Curious case of Teixeira far from closed
So Mark Teixeira will become a Yankee today. Finally. Maybe now we can all get some answers.
Nearly two full weeks since news of his agreement, Teixeira will be in the Bronx today as the Yankees formally announce his acquisition. Along with the slugging first baseman, Yankees owners Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, as well as general manager Brian Cashman, are expected to be in attendance. Superagent Scott Boras also is expected to be by the side of Teixeira, otherwise known in these parts as "The One That Got Away."
Whether or not you wanted to see the Sox spoon over $170 million (or more) for Teixeira’s services, some questions need to be answered here. Since the Teixeira news first leaked, representatives for the Sox, Yankees and Teixeira (not to mention Teixeira himself) have not addressed the series of events that led to his signing with the Yankees. In this day and age of media manipulation, that is both highly unusual and extremely suspicious, no matter how much lobbying all involved parties have done ex parte or in sidebar discussions.
So, now that the Teixeira signing will be official, inquiring minds want to know:
1. Did the Red Sox really have a chance?
Presumably, the Sox will say no and Teixeira will say yes. We may never know the real truth. Red Sox officials clearly feel as though they were used by both Boras and Teixeira, meaning that the player's signing with New York was a forgone conclusion. For Teixeira to admit this publicly would be terribly foolish, particularly when Boras must continue to negotiate deals for future clients.
Locally, the Red Sox will come off as far more believable in this argument for obvious reasons. We know them better. Sox officials are as adept as anyone when it comes to playing media games and manipulating the masses -- in this day and age, sadly, such gamesmanship is a virtual necessity -- but the Sox generally have been forthcoming on many matters, particularly during those infamous "background’’ and "informational’’ discussions where information is shared.
As for Team Boras, take this into account: Earlier this offseason, one source in the agent's camp indicated the Red Sox could have locked up Teixeira with an offer of $176 million over eight years. The same source said that the Sox declined. What the source did not reveal was that the proposal included a pair of vesting options that would have brought the deal to $220 million over 10 years. Withholding such vital information that makes the entire exchange downright deceitful and manipulative.
2. Does Teixeira harbor any ill will toward the Red Sox?
With regard to this decision, the Red Sox are obviously the ones who feel spited. The question is whether Teixeira’s decision to go to New York had anything to do with the problems he experienced with the Red Sox upon being drafted by Boston and then-general manager Dan Duquette out of high school in the ninth round of the 1998 draft.
In October, while the Red Sox were facing Teixeira and the Los Angeles Angels during the American League Division Series, Duquette recounted the events during which negotiations between the Sox and Teixeira broke down. Duquette and then-scouting director Wayne Britton believed they had an agreement in place until Teixeira hired Boras and things broke down. According to the Teixeira family, Britton got emotional and the family was treated poorly.
Whatever took place, Teixeira opted for Georgia Tech and was drafted again three years later, this time in the first round, by the Texas Rangers, with whom he signed. Though Duquette and Britton are no longer with the organization, there are some who believe that Teixeira still resents the Boston organization.
3. How much did New York’s acquisitions of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett factor into Teixeira’s decision?
From Boston’s perspective, this is an important question. If Teixeira says that he was interested in the Yankees regardless, the Red Sox will get strong indication that any efforts would have been for naught. The Yankees were a far more attractive option in late December than they were in the middle of November, when New York looked like a team in disarray.
If Teixeira says the acquisitions of Sabathia and Burnett influenced his decision, he is admitting that the Yankees had to convince him to come to New York. Seemingly, that would suggest that the Red Sox had their best chance early on in the negotiation, when an extremely aggressive offer might have gotten the deal done.
As it was, Teixeira was able to wait and draw out the process, sacrificing nothing along the way. The Red Sox always were there as a fallback if the Yankees failed to improve their pitching. Had the Sox taken a more aggressive, take-it-or-leave-it approach early on, they might have forced Teixeira’s hand. (Or not.)
4. How aware were the Red Sox of the Yankees’ involvement?
Clearly, Red Sox ownership and management are comprised of extremely bright people who generally have done a fabulous job. That’s not the point. In this case, given New York’s wants and needs -- specifically with regard to pitching -- the question is whether the Red Sox truly believed the Yankees were in on Teixeira or whether they believed New York’s interests were focused elsewhere.
Early on in the offseason, the Yankees acquired first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, leading some to speculate that New York would not be in on the Teixeira talks. As it turned out, Swisher was a nice decoy. The Yankees subsequently focused on pitching while keeping Teixeira on the back burner, which may have created a smokescreen.
If the Red Sox did regard the Yankees as a threat throughout the process, the biggest question concerns the Sox’ attempts (or lack thereof) to sign Teixeira early on. Assuming the Sox had put forth their best possible offer at that stage, Teixeira’s resistance at that time might have been an indication that he had no intention of ever signing with them. (Yes, this is second-guessing after the fact.)
5. Can Boras and the Red Sox still do business?
The answer to this question is probably yes, but one can only wonder. Part of the problem is this type of negotiation is that people begin spinning the media and whispering into friendly ears when things get ugly, which only complicates the process. Just once, it would be nice if people answered questions honestly -- and if reporters all eschewed "background’’ and "informational’’ discussions for the purpose of getting to the truth.
Boras still represents a number of Red Sox clients, including J.D. Drew and Daisuke Matsuzaka. He also represents Jason Varitek, who is a free agent. The Sox’ last two conclusive dealings with Boras have involved the Manny Ramirez fiasco and Teixeira, raising serious questions about the relationship between the agent and team. Boras seems to harbor no ill will toward Epstein, though his camp is quick to portray Sox president Larry Lucchino as the bad cop given Boras’s adversarial relationship with Lucchino.
In the wake of the Teixeira development, has any damage been done to the relationship between agent and team?
Or, in the words of the Corleone family, is this all chalked up to being just part of a dirty business?
Editor's note: Tony will be in New York for today's press conference. Check this spot later this afternoon for Tony's take and answers to some of the above questions.
