Oft-disgruntled ex-White Sox designated hitter Carl Everett has been left teamless by Seattle.
The Mariners designated Everett for assignment Wednesday, making Seattle the 35-year-old’s eighth former team. Last season, he won a World Series ring with the Sox, who opted not to bring him back for 2006. Everett and Sox general manager Ken Williams have carried on a bit of a war of words since he was let go, with Everett lashing out at Williams’ retooled roster.
Everett’s plight on the Wet Coast didn’t garner much sympathy in the White Sox clubhouse.
“He’s always been a team player,” one Sox player said sarcastically to the Tribune.
Everett was batting .159 against left-handers. That led to manager Mike Hargrove benching Everett against left-handed starters and to general manager Bill Bavasi acquiring Eddie Perez from Cleveland on June 30. Since then, Perez has been Seattle’s DH against lefties.
After a July 4 game, Everett and Hargrove had a shouting match inside the manager’s office about the veteran’s reduced role.
Seattle recalled outfielder Chris Snelling from Triple-A Tacoma to take Everett’s roster spot. Seattle has 10 days to trade or release Everett, whose deal pays him $3.4 million for this season. The Mariners had a $600,000 buyout option on the contract for 2007.
