Roch
It doesn't appear that anything major is going to happen in the Mark Teixeira derby tonight. And the Orioles don't seem to think he'll sign with anybody over the weekend, though that can easily change.
The Orioles aren't preparing for a major announcement. They apparently have not increased their offer to blow away all the others. They're not in "blow away" mode. They're not going to bid against rumored proposals from other clubs.
Once agent Scott Boras tells them what it will take to get a deal done (assuming he's not going to accept the one they've got on the table, believed to be seven years for $140-$150 million), the Orioles can react.
Not everyone agrees with his approach. Many fans detest it. It comes with the obvious risks. But if Teixeira really wants to play here, the Orioles figure he'll allow them to counter any firm offer that he's considering. If he doesn't, well, so much for wanting to play for the hometown team.
We can only assume the Red Sox are offering eight years for around $180 million. If Boras has a better offer, maybe it's coming from the Angels.
I also can't imagine the Orioles giving Teixeira an opt-out clause after three years. They might not contend for at least two. Why would they give him the chance to bolt that soon? If he signs, they want to decide whether he stays or goes.
One thing is certain: You won't find Teixeira and Peter Angelos dining in one of the Texas Stadium suites tomorrow night. And I won't be walking around the club level trying to find them.