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Anyone who believes that Nick Swisher was going to be the Yankees everyday first basement should have his/her head examined! He is a .220 hitter and an obvious role-player. Decoy? Hardly
Ten days before the agreement with Texiera, Yankee manager Joe Girardi states on WFAN in New York that Swisher has "been penciled in" at first. Pencils are made for erasing. It was then I realized that the Evil Empire was plotting behind the scenes. Can't believe the Red Sox aren't listening!
An entire column on this tired subject. Amazing.
Teixeira was NEVER EVER coming to Boston. How much clearer does this have to be? Here is what is known:
Teixeira has had his issues with the Red Sox.
His wife and her family are big time Yankee fans.
His wife does not like the city of Boston.
His wife absolutely gushed at the idea (directly from Cashman) at having a front row seat for the Macy's parade. Confirmed by the NY press.
As far as we know Teixeira is living with his wife.
Teixeira's favorite player growing up was Mattingly.
His father is good friends with Bucky Dent.
The yankees were going to pay whatever it took to get him. And Henry didn't want to play that game with Boras. Hence his infamous email.
I suspect that Henry at this point detests everything about Boras, but I also suspect the Red Sox will continue to do business with him.
Enough already. Let's get a catcher.
Mazz....the case is closed. Sure, the Red Sox could have offered him zillions up front and maybe he would have taken it. Or....maybe not. Why should any of the parties discuss their negotiating strategies with the press?
I doubt that the Red Sox front office will take any of this into account in the future. If Boras represents a player that would improve the team, they'll try to get that player.
When you deal with boras, you deal with the devil.
You can not belive anything that boras and his clients say.
The spankees are never out of signing a free agent. If they have a chance to put one over on the Sox they will.
Then next thing the spankees will do is sign manny. Do you really think that a west coast team will sign manny.
boras had a lot to do with manny tanking it in Boston, manny was dumb enough to follow boras lead. Who do you think brought up the a-rod mess during the World Series? boras is out to screw anybody but the spankees because they are dumb enough to pay boras asking price. Next yearMatt Holliday is a free agent and he is boras's boy. I hope that the Sox stay away from him, or they will get burned again.
Mazz, here is my list of questions:
1. Who really cares? Slow day in the (sports) news department?
Get over your man-crush for Tex.
Mazz, you overlooked what might have been the most important element here: Mike Lowell. I heard Texiera was very concerned with the future of Lowell if he joined the Red Sox. Tex knew that if he signed in Boston he was in efffect packing the bags of an extremely popular player in the clubhouse and with the fan's. Perhaps he had too much respect for Mike Lowell to do that to him. Maybe he was turned off by the Sox management being so willing to kick the 2007 WS MVP to the curp after signing him to a sweetheart deal. I think this could have played a significant role.
Scott Boras has become (a sad day for baseball in America) one of the most powerful influences in MLB. Although he has been responsible for his clients signing some of the most lucrative contracts in history, he also at times has sacrificed his clients interests for his own greed and ego. Case in point, who doesn't believe he was behind convincing Manny Ramirez to tank the season with the Red Sox so that he could get released from the final two option years with the Red Sox at 20 million per year(of which Boras would have received no money) so that he could sign Manny to a 'gadzillion' dollar deal that would line his own pockets. Now, 'poor Manny' is struggling to find someone to risk signing him... imagine that. I am sure soon Mannny and Boras will be whining about collusion. Another case in point, Boras convinced Jason Varitek who struggled to hit 220 the past season, to refuse arbitration. This would have at least given him one more year at around ten million dollars. Now, Jason will be lucky if he finds anyone willing to take on an aging catcher for anywhere near that figure in addition to giving up the draft pick. He just isn't worth it. It's too bad the players have to suffer from Boras's huge ego trip. Even Alex Rodriquez realized that Boras was living in his own world and got things done on his own. Too bad Manny and Jason haven't realized this as well.
Tony..........you are an exceptionally talented and gifted beat writer but PLEASE let the Texeira thing go! Enough already!
I'd love to see you do some investigative reporting on, say, the progress of Beckett et al as we head into spring training, or a piece on Lowell and how he weathered the possibility of losing his job, or what's up with Lars Anderson and/or other prospects. Get over it.........Texeira is history, and stop wasting your talent!
Have to LOVE Mazz. His last column about the Teixeira, the Sox dropped the ball. His article alluded that they could have had this deal done if the were more aggressive.
Now he's raising questions the he was going to NY regardless.
Goes along w/ the column that the Sox were mishandling the Tek negotions. That the Captain deserved better. Then writes that HOW he said it, was different than the actual message Mazz delivered. Why do I continue to read his articles?
Mazz, seriously I know it's January 6 and not much is going on in baseball right now but can we get off the Teixeira thing? It's over and done with. Who cares what happened now. If the Sox dropped the ball or if he never wanted to come here the fact is it's done with. We should all move on and focus on the future. The Red Sox DID NOT sign Teixeira and the Yankees DID, we get it.
It's time we focus on a right handed 4th OFer, another catcher, some bench depth, and maybe another arm for the bullpen or rotation (depending on whether there will be some trades coming).
Thanks.
tony....for what it's worth....teixeira signing with the yankees will not dramatically alter the balance of power in the al east if you subtract giambi's 32 home runs, 96 rbi and .246 ba in 2008....obviously teixiera will hit 60 points higher, but giambi is .286 lifetime compared to teixeira at .290, although giambi put up numbers early in his career....it's all relative...
Good grief, Ahab, let it go.
"I heard Texiera was very concerned with the future of Lowell if he joined the Red Sox."
He had no problems displacing whomever he displaced when he was traded to the Braves and then to the Angels. These guys all know it's a business.
The Sox never had a chance with Tex. He never wanted to come here.
Is there a breeze blowing through the Boston Globe? Or is it a hot wind?
Joe, what are you smoking? Do you really think TexaBoras really cares about Lowell's feelings? Must be some good stuff in your pipe!!
