Red Sox trying to win instead of whine

While the rich are expected to get richer in Major League Baseball, the close-but-not-quite-there Boston Red Sox part ways with an enigma.

Early Thursday morning the Red Sox traded outfielder Carl Everett to the Texas Rangers for lefty Darren Oliver. Yes, you read that right, Everett for Oliver -- straight up.

Everett, an All-Star in 2000 with the Red Sox, frequently was in former Manager Jimy Williams doghouse and was nothing short of a distraction in 2001. Everett also clashed with new Manager Joe Kerrigan. The trade puts an end to a wild ride in Beantown.

Everett's talent was never in doubt. Not in Florida. Not in New York. Not in Houston. Not in Boston. And now, not in Texas. The problem is that the solid hitting Everett can't seem to get along with anyone. He's usually a .300 hitter, driving in close to 100 runs when he's healthy.

But, Everett rarely appears happy. He hardly smiles or looks like he's enjoying what he's doing. Instead he mouths off to the media about how this manager did this, or this person did that. He bumps umpires and plays with a gigantic chip on his shoulder.

The fact that a talent like Everett could only be traded for a pitcher who was 13-20 the last two years in Texas with an ERA of 6.72, only shows how much he is his own team's worst enemy.

Everett himself won't be affected. He'll still get paid to play the wonderful game of baseball, and if he stays healthy, may even make it back to the All-Star Game.

However, the blow he's dealt to the Red Sox, who absolutely had to make a deal to get him out, pushes that team further into turmoil.

Last season, an uncomfortable clubhouse made life hard at Fenway Park. Now, with its most visible malcontent out of the picture for 2002, the Red Sox can finally focus on what's most important -- winning.