pitcher breaks arm

Blake Stein, the Royals’ projected No. 4 starter, will be out at least two weeks after breaking his right forearm.

The right-hander was hit by a line drive from infielder Alejandro Prieto during a simulated game on Tuesday at the Royals’ training camp. X-rays showed a crack in the ulna bone.

Reliever has more surgery

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chad Fox, already trying to come back from reconstructive elbow surgery for the second time in three years, underwent surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., to remove bone fragments from his right elbow. He will not be able to begin throwing for four months.