Red Sox: What if the Sox never acquired Carl Everett?

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Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Everyone remembers the saga surrounding Carl Everett. Houston was trying to shed his contract and couldn’t wait to get rid of their internal headache. The Boston Red Sox figured a change of scenery would ease the stress of dealing with a team that was no longer interested in dealing with his antics.

Everett was everything the Sox needed in 2000. General Manager at the time, Dan Duquette, figured a deal was worth it.

The Red Sox shipped rookie shortstop prospect Adam Everett and minor league left-handed pitcher Greg Miller to complete the deal. We’ll explore all three careers to see if the Sox gave too much, too little, or just enough for what they got in return.

May 24, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; General view inside Minute Maid Park before a game between the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Everett & Greg Miller in Houston

Adam Everett was a highly touted prospect who never blossomed into what the Astros were hoping for. His highest batting average was .279, which was back in 2004. Everett’s best statistical season was in 2005 when he slashed a .248/11/54/21 line. He never hit more than eight home runs in any other season and only had more than 10 stolen bases one other time.

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Everett had 531 career hits in Houston, 102 of which were doubles and 35 which were home runs. He also added 214 RBI and 59 stolen bases. By the numbers that were put up, you would have thought that this guy was a utility player not a starter. Everett only managed to play 120 or more games three times in those seven seasons with Houston.

His Major League Baseball career didn’t start until almost three years after the trade. Sometimes some players blossom early, sometimes they’re late and sometimes they don’t blossom at all.

Greg Miller never got to the majors, as his farthest stop to the show was Triple-A . After age 23, he was done with baseball. His ERA in 2003 during his Triple-A campaign was 7.02 and he only managed 16 strike outs spanning 41 innings. He also allowed five home runs and 22 walks in addition to 37 runs, 32 earned on 59 hits. Miller never became what the man the Astros had hoped for and by all considerations was a complete bust.

May 24, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park as the sun sets during the fourth inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Carl Everett in Boston

When Carl Everett came to Boston in 2000 he was the hitting force that the Sox were missing ever since Mo Vaughn was granted free agency at the end of the 1998 season. Less than two years later and it looked like the boys from Beantown had found their replacement for the hard hitting first baseman. What looked like the beginning of a long span in Boston never fully materialized after the first year of the deal.

Everett’s career numbers in Boston

Hits: 254
Batting Average: .281
Home Runs: 48
Runs Batted In: 166
Stolen Bases: 20
Runs: 143

When Everett wasn’t the top man on the squad, he saw a major decline in his numbers. Ramirez became the clout hitter that was feared far more than Everett ever was. Ramirez was one year younger and exponentially better. Everett saw his career move to a new city the following season. Still we ask, was this trade worth it for either party?

Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Members of the 2004 2007 2013 World Series team as well as current players gather in the infield as part of pregame ceremonies in honor of designated hitter David Ortiz (34) before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict?

Signing Carl Everett restored some faith in the Red Sox after letting Vaughn go in free agency. We lost our top hitter at the end if 1998 for nothing. While Greg Miller never turned into anything, Adam Everett turned into a fine defensive shortstop. Carl Everett, while good defensively, was great for really only one season.

The trade really ended up being an Everett for an Everett. One became a decent fielder and the other experienced a great year in Boston. One team was able to shed themselves of a major contract and a team headache while the other was able to reinvigorate Red Sox baseball for a year before the David Ortiz Era began.

I’d say that the Carl Everett for Adam Everett and Greg Miller trade was about an even trade for both parties. Each Everett served their purpose. Fans won’t forget the issues involving Everett in Boston and one thing’s for sure, no one will truly know just how good he could have been if he had just kept his attitude in check.

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Had he been thinking team-first from the beginning of his tenure in Boston, the Sox could have had a powerhouse squad consisting of Ortiz, Everett, Ramirez, and Nomar Garciaparra on offense. Lest we forget, Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling were starring as the leaders in the rotation. Everett could have been remembered for what will be remembered as one of the best Red Sox era’s ever.

Stay tuned for the next “What If” article coming out in two weeks.

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