Who care!! If the Sox did tried to trump the Yankees after the Yankees trumped the Sox, the Yankees will trump them back!!! Sox isnt going to win this war!!! If the Sox really want him badly, they would ended up paying Tex like around 30 million a year, and possibility have to go to 10 years contract!! Forget him, fans!!
Boras has no ethics--how could he in good faith advise Manny to do what he did to get out of Boston. Certainly nobody believes that Manny did this on his own.
How about Cashman's comment that the Yankees were not involved in any Teixeira negotiations--this was probably true but I am sure he had an oral agreement with Boras that he would be consulted as things wound down and have a chance to beat any offer. And beat it he did!!
the case is in fact closed.
teixera has signed with the yankees. the red sox failed to land their most coveted off season acquisition.
can we now focus on how the front office might improve the line up rather than further pound this subject into the dirt?
I must say, I totally agree with the readers comments above that could not of said it better. I am a Red Sox fan for 50 years, you people need to get over Tex. The deal is done, the Yankees have to live with their purchase. He is an outstanding player and that is it. Yes he will fit in nicely with the Yankees, or any team he joined, but he was not worth that type of money. Actually for that matter who is worth that money. If there is one thing I had hoped you all learned from the past 5 years, life is good in Boston, the team is awesome, perhaps flawed in some areas, but certainly competitive.. The farm system is loaded and things will be just fine.
Joe ,post #6 you hit it right on the head about the Red Sox kicking their players to the curb.They do not take care of their own,rather push you to the side and say how you really didn't want to be a Red Sox.For a team that has been around for 100 yrs. they have very little history.They do not employ former players.Their problem is just like all other mlb teams the owners just want to make as much money as possible without spending.So lets keep complaining about NY and watch as they take care of and stand behind their former players.
Boras is a D-bag plain and simply put. Is he a good businessman? Yes from a purely monetary standpoint, which to Texeira WAS the most important aspect in all of this. Once a D-bag, always a D-bag. But my Father once told me, screw me once, shame on you, screw me twice, shame on Me !!
The Red Sox called Boras' bluff on Dice-K and won and it ticked off Boras.....
Since then, this D-bag has been in the ear of Ramirez, Texeira and now Varitek....Varitek is a Union and Company man, but he has also gone through a terrible divorice. Having said that, don't those in the media think that Varitek will be back? Where are his kids? Boston or elsewhere? Meaning = where is his wife living with the children....HERE of course.....Varitek is NOT going anywhere, except maybe the Yankees if and only if Boras convinces him it is the right thing for his career....or maybe the METS.....he will stay close to his children and the Red Sox, especially Lucciano can't stand the D-bag and in the end, he (D-bag) will be exposed for the slime ball he really is.
Really, it is time to get over this. I am a Sox fan living in New York area and I think it's ridiculous to have Boston based reporters at today's press conference. What kind of story will you be writing tomorrow? Another story blaming the Yankees for beating us to the punch? Just move on. With the Techeria deal, the Yankees have certainly bolstered their defense but I think we are on par offensively.
Tony,
You're becoming out of touch with the readers. I don't care about Tex or Boras only what the Red Sox do going forward. Get over it dude! We are still better than the Yankees and the Rays. Thank you Rays for signing an automatic out in Burrell.
Joe....
Teixeira's decision to sign with the Yankees was influenced by his concern for Lowell? That was my laugh of the morning. You cannot be serious. In fact I'm willing to assume your entire post was written tongue-in-cheek. No one, repeat NO ONE could be that naive.
I agree with Znammer. The biggest question is why do the Globe and Mazz continue to drool over Texiera. Why send a reporter to cover over Texiera and the Yankees. Does anyone really think any "news" will come out of todays presser? He plays for the Yankees. Get over it. It's not like they signed him from the Sox.
"Ten days before the agreement with Texiera, Yankee manager Joe Girardi states on WFAN in New York that Swisher has "been penciled in" at first. Pencils are made for erasing. It was then I realized that the Evil Empire was plotting behind the scenes. Can't believe the Red Sox aren't listening!"
Hannyland, great point. Shame on us (Sox) for not seeing through the Swisher red herring. In retrospect, it's so obvious.
The Sox should avoid dealing with Boras at all. There are only a handful of teams he depends on every year to push salaries over the top. If the Sox abstain, along with a few other teams, greed and gluttony may slow down. Remember that a .300 hitter becomes an immortal .320 hitter with only a dozen more hits A YEAR, even when the hits affect nothing. Boras can take his inflated stats and stick them. Time to watch baseball, and not contracts.
Hey Joe
You have got to be kidding if you believe that.
These are money hungry baseball players and agents we are talking about.
They care about nothing but themselves.
"Perhaps he had too much respect for Mike Lowell to do that to him. Maybe he was turned off by the Sox management being so willing to kick the 2007 WS MVP to the curp after signing him to a sweetheart deal. I think this could have played a significant role."
Hey Joe, what glue are you sniffing? If you think any of that came into play then you're off your rocker!
Anyway, if T-Rod was harboring any ill will towards Boston over what happened a decade ago, then F him. We'll be fine without him. We've got great pitching, and it's not like our offense sucks. If the Yankees make the playoffs in 2009, it'll be through the wildcard or not at all. Mark my words.
As a transplanted New Englander and long time Sox fan living in Texas, I follow the Rangers as my "second team". After watching Boras and Texiera in Texas, I pretty much figured he would end up in New York. I think the Rangers figured out that he wasn't serious about staying here just in time to get a lot of young talent for him. Notice Daniels said he always thought there was a good chance Tex would end up in pinstripes. I was just hoping the Sox could push Hank up over 200 so the Yankees would have less to spend on other players.
Does anyone really care about this? I mean, the guy's going to the Spankees and that's that. Can you say "obsession", Mazz?
Sox management just saved the day.
They signed Nick Green.
Who is he???????????
Texeira is a great player, but definitely not worth the money the Yankees shelled out for him. The Sox have one of the strongest farm systems in baseball and I fully expect Theo to put a package together from now to the trading deadline for a player who will protect Papi in the lineup and is under contract for a few years. Let the Yankees keep handcuffing themselves with ludicrous contracts.
