Plan to add offense takes big detour with Everett signing

The Twins, in need of a shortstop, gave light-hitting Astros castoff Adam Everett a one-year, $2.8 million deal.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: December 14, 2007 - 1:42 AM

The Twins want to improve their offense this offseason, but they spent Thursday making sure they have a reliable shortstop by signing Adam Everett to a one-year, $2.8 million contract.

Everett, 30, batted .232 with a .281 on-base percentage and .318 slugging percentage in 66 games with Houston last season, missing three months because of a broken leg. He is a career .248 hitter with a .299 OBP.

The Astros didn't tender a contract to Everett on Wednesday after trading for former AL MVP Miguel Tejada from Baltimore. A day later, the Twins pounced on Everett, Houston's starter since 2003.

"We know we have a guy who can play shortstop," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Yes, Everett adds little offensively. And, yes, that goes against what the Twins pledged to do this offseason. But the Twins pointed out that their offseason isn't over.

They lost center fielder Torii Hunter to free agency but expect recently acquired outfielder Delmon Young to help make up for that loss.

Infielder Brendan Harris, an above-average offensive player, came along with Young and outfielder Jason Pridie last month from Tampa Bay for righthander Matt Garza, shortstop Jason Bartlett and pitching prospect Eduardo Morlan. Harris, who can play at second or third and batted .286 last season with 12 homers and 59 RBI, should provide a little more offense than Bartlett.

"He's going to get plenty of at-bats," Gardenhire said of Harris.

The expected trade of staff ace Johan Santana -- the Twins continue to weigh offers from different teams -- should bring them players to boost the daily lineup. At least, that's the theory.

If the Twins execute their plan, there is room to sacrifice offense for defense at one position.

"We're trying to fill in some offense in other areas," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said.

Everett comes highly recommended by former Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti, the former Astros hitting coach. Gardenhire said Gaetti has rated Everett's defense as an 8 -- tops on the scouting scale.

The rest of the Twins' offseason of change will be focused on what they can get for Santana.

"Billy's not done." Gardenhire said of his GM. "He's shaking and baking."

Note: The Cubs are interested in trading for closer Joe Nathan if he's available.

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