Sox Exercise Everett's '03 Option

Carl Everett's $9.15 million option for 2003 was exercised Friday by the Boston Red Sox, who also exercised reliever Rod Beck's $4.5 million option for 2001.

Everett led Boston with 34 home runs and 108 RBIs last season despite missing 25 games. But he often attracted more attention with his temper, yelling at reporters and manager Jimy Williams and a teammates and getting suspended for 10 games for a July 15 confrontation with an umpire.

Recent reports have said that Everett had told his agent, Larry Reynolds, that he could no longer play for Williams. But on Friday, the club released a statement from Everett saying he looked forward to continuing his career in Boston.

"Regardless of salary or contract, I am going to give 100 percent to the Red Sox ballclub," he said. "I truly enjoy playing for the fans in Boston."

Everett is guaranteed $7 million next season and $8 million in 2002. The option for 2003 carried a buyout of $333,000 if it had been declined.

If the Red Sox had declined the option on Beck, they would have had to pay a $500,000 buyout.

Beck, a 32-year-old right-hander, was 3-0 with a 3.10 ERA in 34 relief appearances.

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