Mazz, you're not going to write about this for the next 8 years, are you?
Tony, it's done so GET OVER IT!! Seriously, is there really nothing else to write about so you are AGAIN writing about Texiera. Move on. Go find out if Clay is actually taking pitching seriously and working hard this offseason. Try and find out if Masterson will be a starter or in the bullpen. Go find out how Papi is feeling. There are a million different Sox related stories we want to know about other than some guy who we easily beat in the playoffs last year signing with the Yankees......Do some actual work.
Tony- Stop stirring the pot and start reporting news. The globe already has Dan Shaughnessy for tired, over reported, anti-Boston articles. Give it a rest and go out there and actually give us news from your "contacts" (if you even have any). Articles like this make me long for the days of Peter Gammons. You must wonder why people don't give you stories. It's because you produce articles like this.
Teixeira was paid way too much money. Period. Matt Holliday has the same type of stats (albeit he is not a corner infielder), and he will be a free agent next year. Joe Mauer and Hanley Ramirez are also free agents in a couple years. I would much rather spend the money on them. Actually I would much rather spend the money on pitching.
Leave your Herald reporting where it belongs....back at the Herald.
Mazz, I have to say that Texiera never was going to come here...ever. We got played by Boras, Steinbrenner & company. So did the Angels. So did the Nats. All of that east coast talk was hype to drive up Texiera's package offer from NYY. I mean, do you really think $176 million would have landed Texiera? Really? NYY beat that offer for $180 million. Even IF the Sox stupidly had offered or countered NYY's $180, at say $185 million, well, Boston is setting the market for Texiera, which, then Steinbrenner can now beat. NY wanted Texiera all along and Boras knew that NY would pay (or beat) whatever market value Boston, Baltimore, Angels and Nats were willing to offer. They set the market, and the biggest $$$ francshise simply came in last minute, once the market value was set, and beat all offers. That's why NY sort of came out of nowhere silently. Also, remember, Texiera said, he'd have a decision by Xmas...setting a date for all bids to be in. NY came in just before Xmas. Boston never had a shot.
Not surprised. As the Teixeira negotiations dragged on, I got the feeling that the Red Sox were never the intended destination. The minute the Yankees came in with their offer it was game-set-match.
And what I say to all of this is, WHATEVER!
Someone remind the FNG at MFY Stadium that the guy wearing number 13 has played "Show me the money". He's EXTREMELY overpaid.
How many World Series has he played in during his 6 seasons in NY? ZERO!
How many will he play in? Who knows....but I have a feeling with Tampa and the Red Sox in the same division.....it's gonna be easy for them to beat up on each other enough to have the team from New York fall short of the playoffs again. Sure, the Red Sox could have used the bat. But has Teixiera ever been "Mr. Clutch"? How'd that work out for the Angels last October? Seems to me he was playing golf with Jeter PDQ.
BTW...don't forget about Toronto and Baltimore too.
2009 will be fun to watch.
Mr. Varitek, please tell that stupid agent of yours that you'd like a contract, with the Red Sox, NOW. 1 yr @ 8 million with a vesting option for 1 more @ 14 million if incentives are reached. Incentives need to be, hit .265, 15 HR's, 75 RBI, 150 hits, with 200k bonus incentives of 175 hits, 200 hits, All star game MVP, top 3 in Gold Glove voting.
I am with all of you guys; forget Tex, forget Manny, forget Boras, and lets get a catcher...
I'm so tired listening about Tex. I never liked him and I always thought that he was playing with the Red Sox. Boras dealings are going to be affected with the Red Sox. Anybody that thinks the Red Sox will deal with Boras again on a big deal is naive. Mark my words. The Red Sox is going to be dealing with Boras less and less. Come next year when Holliday becomes a free agent the Red Sox are not going to be players because we all know that the Yankees are going to go after him and at the end if they lose to the Yankees again they will look foolish. I have a feeling that they are not going to even sign Varitek after this fiasko.
Have you ever covered Scott Boras before? "...the Red Sox had their best chance early on in the negotiation, when an extremely aggressive Red Sox offer might have gotten the deal done." Boras does *not* take deals "early on," period. An aggressive, early offer might have driven up the price (even more) for the Yankees. It would have accomplished nothing else.
Perhaps the biggest question here is: Does it really matter anymore? The truth might make for interesting reading, but we'll never get that. Personally, I'm ready to move on about the whole thing and I look forward to seeing the Yankees fall short again in October. So aside from Mazz's 5th question, which could impact future dealings, who cares?
Tony;
I believe the Yankees have been playing the Red Sox for some time . Why would they go after Cash?....its not like they need another catcher....suggest it was to throw more confusion at the Red Sox and their catching problem.Suspect Cash was used by the Yankees.
Second theory, the Sox want to sign Kotsay (as back up in case Ellsbury fails or Drew has physical issues) but the minute they make the move....the Yankees will swoop in and sign Kotsay. After all, they do need a center fielder.
Mazz needs to get off his knees in front of Tex and get over it.
Mazz,
You used to be my favorite writer, yet you are quickly becoming my least favorite.
Who cares anymore. It is over with. Why do you continue to harp on this? Who cares about the personal feelings that Tex or anyone else had? Is it going to change anything?
There are many, many, other current issues and topics that your talented writing can take advantage of without having to continually re-hash the Tex scenario over, and over, and over again.
Tex, is now a hated Yankee just like the rest of them. A million articles isn't going to change that. Let's move on and give your insight on other things.
I gotta believe all along it was the intent of the Yankees to let the Red Sox believe they had a shot at Teixeira then swoop in and grab him away- the 'if we can't beat the RS on the field we're gonna crush them in the free agent auction' gambit. Just look at the bratty comments from Stein, Jr. when their season was over- only talk about the Red Sox, nothing about the Rays. Given the past experience with Boras and the added 'New Yankee Workshop' stadium cash flow to the unlimited budget for the Yanks you have to expect the Red Sox held their noses, made a best efforts offer and walked once the Boras games kicked in, with a mid season pick up in the back of thier minds.
