Trainer says Wells was taunted

New York ” David Wells’ personal trainer testified Wednesday that a man taunted the player about ordering an egg-white omelet before punching Wells at a Manhattan diner.

Trainer Scott Yeckinevich testified that after he and Wells ordered omelets and waffles, the defendant made a profanity-laced taunt about the pitcher’s girth, saying “Why don’t you order a … cheeseburger?”

The 39-year-old Wells had two teeth knocked out during the fight, which occurred after 5 a.m. on Sept. 7. Rocco Graziosa, a 27-year-old bartender from Yonkers, N.Y., is on trial for charges of misdemeanor assault, menacing and possession of a weapon ” in this case, a butter knife he allegedly waved at Wells.

Indians add five

Cleveland ” The Cleveland Indians purchased the contracts of outfielders Jody Gerut, Ryan Church, right-handers Fernando Cabrera and Francisco Cruceta and infielder Jhonny Peralta on Wednesday.

Greer has surgery

Fort Worth, Texas ” Texas Rangers outfielder Rusty Greer had surgery Wednesday to repair a significant tear of his left rotator cuff. Dr. John Conway said the operation went as expected. Recovery time is expected to be about 12 months. Greer was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon and is scheduled to begin rehabilitation later in the week, but he probably needs to have additional operations next year.

Devil Rays release Rupe

St. Petersburg, Fla. ” The Tampa Bay Devil Rays released right-hander Ryan Rupe and designated left-hander Steve Kent and shortstop Jace Brewer for assignment Wednesday as they set their 40-man roster. The team announced that outfielder Josh Hamilton and catcher Pete LaForest were among seven minor leaguers added to the roster. The others were pitchers Brian Stokes, Seth McClung, Gerardo Garcia, Doug Waechter and Hans Smith.

Giants claim Perez

San Francisco ” The San Francisco Giants claimed infielder Neifi Perez off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. Perez, a shortstop who also can play second base, gives the Giants another backup plan if Jeff Kent leaves the NL champions as a free agent. Perez was waived Monday by the Royals after hitting just .236 with 37 RBIs in 2002.

Williams trade in works

Phoenix ” Top officials of the Colorado Rockies met for more than three hours with Matt Williams and his agent Wednesday to try to persuade the third baseman to accept a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The teams have agreed to a deal that would send Larry Walker to Arizona for Williams and three other players. But both Walker and Williams must waive no-trade clauses by midday Friday.

Dodgers secure five

Los Angeles ” The Los Angeles Dodgers added right-handed pitchers Andrew Brown and Alfredo Gonzalez, left-handed pitchers Hong-Chih Kuo and Rick Roberts and catcher Koyie Hill to their 40-man roster on Wednesday.

Bell, Phils talking

Philadelphia ” Free-agent third basemen David Bell was spending his third night in Philadelphia on Wednesday while agent Tom Reich and the Phillies continued negotiations on a contract. Bell, who helped the San Francisco Giants reach the World Series, hit .261 with 20 homers and 73 RBIs. The Phillies are also waiting to hear from agents for first baseman Jim Thome and ace left-hander Tom Glavine. Thome received an offer believed to be worth about $75 million over five years, and Glavine got a three-year offer for about $30 million.

Pirates release Rios

Pittsburgh ” The Pittsburgh Pirates, unwilling to go to salary arbitration with often-injured Armando Rios, released the outfielder on Wednesday. Rios was acquired by the Pirates with right-hander Ryan Vogelsong from San Francisco for pitcher Jason Schmidt and outfielder John Vander Wal, but was injured for most of his time with Pittsburgh. The Pirates also designated right-hander John Grabow for assignment and added right-hander Bobby Bradley, left-hander Dave Williams, catcher Ryan Doumit, infielders Pat Meares and Walter Young and infielder Jose Castillo to the 40-man roster.