O’Neill, Yankees Reunite

Paul O’Neill appears to be headed back to the Yankees.

While the outfielder filed for free agency before Friday’s 9 p.m. PST deadline, he and the Yankees tentatively agreed to a $6.5-million, one-year contract.

“The deal’s worked out,” said his agent, Joe Bick. “It is just a matter of getting everything finalized and getting a physical.”

Friday was the deadline to file for free agency, and O’Neill decided to go ahead and file pending a final agreement. But neither he nor the Yankees seemed concerned.

The contract is for the same amount O’Neill earned in 2000, according to a source familiar with the talks who spoke on the condition he not be identified.

Despite a hip injury that rendered him ineffective for the final month of the season and much of the postseason, O’Neill hit .283 with 18 homers and 100 runs batted in.

Also Friday, New York hired Gary Denbo to replace Chris Chambliss, fired last week as the Yankees’ batting coach.

*

Carl Everett’s $9.15-million option for 2003 was exercised 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 despite missing 25 games. But he often attracted more attention with his temper, getting suspended for 10 games for a July 15 confrontation with an umpire.

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

*

Angel right fielder Tim Salmon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Thursday. He is expected to be fully recovered before spring training. . . . Masato Yoshii and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a one-year contract after the team declined his $4-million option. If Yoshii makes the opening-day roster, he would be guaranteed $1.5 million. . . . Catcher Brook Fordyce signed a three-year contract to remain with the Baltimore Orioles. . . . Closer Dave Veres and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed on a one-year contract extension through 2002 that guarantees him about $5.25 million. . . . Bill Geivett was hired as the Rockies’ director of player personnel. Geivett has 10 years of experience in baseball operations, most recently as assistant general manager of the Dodgers.