I don't understand this article. Mazz kep whinning, we need to focus on Mikey Lowell going vack to full strenght, and to bring a good catcher via trade.
John Henry told you all what you need to know....they flew all the way to Texeira's home, and after that Henry said, "we will no be players in this", so that mean that Texeira told them that he was not interested in Boston....
Who cares? The Yankees, not the Red Sox, needed Teixeira, and were going to pay whatever it cost to get him. If Tony really thought the NY Yankees were prepared to begin the season with Nick Swisher ar first, he needs to find a new profession. The Yankees are STILL a mess, STILL a good bet to be plagued with injuries all season because of age, and STILL less sound than either the Sox or Rays. This angst over the Yankees throwing money around is juvenile. Watch them finish third or fourth.
Please, let this story die!
I know the hot stove has been slow moving but there are so many better stories we'd rather read. We've beat the dead horse enough, and I'm sure we'll have to revisit this all over again 19 more times in the year ahead when the Sox face the Yankees, so lets give the Tex story a break and focus on other topics.
Thanks Tony - love your writing, just bored with overkill rehashing the Teixeira signing.
Mazz, what the heck? You are all upset not long ago in your blog saying the Sox lost Teixeira over a measly $10 million the would not spend, and now you are finally writing about what everyone knew at the time of your blog, that he never wanted to be here! The Sox may not have learned of the Yankees involvement early but they definitely read that Boras and Teix were playing games.
They tried to get Texeira. They, like most of us, saw a need and Texeira fit the bill in many ways. They had a contract ceiling that was either being pushed or was blown out so they said, "We're done with this, good luck." That happens. Yes, even to the wealthy Red Sox, and perhaps even to the Yanks (Dice-K???). They were not going to handicap the team's future flexibility to secure him at any price. They have a strategy. We have seen that their strategy has worked of late. I'm good with giving them leeway to stay the course and opt for contingencies when first choices like Texeira don't pan out. It might just be that simple. Mazz is the master of drama, real or not. I'm excited about '09 with a healthy Lowell & Ortiz(?), write about future.
Mazz is a writer trying to make more of a story than it deserves
It would have been nice to have gotten Tex, but we don't need him. Let's hope the Sox sign signs Chien-ming Wang once he becomes a Free Agent. Take something from the Yankees for once...!!!!!!
I am amazed that MLB has not investigated Boras. The Rodrigues deal during the World Series, the Manny situation which Boras created so he could get a commission on a new Ramirez contract. The promise to Lowe of a "Zito" like contract and the promise to Varitek of a "Posada" like contract are all BS! Not to mention there may have been some dirty moves with the Texieria talks!
Mazz, I 'd be willing to bet Larry Luchino had a negative influence on the process...it seems whenever he inserts himself into face to face negotiations things go wrong. I would have liked our chances if Theo went alone to Dallas.
Joe--puhhhleeezzze Tex caring about Lowell? That is the biggest joke since last August when Manny started missing games due to his "knee". That is why the brass sent his butt for X-rays--due diligence. They knew right then that Manny was playing games and going to be a nightmare to deal with. When your teammates vote that you have to go--even w/HOF stats--you know something is wrong. They must have believed collectively that they could win w/out him--and they were actually having to do that anyway. Boras is the all-time slick scumbag that turns people off to sports. I hope he does cry collusion when it comes to Manny--THAT IS WHEN THE BOSOX SHOULD PULL OUT ALL INFO ON WHAT HAPPENED LAST SUMMER--BORAS IS NOT THAT DUMB TO BRING THAT UP AGAIN. Tex never wanted to come here--he mentioned in the ALDS (AGAIN!!) about his "treatment" when he was in high school--time to get over it. Good golly I hope Beckett drills him. I also hope Tek and Manny both get contracts for what they are worth---less than the what they were paid last year. Gas is down Manny--so is your sorry butt.
Move on Mazz. This isn't healthy for you. You really need to let it go. I hear the Bruins are doing great, you should. look 'em up....Not to worry my scorned Sox beat writer, the Sox will be still waiting for you in February with all their baggage....
Come on people who would'nt want to be a Yankee!!! Welcome to NEW YORK CITY TEX!!!
Tony....he's gone....move on ...and by the way....what have any of the Yankees free agent signings ever done in the post season to indicate they'll make a difference in New York? Sabathia's last appearance in the post season against the Red Sox was abysmal.Burnett hasn't pitched a full season in years and has zero post season experience.As for Teixeira? In his one post season appearance he went homerless.Given their respective track records,I'll take Kevin Youkilis .
How much has Borras cost Varitek over the years? By refusing arbitration, I'd estimate approximately $5M / yr on a potential 2009-2010 contract. And didn't he have Varitek sit out what would have been his rookie year over a contract dispute with Seattle ?? Don't these clowns ever learn that they're nothing more than a commodity ?? If Borras had Varitek's interest at heart, they would have jumped all over arbitration and hoped for a comeback year where he could test the market again next year. Jason should have known better by now.. I think they should sign him for the short-term. Let Salty and/or Teagarden prove themselves on Texas' nickel without giving up any top prospects. There will be options out there if Varitek continues his slide (Mauer, Montero, Texas, and the kid they have @ Portland - Esposito.)
Has any one considered that on the trip to Texas to meet with Teixeira, that some one in the Sox entourage saw, heard, or sensed something about Teixeira. Something that sent a clear signal that he would not be the type of player (person) the Red Sox wanted on their team. John Henry's email came out right after that meeting. Just a thought for consideration.......
Nice article Maz!!! The only thing i would say is it is unlikely Boris would have ever let his client accept a deal any earlier from the Sox even if it was more aggressive. It was in Boris and his clients interest to drag this out, create competition and drive up the price, which he successfully did. Also, (hindsight being 20/20) the Sox had to think $170M was an aggressive offer so long as Tex indeed wanted to come to Boston, which it looks like was never the case (in my opinion). As much as the yaqnks have a reputation for emptying the cofferes to get who they want, who ever would have thought the Yanks would have ponied up the money they have this off-season. To me, that's the amazing part of this story.
