NEW YORK -- John Rocker's stormy stay with the Atlanta Braves abruptly ended Friday when the reliever was traded to the Cleveland Indians in a four-player deal.

	John Rocker's comments to Sports Illustrated earned him a police escort every time he visited New York.

The Braves received relievers Steve Karsay and Steve Reed and cash for Rocker and minor league third baseman Troy Cameron to Cleveland.

"I think this puts some finality to it," Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said. "John said some things that made some people mad. But for the most part, he was a pretty good teammate and a pretty good closer."

Rocker was informed of the deal after Atlanta's game against the New York Mets began. He is expected to join the Indians in Kansas City on Saturday.

Rocker left with the game in progress and was not available to the media.

"He kind of looked like he was in shock when they told him," Braves pitcher John Burkett said after a 10-1 win over New York.

Shea Stadium provided a curious place for Rocker's final day with the Braves, seeing how he started a national furor after the 1999 season when he denigrated New Yorkers, immigrants, homosexuals and others in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

"Maybe it's just a coincidence," Atlanta pitcher Greg Maddux said.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig suspended Rocker for all 45 days of spring training last year and the first 28 days of the regular season and fined him $20,000, but the players' association filed a grievance and arbitrator Shyam Das cut the suspension to 14 days and the fine to $500.

"I think that's old news," Cleveland outfielder Ellis Burks said. "That's in the past. People need to learn to let things go. There's been plenty of people to say things that they don't really mean or that they regret at that particular time. I think that's one of those deals."

Braves general manager John Schuerholz said Rocker's off-the-field behavior was not a factor in the trade. Rather, he saw the deal as a way to boost the bullpen, often a Braves' troublespot in big games over the years.

"We managed our way through a very difficult situation last year, a firestorm," he said. "That had nothing to do with it. That hasn't been an issue this year. It's been pretty tranquil in our clubhouse.

"We feel like Karsay can step into the role of a closer he held last year. We think Steve Reed gives us great depth. We just feel like we're deeper and stronger."

Said Indians general manager John Hart: "We have a chance to bring in a dominant, late-inning, left-handed reliever."

"This is a player not only for our present, but for our future. It's very difficult during the season to make a trade for a player of this caliber," he said. "I had a good conversation with John tonight. I think he's looking forward to a fresh start.

"I think what's happened, obviously it's apparent what happened. I think everyone in America is aware of it," he said. "We did talk to a number of our core players over the last several days, our veterans of all nationalities. To a man every one said, absolutely, get this guy, he can help us win."

Extra police and security began gathering outside the Atlanta clubhouse as word of the trade spread.

Rocker's recent visits to New York attracted a huge police presence throughout the ballparks, be in Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium.

This trip, there were noticeably fewer police as the Braves started a three-game series against the Mets. About four policeman escorted Rocker out of the stadium, and a car whisked him into the night.

By the end of the game, there was no trace that Rocker had ever been present. The number plate over his locker was gone, and his stall was completely empty.

In a curious twist, Rocker will be back in town real shortly. The Indians start a series at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.

Rocker was 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA this season, converting 19 saves in 23 chances for the Braves. He had 36 strikeouts in 32 innings.

The deal came a day after Rocker gave up a two-out, two-run homer to pinch-hitter Derrek Lee in the ninth inning that saddled Atlanta with a 3-2 loss to Florida.

The Indians and Braves have made big deals before. During spring training in 1997, Atlanta sent outfielders Marquis Grissom and David Justice to Cleveland for outfielder Kenny Lofton and reliever Alan Embree.

The Braves, who have won nine straight division titles, began the night with a 37-34 record and tied with Florida, 4{ games behind Philadelphia.

Since making his debut in 1998, Rocker has been one of the best closers in the National League. He has 83 saves and a 2.63 ERA in 210 career games with Atlanta.

Despite his success on the field, the 26-year-old lefty was never popular with his teammates. Outfielder Brian Jordan called Rocker a "cancer" last season.

"Last year is last year," Jordan said. "He's a great closer."

Karsay has been the most effective reliever in an Indians' bullpen that has been overworked this season. He pitched one scoreless inning Friday night in the Indians 6-5 win against Kansas City.

Cleveland's starters have failed to get past the fifth inning 30 times and have just one complete game in 69 games.