Angels pull Teixeira’s 8 year offer off the table

“The Angels’ departure from the Teixeira sweepstakes leaves the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles as the four teams still in the mix for the premier position player in this winter’s free-agent market.”

Part of me wonders if the owners may be taking a collective stand against Scott Boras and his client here (smacks of collusion).  Why would a team, first the Red Sox, then the Angels formally withdraw themselves from contention in such a public manner without letting things play out unless they were in fact still “negotiating”.

In my opinion, Boston is still the most likely destination for Teixeira when all the dust settles. Reading Peter Gammons this weekend only strengthens this belief

“One source close to Teixeira said Friday that the two sides are not that far apart, and the conciliatory and civilized nature of those words made it obvious that Teixeira likes Mr. Henry’s neighborhood, he just wants the kitchen and heating system redone as part of the deal. Teixeira is a very bright man who might be willing to take Washington’s money (if it has been offered) or go back to Anaheim or welcome the Yankees into negotiations; he knows what he thinks he is worth, and he knows Scott Boras’ math says the Red Sox could sign him, Jason Varitek and Lowe and be right around last season’s payroll.”

Any way you look at it, you have to believe that this will play itself before calendars read 2009.