Nice attempt at forming the Warren Commission to investigate but only you would try to drag this out and declare this "far from closed". I'm past the point of trying to berate you or scold you into common sense and I now merely feel badly for you.
The answer:
Teixeira did what all Boras clients do: he took the most money.
Case Closed.
Everything else is irrelevant.
Now go find something else Red Sox related to write about...
I can't believe you're still at this Mazz, you are ridiculous! And Joe on post number 6, hit it right on the nose. That is the reason Tex didn't come here. And Mazz just doesn't want to admit it. But one of his fellow writers, wrote just that in the paper. And I think I'll write Tex a letter thanking him for doing just that. Respecting the classiest man in the game, and for not taking his job from him, that he loves so much. Mikey stayed HERE because HE wanted to. HE loves this city, HE loves his team mates, HE loves the fans, and HE will come back this season, so strong and healthy, that it will make people's heads turn. Then maybe Mazz can write about the things that count, and not the things that no longer so.
Tony,
We just got rid of one bum with a salary that he didn't deserve. I certainley don't want other and I don't care who he is. Kudos to the RS Brass in not signing him.
We'll be just fine with Beckett, Dice-K, Penny, Lester, Dusty, Jacoby, Youk, Drew, Lowell and BIG Papi and Paps! These guys are all going to have better years than they did last year!
It will be just "that-much-sweeter" when we bury the Yanks in 2009 and walk away with another World Series title!!!!
end of story
I want to see some real reporting, and instead of having all these unanswered questions, let's have some answered questions.
Printed comments here in Chicago suggested Teixeira and his wife didn't want Boston and Boras got him what he wanted: " to be a supporting player while being paid as a leading man."
The same writer (Phil Rogers) proceeded to denigrate Teixeira's numbers and impact, leading to the conclusion he wasn't worth the money. I agree with him. Invest it in someone else.
I'm sorry to say this, but I never feel like there is any information coming out of your articles. Every time I read one, I realize it's mostly comprised of what your believed axioms and conjecture. At least in Ryan's or Shaughnessy's ranting, opinionated articles, there are usually some incendiary comments that are either funny or insightful. Please wait until you get some real information or wit to drop articles twice a day. This is the last MAZZ article I'm going to read for some time. I'll give you another chance around Spring training.....
BobL...
Well said. I also believe that Teixeira never wanted to come here. The Sox spent time and money into courting him, where the Yankees simply gave him a contract offer at the last minute. As far as we know, Boras never tried to counter the Yankees offer to the Sox, which means that Teixeira never really wanted to come here. The Yankees offer was less than 2 million a year, which I bet the Sox would have matched. The same thing happened with Damon. I bet the bridge between the Boras camp and the Sox Nation is getting a little wobbly and is ready to fall.
Also, I do not believe that Teixeira had any interest in helping Mike Lowell. Boras does not preach such kind values. He only cares about the benjamins.
I can't believe it. Yet another column about Texiera. What do you do, just hit the replay button every other day? The guy is a Yankee. He was never coming to Boston, and I can't say I'm sorry. Get over it.
The next time the Red Sox introduce new uniforms they will be business suits. How about writing about BASEBALL once in awhile. The pulling and hauling between millionaire, no make that billionaire, owners and multi-millionaire agents and players excludes the rest of us - fans, writers, kids who are still innocent, average folks. We are outside the candy store. They hold all the cards.
Just tune out the garbage that passes for news. Wait to see who turns up wearing the dangling sox hats in April and decide then who you'll root for and whether you are still a fan.
It's futile to even care anymore about what the front office and the agents do. They are cynical business people carving up the pie as much to their own advantage as possible while the rest of America worries about whether they'll get another paycheck. Obscene. Why waste your time on it? Just save up your money so you can pay $4.50 for a bottle of water at the ball park. After all someone has to help pay J.D. Drew et al.
Hang it up Tony if this is all you are going to write about all the time.
bottom line.....the yankmees got another soft player to go along with no stones Arod and burnett.......keep going wtih the pedroia's, youks and lowell's .......heart wins out in the end.......that is what the yankmees used to have when they won........CC has some grit, but as you can see with his deal, if the going gets tough in the rathole called the bronx, he's out of there in 3 yrs........looks like pettit has had enough already of fat load Hank and twin brother shallow Hal.
this is obvious. which i hate to say, but according to several sources, espn, SI.com, After the yankees made thier offer to boras, mr superagent never contacted the redsox to ask for a counter offer or even just to report the yankees offer. Now let me make one sure fact. If you were an agent and your job was to get the highest price for your client, then if the yankees offered 180 mil, even if the redsox before hand had said they will not go higher than 170 something, all you would have to do is leak a little info, to say, Mr Mazzerotti, or any writer for that matter, stating that the yankees had suddenly made a huge offer for tex and the red sox were behind!, the fan furor , on radio, tv and the net , and everywhere else, would be so huge, that you would bring huge pressure upon the red sox front office to raise the stakes or lose , once again to thier nemesis, so soon asfter the cc sabathia and burnett debacles. Now ask yourself, did boras do this? The answer is no, did he even give the sox a chance to counter the yankees offer? according to sources, No again. So if boras and tex were all about the cash, then why did they not pit the redsox and yankees, the two biggest rivals in sports, and arguably the two richest franchises in baseball, against each other in a bidding war, where the only winner could be boras and tex? answer? because he never even thought about coming to boston. This negotiation is a dead ringer for the johny damon signing. in that case the sox made an offer the yankees went higher and boras took it without even giving the sox a chance to match it.
disingenuousness is rampant in scott boras and his clients seemingly. Damon made his persona famous as one of the long haired anti establishment, anti yankees, only to turn around and goosestep back in line with a shave and a haircut, for his two bits. Scott boras is a mastyer manipulator, so when he doesnt play things out tot he fullest, there has to be a reason why.
