December 15, 2005
Everett in Seattle
John Levesque at SeattlePI.com is looking forward to Carl Everett joining the Mariners, but not for the reasons you might think:
But, clearly, the Mariners are intent on creating a more exciting clubhouse in 2006, and also on correcting the impression that the only baseball players who can grace their 40-man roster must be Eagle Scouts and on the fast track to sainthood.
Oh, happy day!
The signing of Everett to a one-year contract Wednesday gives the Mariners a little left-handed sock, something they've been pursuing fervently, if unsuccessfully, the past two years. It also gives them something to take our minds off how awful this team could be next season.
I especially like this bit:
Concerned Everett's reputation preceded him in Seattle, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong took the unusual step of writing a letter to season-ticket holders, saying: "We are aware of the issues that Carl had in the past, but are confident that he has dealt with them and has moved on. ... White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf personally assured me that Carl is a good man who can be a positive force for our club."
Of course, the guy who used to own the used car you just bought rarely mentions the oil leak and the rusted-out floorboards.
I used to think the issues with Carl Everett would be a problem when he was in Texas. However, he was awesome in Texas. No problems, no nothing like had in Boston. I think his reptuation and problems are a bit overblown.
I wrote this on my Rangers Blog (http://www.rangerfans.com) this morning..
I'll take this chance to say that when he was dealt, he had turned around my opinion of him. He still was unsuited to play center field here, as he's not fast enough for that position, but I ended up being in his camp when he left. One thing I still admire him about is his stance on his children. So many actors, sports guys, etc have no problem with divulging every piece of information about their family and kids. Not Carl. He has five children, but in every team he's played for, he gives no information on their names, birthdates, etc. I admire him for trying to keep his personal life personal. I even wrote him a letter about that when he was playing here and told him so.
Good luck Carl, except the 19 times you play us. :)
He was fine in Chicago as well.
He was fine in Boston until the Kulpa episode. There were here and theres with the press, but things turned ugly when he got selfish and got himself suspended during a playoff race when they needed him the most. He has no business playing the field, but anytime he was in the outfield during his Chicago tenure I took pleasure in letting him know what I thought of him and his behaviour.
