In an intriguing shift, the Red Sox have taken themselves out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes.
Believed to be on the threshold of an agreement with Scott Boras, Teixeira's agent, the Red Sox apparently changed their course.
In an e-mail to members of the Boston media by Red Sox principal owner John Henry on Thursday night, he explained the club's position: "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."
According to The Associated Press, citing a club official from another team who had knowledge of the meeting, Boras was to meet with Henry and general manager Theo Epstein.
Boston has been rumored for several weeks to be the front-runner for the first baseman who spent the second half of the 2008 season with the Angels. According to a report by WCVB-TV in Boston, the Red Sox raised the ante to an estimated $184 million package spread across eight years, averaging $23 million per year. An ESPN report cited sources saying the deal could be worth closer to $22 million per year.
The Angels and Nationals both presented eight-year proposals to Teixeira reported to be in the $160 million range. The Orioles also have actively pursued the Maryland native with a seven-year deal.
It was not disclosed whose offers Henry was referring to when he concluded that Boston was "not going to be a factor" for Teixeira.
Contacted Thursday night, Angels general manager Tony Reagins said he'd just heard the report of a meeting between the Red Sox brass and Boras and had "no reaction." He added that he thought his team had presented a "very fair" proposal but would not elaborate on its specific terms beyond the eight years.
Boras initially indicated he was seeking a 10-year, $200 million contract for the slugger who began his career with the Rangers in 2003 and has 203 homers and 676 RBIs in six seasons with a .290 career average.