So let's put it all in perspective: From the first spring training game, until their last meeting of the year, Tex hits the dirt avoiding a pitch at his neck at least once a game. If Don Drysdale had the guts to do it to Willie Mays, then why not Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, et al to Tex? Let him know that the two time world champs are not to be trifled with! Throw right at him, at LEAST once a game.
Then take every available youngster and trade for Peavey! Added to the staff, the Sox win two of the next four!
What? Mark Teixeira is having a press conference in New York today? I'm dropping what I'm doing and hopping the next Fung Wah!
While this article may be beating a dead horse, there remains a bigger picture issue. The Yankees have improved and so have the Rays. The Sox have brought in an unproven middle reliever, an injured 4th starter, and a catcher whom they desparately shipped out of town ibn 2006. Even more troubling, it appears that the Sox payroll could be $20 million or more less this year. Are the Red Sox team truly committed to winning in 2009? Regardless, at least they'll look nice in their new uniforms (the most significant action taken by the front office this offseason). The Red Sox may be fighting off the Blue Jays for 3rd place in 2009.
Teixeira fell to the 9th round because he was a Boras client and because he had a scholarship to attend GT, which is a basbeall powerhouse. Duquette took a flyer on him. The problem was that Boras/Teixeira wanted 1st round $$$, and the Sox were unwilling to do that. They gave him their final offer which they declined.
Article is a total waste of time (and space). Who cares? It's over - move on!
It seems Massarotti is obsessed with this subject alone - like a fan. Please - more professionalism is necessary. Lets have some other information on the Red Sox that exist, or are in negotiations or those that may be traded or acquired. Do some research instead of mere conjecture, and blubbering.
Unbelievable! The "In Baba Louie We Trust" bridade was out in force on these message boards against anyone who said the there was no way Teixeira was coming to Boston. And now: Mazz says the Red Sox will themselves say that they never had a chance. Big bad Boras stymied them pixie dust again. I think it's the Sox fans who have something in their eyes and it ain't Scott Boras whose slinging it.
Tony, If the Sox really wanted to put the Yankees away for the next four or five years they would have signed CC. Plug him into your staff and sit back and dream.
Does Tony actually think that Boras is going to allow Teixeira to answer any of these questions except maybe the Sabathia/Burnett question? If so he is delusional and greatly over estimates his importance in the scheme of things.
What is the big deal ? The red Sox still have the better first baseman, offensively and defensively. And he is cheaper, though not for long.
Really with this column? There are no questions I care about that Teizeira could answer. he signed with New York because they offered him the most money. That is it. Had the Red Sox offered more, he would be here. Should they have, that is a question to be asked, but not of Teixeira.
Who cares? The Sox have moved on, as have I. And I seriously doubt Sox management was naive enough to believe the Yankees were out of it at any point. Maybe they could have signed Tex for $180 million or more, maybe not. The point is, they drew a line at an extremely generous offer and refused to be held hostage by unreasonable player (read: Boras) demands for more. They deserve kudos for that! And of course they will work with Boras again, maybe even to get Varitek signed.
Let's look at what the Red Sox team-building philosophy has brought us so far: ONLY 2 World Series championships in the past 4 years, and forcing a Game 7 in the ALCS last year despite injuries. Yeah, they obviously do not know what they are doing.
The case is WAY closed....move on!
Who cares.......Enough of Teixeira already, blah, blah, blah..... He is not a member of the Sox. Let's focus on the remaining holes we need to fill and start to get excited about the 2009 campaign. The one big question that has yet to be answered is how is Mike Lowell. My guess, given that he is a true professional, is he understands that this is a business and he will be ready to rumble when spring training starts. By the way, In the short run, I would take Lowell over Teixeira any day.
Get off the Teixeira debacle!! How about researching into how the "game of baseball" escalated into such a pricey pastime and how do we downsize in order to become affordable once again. You don't expect any truth to come from any statements that anyone involved in the Teixeira signing will make do you??????
I felt that the Yankees had Teixeira in their corner when their disingenuous publicized version of the situation was that they were working on other things and they were keeping him on the backburner. I don't think the Red Sox ever had a chance. All the stuff that was thrown out by Buster Olney and ESPN about the Red Sox being the front runners was all a smoke screen. Just like John Henry's attempt to say that they would not go above a certain contract figure was a bogus way to make it seem like the Red Sox were disinterested. The bottom line here is that the media got played like a violin.
Damn I hit a nerve huh? The reports are that Tex asked Francona about Lowell both times they meet over the winter. Is it that crazy to think he was concerned about forcing out the most popular guy in the clubhouse? I'm not saying it was the end all, be all, but maybe Mazz should have addressed it in the article is all I'm saying. Relax everybody, I realize the $$$$ was the biggest factor.
Please get a grip on the whole Teixeira deal, you are like a jilted 13 yr old girl. This will prove to be a BAD contract.
mazz, you seem more crushed by tex going to the evil ones than anyone else in boston. You also forget to mention Boras' AROD gem during game four of the world series two years ago. If that wasn't a slap in the face of the red sox organization, i don't know what is. Bottom line, Boras is an unethical two-faced money-grubbing filthy liar and his clients are greedy bums who have no problem stiffing their fans or team for a few million bucks. such is life in the good ol' YOU ES of A
2 things
Dont deal with Boras
Dont read this guys column.
The Sox ought to ban dealings with Boras and Boras clients just as the Atlanta Braves have done with another lying, two-timing, double-crossing agent.
-Hey Tony,
Relax! You're embarassing yourself as well as your readers. Most of us figured this out nearly 2 weeks ago. Go on to something else. I'm finding it more and more difficult to read your column.....and I used to really look forward to it.
Your quote "Sox officials are as adept as anyone when it comes to playing media games and manipulating the masses".
Now if someone will only apply this to what happened to Manny, all the blind mice can get the real story on how the Red Sox started and asked for the end of Manny. Will someone please outline the full Manny story starting with the day the new owners won the Red Sox as the second hightest bidder in the Auction. That's the place to start, then we can look back on the back ground of all the owners and the patten is clear.
Who cares, most fans can't afford to go to the games anyways.
This guy is a redneck at heart, and the Red Sox don't appeal to Red Necks.
