Tex and the Nats...

[JeffCMSB]

Bed Time...Angels fans melting down...they don't believe us. They want to believe a beat writer from the LA Times that just went on ESPN and said "I Guess" like 4 times.

I expect a 3 or 4 PM presser...that is a guess not direct knowledge....Ill be back at it in the AM....see ya guys

[We Won?]

On ESPNEWS they just had the LA Times beat writer covering the Angels and he said he talked to Hunter and he said Hunter was pretty excited about what the Angels did but couldn't give details.

can't...take...much...mo

[We Won?]

Not true.  They have to analyze sources and sort out bullcrap from truth.

I was talking about this:

"I NEVER bought it. Go listen to some of our archived shows...I have never thought the Sox would pony up what Boras wanted..."

I don't meant to rag on the kid but he's either full of $#% or related to Jim Bowden.

[KnorrForYourMoney]

Why's that?

It's very plausible that he could have sources within or near the Red Sox organization who informed him that the Sox weren't going to go high enough for Teixeira.

If that's the case, and he simply attributed his opinion to "rumblings" rather than trying to use present very enigmatic rumors as fact then I give him even more credit.

[MrMadison]

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73744

JMad wades into the fray at OH....

[DCFan]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-redsox-teixeira&prov=ap&type=lgns

Red Sox have thrown in the towel. (apologies if this has already been posted, this is a big arsed thread).

Red Sox: ‘Not going to be a factor’ with Teixeira

By HOWARD ULMAN, AP Sports Writer 6 hours, 32 minutes ago

BOSTON (AP)—The Boston Red Sox have been outbid for free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira and “are not going to be a factor” in acquiring him, owner John Henry said in an e-mail on Thursday night.

“We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him,” Henry said. “After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor.”

Henry, general manager Theo Epstein and president Larry Lucchino went to the Dallas area to meet with Teixeira and his agent Scott Boras.

[HalfSmokes]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-redsox-teixeira&prov=ap&type=lgns

Red Sox have thrown in the towel. (apologies if this has already been posted, this is a big arsed thread).

Yesterday he was a Red Sox, I'm done believing anything until it comes out of either Tex or Boras's mouth.

[Natskins]

Just when this thing looked over...it's only just begun. Sounds like Tex and Boras sat down with the Sox and asked them to meet or come close to the Nats' offer, and they declined. Could be great news for us.

The Sox could certainly be bluffing, though. This thing appears far from over.

[Evolution33]

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73744

JMad wades into the fray at OH....

I got to tell you that was some of the funniest stuff ever. Their replies are just classic. I have been paying attention to all this from a distance since I don't work at a computer I have to check everything on my phone. But with this thing coming to a head I don't know if I can stay away. I really hope it ends today.

[HalfSmokes]

I got to tell you that was some of the funniest stuff ever. Their replies are just classic. I have been paying attention to all this from a distance since I don't work at a computer I have to check everything on my phone. But with this thing coming to a head I don't know if I can stay away. I really hope it ends today.

I just finished reading that- I think they over estimate themselves. Even if everyone pans out- they still have two monsters in their own division willing to spend what it takes. We have the Mets who spend, but not competently, and the Phils who won't/can't spend. I really don't see the Phils lasting- Howard will walk once Arb is over and Utley now has a hip condition (correct me if I'm wrong, but hip conditions for a hitter tend to never really go away).

All things being equal, the O's may be better, but things aren't they are in the harder league and the hardest division in the MLB.

[Natskins]

Bed Time...Angels fans melting down...they don't believe us. They want to believe a beat writer from the LA Times that just went on ESPN and said "I Guess" like 4 times.

I expect a 3 or 4 PM presser...that is a guess not direct knowledge....Ill be back at it in the AM....see ya guys

Thanks for sticking around Jeff. I think you'll become a hero here if Tex comes to DC.

In fact, I hear there's a Senate seat available in Illinois. We'll keep it warm for ya.

[DCFan]

They're stunned in Beantown. The Sox fans went to bed thinking that they'd wake up this morning to find Tex under their Christmas tree only to find out that the mighty Sox have been outbid.  I wonder how Gammons, et al will spin this one?

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/12/19/red_sox_fall_out_of_teixeira_talks/

Red Sox fall out of Teixeira talks
Henry: 'We are not going to be a factor'
By Adam Kilgore
Globe Staff / December 19, 2008

Red Sox owner John Henry issued a stunning proclamation late last night regarding the team's pursuit of free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, all but ruling out Boston's chance to land the prize hitter of baseball's offseason.

"We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry said in an e-mail time-stamped 10:45 p.m. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

The statement came as shocking news given how close the Sox and Teixeira appeared to be to a deal. On Tuesday, a general manager in the hunt for Teixeira declared the Red Sox the favorite. Channel 5's Mike Lynch reported yesterday that Sox general manager Theo Epstein, along with Henry and Larry Lucchino, had flown to Dallas to meet with Scott Boras, Teixeira's agent. Boras was in Dallas last night, staying in a hotel by the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Teixeira has a home in Texas.

