Sports: Around the AL

Around the AL

Compiled from Times wires

Everett fined, suspended for absences

FORT MYERS -- An off-season peace summit between Red Sox manager Jimy Williams and Carl Everett didn't change the defiant centerfielder's ways. The team is hoping a fine and a suspension will.

The Red Sox fined Everett $97,222 and suspended him for Thursday's game with Minnesota after he missed the bus to Tuesday's exhibition, then skipped a workout the next day.

The penalty was announced after an hour-long meeting between Everett, agent Larry Reynolds, Williams and general manager Dan Duquette.

Both sides emerged claiming a truce had been reached. Duquette said the meeting had provided a chance to address "festering" issues.

"Carl has a better understanding of his role on the team," Duquette said. "We had a candid exchange and I believe the issues are resolved."

Everett also struck a conciliatory note, saying progress was made.

"I'm not worried about fines and different stuff like that," he said. "We've got April through October to worry about."

But Reynolds wasn't happy with the size of the penalty.

"Put it this way, we're going to appeal it," he said.

Also, Bret Saberhagen pitched three scoreless innings in his final outing of the spring, helping Boston beat Minnesota 3-2.

Saberhagen, coming off rotator cuff surgery, allowed one hit and struck out one in his second impressive outing in five days.

Boston released pitcher Kent Mercker, assuring Pete Schourek a spot on the team. Mercker and Schourek were battling for the left-handed reliever's spot.

INDIANS: C.C. Sabathia's bags were packed and then unpacked. For the moment, the team is heading north and leaving the big left-hander behind.

Sabathia, the 20-year-old phenom with the 95 mph fastball, was hoping to make a final and lasting impression on Cleveland's decision-makers, who are trying to finalize their 25-man roster.

But his start on Thursday against Kansas City was canceled by rain and for now his addition to the roster has been postponed.

"We've still got some decisions to make," general manager John Hart said.

Pitcher Sean DePaula was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Cleveland also optioned right-hander Ryan Drese to Double-A Akron, reassigned outfielder Karim Garcia to minor league camp and granted reliever Jerry Spradlin his unconditional release.

ORIOLES: The pitching staff became more clearly defined when right-handers Jorge Julio and Chad Paronto were reassigned to minor league camp, leaving the club to make one more cut and an injury-related move.

Reliever Alan Mills, recovering from shoulder surgery, (will be placed on the disabled list this weekend, bringing the total to 12. Manager Mike Hargrove wants to take 11 pitchers with him, which places Calvin Maduro and left-hander John Bale on the bubble.

TIGERS: Jose Macias, Wendell Magee and Shane Halter homered in the top of the eighth as Detroit defeated Texas 7-3. The Tigers scored five runs in the eighth.

Detroit's Jeff Weaver warmed up for his opening day start with two appearances on the mound and a little time in leftfield.

Weaver pitched 4 2/3 innings, went to leftfield for a hitter, then returned to the mound.

Overall, he allowed six hits and three runs, struck out three and walked three in 5 2/3 innings.