(Boston, December 16, 1999) "This is a trade that focuses on the future," said Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker yesterday. "In Adam Everett, we believe we have a player who can be our starting shortstop for years to come. This trade is a bridge to the future to allow us to continue to remain competitive."

From the Houston perspective, it sounds like the 'Curse of the Bagwell', but no matter how this trade ultimately works out, I think it's a good one. If you gots the bucks, you sign your franchise players (Houston signed Craig Biggio) and turn over your good ones. Well, goodun' centerfielder Carl Everett (27 years back-in-the-day) has turned East, Beantown-bound, once lost now found, for the Triple Crown. .............Newport Bound..................

The Astros got Everett from the Mets on December 22, 1997 (for pitcher John Hudek). The 27-year-old switchhitter played in 123 games in 1999. He posted career highs in average (.325), home runs (25), RBI (108), runs (86), hits (151), total bases (265), walks (50) and stolen bases (27). However, his contract is up after next season... which means... well... it's a gamble. The Sox would do well to letting him play a coupla months and taking it from there. He's only had one great year - so you don't really know what the future holds for him. I, myself am betting he is GONNA LOVE FENWAY PAWWWWWKK!! He could be a mind-boggling Fenway hitter. Do the Sox sign him for Brian Jordan money or Bernie Williams money? If it looks like he's having a year come June, his price goes way up. Even for one year, this looks OK to me.

CARL EVERETT