Tigers sign Adam Everett

Tigers will not trade for Wilson; Twins could be in the mix

By Dejan Kovacevic | 2:26 p.m. Monday

LAS VEGAS -- The Detroit Tigers will not trade for Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, apparently because they are set to sign free agent Adam Everett, a source said today at Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings.

A new potential suitor has emerged this morning, according to multiple sources, in the Minnesota Twins.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Ran into Wilson in the lobby a few minutes ago. He was dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, looking like he was ready for some Vegas fun, and he showed no visible signs of being nervous about all the trade talk.

"I love Vegas," he said. "This is just an excuse to come to Vegas. Any viable excuse my agent gives me to come here? Yeah. This is easy."

As for the trade ...

"It is what it is. You get used to it. It's a little different when it's in the offseason. During the season, you can have issues with concentration and getting ready for a game."

Wilson and his agent, Page Odle, arrived in Las Vegas last night.

Still say Santiago should be full time at SS

Ken Rosenthal confirms it...

3:27 p.m. — Tigers have deal with Everett

The Tigers have reached agreement with free-agent shortstop Adam Everett, according to a major-league source.

The one-year deal will be worth approximately $1 million, plus incentives, and is pending a physical.

Detroit also made official its deal with the Rangers to acquire catcher Gerald Laird, meaning the Tigers have addressed their catcher and shortstop needs in the span of about 24 hours.

Everett hit .213 in 48 games for the Twins last season. He spent seven seasons with the Astros prior to his stint in Minnesota.

213?


Santiago can hit better than that

Ok cat, we get it, you dont like Laird or Everett, but I think this is a better move than we could have made in a few weeks or months. Im glad we got our catcher and SS all settled for the most part. I like Everett, and dont have much a problem with Laird, so I think this is again a good move by the Tigers.

12/08/08 5:10 PM EST
Tigers close in on deal with Everett
One-year contract with defense-first shortstop reportedly done

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

LAS VEGAS -- Hours after the Tigers filled their catching vacancy by making a trade with the Rangers to acquire Gerald Laird, they were wasting little time going down the list of their other needs. Detroit is on the verge of a one-year contract with free-agent shortstop Adam Everett, which would be the club's second deal of these Winter Meetings.

A deal is contingent on Everett passing a physical, which could come as soon as Monday. Everett is in Las Vegas, as is Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand. Foxsports.com reported on Monday afternoon that the deal was complete.

Everett, who will turn 32 in February, hit .213 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in just 48 games of an injury-plagued 2008 season for the Twins. His .967 fielding percentage was his lowest mark since he became a full-time shortstop with the Astros in 2003. Part of his struggles stemmed from an injured throwing shoulder, which has now completely healed.

By adding Everett, the Tigers can further their effort to shore up their infield defense. Everett would play alongside third baseman Brandon Inge, who returns to his natural position. The combined range of the two should be a significant upgrade in terms of range, helping a Tigers pitching staff that struggled last year with unearned runs.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Hell to the yeahh!!

In other news, Ive heard talk about the Indians looking into signing Crede and Trevor Hoffman, so this division could be quite interesting next year.

gdennis59 wrote:

Ok cat, we get it, you dont like Laird or Everett, but I think this is a better move than we could have made in a few weeks or months. Im glad we got our catcher and SS all settled for the most part. I like Everett, and dont have much a problem with Laird, so I think this is again a good move by the Tigers.

Everett is only marginally better than Santiago and doesn't cost us anything extra. My problem isn't the signing of players, it's the signing of players who are barely better than who they're replacing and the signing, or lack thereof, of pitchers who we need desperately. An Everett or Laird type pitcher, which would come equally cheap, would be vastly superior to just about anything we've got.

Whats wrong with going after both? Pitcher and Laird/Everett

They reported that they will now have more money for better pitching. I will believe that when I see it.

catbox_9 wrote:

So did they sign him or no?? I read somewhere that they did but now they are saying that they didn't

I think they are waiting on a physical exam to prove he is healthy.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

I think they are waiting on a physical exam to prove he is healthy.

Aaah, I see.

Tigers sign SS Adam Everett to 1-year deal

By JON PAUL MOROSI • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • December 8, 2008

LAS VEGAS – The Tigers have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent shortstop Adam Everett, one person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed to the Free Press.


The deal, pending the successful completion of a physical examination, will be worth $1 million, plus incentives, the person said.

Everett, 31, recently went through a workout aimed at judging the strength of his troublesome throwing shoulder. Tigers officials were encouraged by the results of that session.

At this moment, it appears that Everett and Ramon Santiago will form a low-cost tandem at shortstop for the Tigers in 2009. It’s not clear yet which player will receive the bulk of the playing time.

Everett played in only 48 games this season with the Minnesota Twins because of the shoulder issues. He batted .213 with two home runs and 20 RBIs.

Everett is known for his sound defensive play. He became an everyday shortstop with the Houston Astros in 2003, when current Tigers coach Gene Lamont was a member of Houston’s coaching staff.