The report indicated the Red Sox were closing in on landing Teixeira with a contract worth $184 million over eight years, which would have been the richest contract signed by a Red Sox player.

[tomterp]

Careful, the Red Sox may well be calling what they percieve to be Boras' bluff.  THey don't want to bid against themselves, and my not believe Boras when he says he has a better bid.  It is good however to see that the Sox are seemingly ready to stop raising their bid, at least we have a chance.

[Natskins]

Anyone else find it strange that the usual ESPN baseball talking heads have been silent on this story for some time now? Seems like they're asleep at the switch. If they're not covering this story, then what exactly are they doing?

[I ride Nats]

If really CMSB is right,  an announcement will be made today. This process just needs to speed up so teams can get on with their other agendas as well...

COME ON TEIX!!!

[shoeshineboy]

Careful, the Red Sox may well be calling what they percieve to be Boras' bluff.  THey don't want to bid against themselves, and my not believe Boras when he says he has a better bid.  It is good however to see that the Sox are seemingly ready to stop raising their bid, at least we have a chance.

Either that, or they know he is about to announce his decision to accept an offer with the angels, and this is a good face saving maneuver.

[DPMOmaha]

Seems like they're asleep at the switch. If they're not covering this story, then what exactly are they doing?

Or they're just asleep, a couple of those guys are getting up there in years, they probably went to bed about 8:30.

[DCFan]

If the reports of the Sox offer of 8/184 are true and it's nowhere near the highest bid, then Tex has got to be looking at a mammoth deal somewhere approaching A-Rod's original contract. John Henry wouldn't say "no mas" over the difference of a few million dollars. 

[I ride Nats]

If the reports of the Sox offer of 8/184 are true and it's nowhere near the highest bid, then Tex has got to be looking at a mammoth deal somewhere approaching A-Rod's original contract. John Henry wouldn't say "no mas" over the difference of a few million dollars. 

thats what has me worried. This contract should easily be 200+. While I would love for us to get Teix, does this team have any limits?

[spidernat]

Damn it now I'm too sleepy to be productive - I blame . . . . spidernat

Don't blame me. I don't even know what the hell is going on right now. I missed all the action last night. I had unseen pipes burst last night so I had a horrible flood and the plumbers decided not to show up last night so I still have no plumbing.    So we still have a shot? 

[HalfSmokes]

If the reports of the Sox offer of 8/184 are true and it's nowhere near the highest bid, then Tex has got to be looking at a mammoth deal somewhere approaching A-Rod's original contract. John Henry wouldn't say "no mas" over the difference of a few million dollars. 

I think its much more likely the numbers are in the same ballpark and the 'no mas' has more to do with a no trade clause or an opt out

[shoeshineboy]

If the reports of the Sox offer of 8/184 are true and it's nowhere near the highest bid, then Tex has got to be looking at a mammoth deal somewhere approaching A-Rod's original contract. John Henry wouldn't say "no mas" over the difference of a few million dollars. 

He may, if (as Tomterp said, he is calling what they believe is a bluff) or they have been told that Teixiera has decided on say the Angels for personal preference reasons - meaning a few million difference would not impact his desire to go to the other team. If the Sox were told that the player has a preference to go to another team, and that it would cost 20-40M more to change his mind, I could see them pulling out of the bidding and take this tact publicly that it is all about them not wanting to go any higher. The Sox likely believe that they should be the choice of any player even if the offer is a little less money. So they'll be damned if someone tells them they need to offer significantly more than a "lesser" team. Plus, from a pure clubhouse management standpoint, with the roster of stars they have, do they really want to be signing a newbie to some silly money greater than anyone else on the roster? A market price is one thing, but I can see them not wanting to look like they are simply throwing money at a guy like Dan Snyder does.

[JeffCMSB]

Hey guys, need a favor...we just started with Yardbarker....still visit www.thecmb.com


but can you visit http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/Mark_Teixeira_Not_So_Fast_Red_Sox_Nation/425737


and bark it up...

Nothing new this AM...very tired....we are getting met with skepticism all over, but like I said last night..we have a well placed source and they have been consistent throughout. We'll keep you updated.

[spidernat]

i will agree, the Orioles fans and their sureness that he's going to be an Oriole is annoying.

You have the market cornered on being annoying.

[PANatsFan]

Don't blame me. I don't even know what the hell is going on right now. I missed all the action last night. I had unseen pipes burst last night so I had a horrible flood and the plumbers decided not to show up last night so I still have no plumbing.    So we still have a shot? 

I absolve you due to sewage - I now blame AZ - can't believe you couldn'tget an emergency plumber!