CHICAGO Surging White Sox get Alomar, Everett for run at playoffs

The White Sox have pulled within three games of the AL Central lead.
CHICAGO (AP) -- Roberto Alomar loved New York, liked his teammates and has nothing but good things to say about the Mets organization.
Carl Everett felt the same way about Texas and really wanted to win with the Rangers.
No matter now -- they're off to play for the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox made two big trades Tuesday, getting Alomar from the Mets for three minor leaguers and later acquiring Everett from Texas.
"I'm really sad I have to leave New York on these terms, but I have to move on and go to a place where I have a chance to win," Alomar said.
"Sometimes, teams don't work for you. I think the New York Mets weren't the right team for me," he said. "Sometimes, you play good in one place, and other places you don't play up to your potential."
Lackluster performances
Alomar never did it during 11/2 seasons in New York. The second baseman was a 12-time All-Star and surefire Hall of Famer when the Cleveland Indians dealt him to the Mets in December 2001 as part of an eight-player trade. He was fresh off a season during which he'd hit .336 with 20 homers and 100 RBIs.
But he never got comfortable in New York. He batted just .266 last year, matching a career low set in his rookie season of 1988, and was hitting .262 when he was traded.
The 35-year-old Alomar was often targeted by fans in New York for what seemed like halfhearted play.
"I was trying to do my best every day," he said. "Maybe I tried a little too much."
Alomar was reunited with his brother, White Sox catcher Sandy Alomar. They also played together in San Diego and Cleveland.
"I never thought in a million years it would happen again," Sandy said.
Everett is hitting .274 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs. The switch-hitting outfielder did not play Tuesday night in a 7-5 loss at Anaheim.
Moving up
The White Sox have won eight of their last 11 to climb within three games of the lead in the AL Central, and are hoping to make a run at the playoffs and beyond.
"We believe the acquisition of Carl, along with another switch-hitter in Robbie Alomar earlier today, really gives our batting order balance and depth," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said.
The 32-year-old Everett is eligible to become a free agent after the season. He could have used his no-trade clause to block the deal to Chicago, but didn't.
"He ranks up there, as far as sincerity about wanting to win and playing the game hard. I knew what I was getting from him every day when he walked through the door," Texas manager Buck Showalter said.
Chicago will let the Rangers pick either two or three minor leaguers from a pool. The White Sox will also receive cash from Texas to offset part of Everett's $9.15 million contract.