Expos ink Carl Everett

WebPosted Tue Dec 16 13:43:44 2003
CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Montreal Expos signed talented but temperamental outfielder Carl Everett to a two-year contract on Monday.

Carl Everett signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Expos, Monday. Everett's deal with the Expos guarantees him $7 million US over the next two seasons. "When I weighed it with all the other clubs, I felt this was the best fit," explained Everett when asked why he decided to join the Expos.

The Expos were in need of a slugger to help compensate for the loss of all-star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero to free agency. Several teams are interested Guerrero's services and it's expected he will sign a long-term, multi-million dollar deal in the near future.

"Vlad is not me and I am not Vlad," Everett said on a conference call. "I just have to be myself."

Everett's contract with the Expos reportedly calls for a $3 million US salary in 2004 with a $4-million US player option for 2005. If Everett exercises it, a $5-million US club option kicks in for 2006 with a $500,000 US buyout. Everett hit .287 last season with 28 home runs and 92 runs batted in for the Texas Rangers after they acquired him from the Chicago White Sox on July 1.

A two-time all-star, Everett is as volatile as he is capable. His temper is legendary and his 11 MLB seasons have often been turbulent. Everett has shown a willingness in the past to criticize superiors, often putting him in the spotlight. That said, Everett has no love for the media, often blaming it for any problems with management. While playing for the Boston Red Sox, he had a much-publicized feud with then-manager Jimy Williams.

In 2000, Everett had an on-field altercation with umpire Ronald Kulpa. Everett exploded in a fit of rage, head-butting Kulpa after he questioned Everett's positioning in the batter's box during a Red Sox-New York Mets game. Everett's tantrum earned him a 10-game suspension from the league. At the time, the Red Sox were in the playoff hunt and Everett, their most dangerous hitter, was a candidate American League most valuable player.

For his career, Everett is a .278 hitter with 161 HRs and 637 RBIs. In addition to the White Sox, Rangers and Red Sox, Everett has also played for the Mets and Houston Astros.