TONY MAZ = SAME OL' boring story..... how about a story covering the statistical analysis of the imapct of payroll to performance and why MLB is failing it's fans.
I want to add my voice to those who've said Massarotti should get over this deal, move on and write about issues that are CURRENTLY relevant to Red Sox fans. Teixeira is just a greedy bastard and Boston is better off without him - it was all about the money with him and there are so many other and more productive things the Red Sox can do with the money they would have paid him. I'm happy to keep Lowell (a true team player) at 3rd and move forward to the '09 season with the team we have in place...I'm just sorry that Varitek is under the thumb of the other greedy bastard - Boras. I hope something can be worked out to keep Jason behind the plate, and I also fervently hope that he's been trying to up his game during the off season to justify keeping him...
I really wish the Boston sports media (including NESN & CSN) would STOP reporting on players no longer here. Johnny Damon left Boston, what 3 or 4 years ago (see I lost count!) & you guys STILL can't help reporting on Johnny Damon & his actress-wannabe-show-me-the-money wife in New York. We don't care.
Manny is gone ... thank God! Teixiera made his decision ... it's over!
Please stop trying to turn the Boston pro sports scene into a reality t.v. show (unless you allow me to host the program & agree to all terms & conditions in the contract provided by my agent Scott Borass).
In November, Cashman met with Texeira and Boris. It was agreed then that the Yanks would giver him 10 Million over the top offer but not to exceed a deal of 200 million. The rest of the time was Boris finding suitors to push up the offer. The Sox pushed it to 170 and the Yanks signed him at 180 million. Done Deal!
I hope now Tony is going to leave things alone with Tex. You heard it from his mouth. He wanted to be a Yankee all along. While the Red Sox made a trip all the way to Texas thinking they were about to close the deal Tex knew that he didn't want to sign with the Red Sox. What a creep and selfish loser. I say the first time he comes to Fenway Park he should be greeted with a nice fast ball in his ribs.
So the Yankees have another over-paid first baseman. Teixeira hit all of one more home run last year than Giambi. The Yankees are still going to be battling Toronto for third place. Take that to the bank. Now Theo - Go get us a young catcher!
This Tex issue needs to be put to rest. He was headed to the Yanks from the get go. The Yanks had other dealings going on and told Boras to contact them once the market price was established. To think the Yanks had no interest in Tex in the beginning of the offseaspn and then signed him to an 8 year/$180m deal is ludicrious. Plus, Boras wouldn't let Tex sign ealry. He wanted and needed the Yanks to get involved.On the Sox side, they couldn't continue to negotiate and drive up the price for Tex when one of their own (Youk), who had similar numbers to Tex last year, will soon be a free agent. Why set the bar higher.
Tex pretty much just said in his presser that two weeks before Christmas, about the time he was seen on TV he wanted to know where he would be before the holidays, he and his wife had made up their mind that he would be Yankee. The Red Sox had no shot, Tex's hometown O's had no shot, and the Angels had less than no shot. The whole thing was a sham.
I am always intrigued by those who compliment Theo and the Red Sox for having a plan and then rip the organization because they do not remain diligent to the plan. The overanxious, impulsive-minded individuals demonstrate a concerning approach towards management of finances--an interesting survey would be to find out how many of the Sox faithful that wanted a good, not great player, for whatever the cost are presently facing fore-closer on their mortgage, the results are likely as sobering as the desire to buy Tex whatever the cost. The Red Sox still have something that both the Yankees and Jays lack, young talented arms in their organization. I am confident that come July the Sox will be in the pennant chase and that other organizations that have faded from the scene will be desperate to remove payroll given the certain plight of our economy, in the meantime the Sox gain knowledge about their future; where was Jon Lester on most of your radars last year at this time? Probably in Minnesota along with Jacoby Ellsbury. We cannot be governed by our hearts particularly in these uncertain times. I will remain steadfast that the Sox would not have improved themselves as significantly by signing a first basemen of considerable ability because the player he would replace was still a productive hitter and do not suggest that Tex provides the same element of intimidation, to opposing pitchers, that Ortiz or Manny do when they are healthy, if you do you are greatly overestimating his presence. Why some foolis
hly suggested that Youk could move to short or Lowell could play second and Pedroia short is because they likely recognize that the Sox need more production from shortstop and catcher position. Theo and his staff recognize the need to upgrade catcher and shortstop better than we do and time will ultimately deliver whether this perspective is sound or not..
Ya, you all need to let this speculation go. Its really a waste of your time...you also really make the Sox sound pathetic with respect to how they handled Teixeira in the past, true or not.
I am sure the Sox will be just fine with what they presently have. At the end of the day, the Yankees probably did need Teixeira far more than the Sox when you consider the expiring contracts of Damon, Nady, and Matsui at the end of 2009.
the problem with this article is that it is dull
it is blah blah blah balh
this may reflect on the subject or on its author
this means that in the future please change the subject or the author OR BOTH
Mazz, you've a gotta bromance problem with Tex.
Most people I know really don't care that Tex didn't come to Boston. Only the media seems to be crying over this one.
Everyone who claims that the sox shouldn't have increased their offer because the Yankees would have just beaten it is wrong.
Cashman was told by Boras that it would take 8/194 to get Teixeira. When Cashman refused, he was told that Teixeira was most likely going to the Red Sox. 20 minutes later, he called and accepted the Yankees deal.
Sox just plain blew it on this, or Teixeira just had no desire to come to Boston. It's one of those two.
"If the Yankees make the playoffs in 2009, it'll be through the wildcard or not at all. Mark my words."
Now that was the funniest thing I read!!! I'll mark those words and watch the Yanks win the East.
Admit it or not BoSox fans... The fact is that you are still talking about the Tex signing. You also will be facing the best rotation in baseball about 18 times next year and it scares you.
He didn't sign for your team. Stop being bitter, you losers. You are pathetic. The Red Sox will NEVER be as good as the Yankees. GET OVER IT. No one in New York gives a rip about you.
Screw him, we got Ordway and for ONLY a million a year....the fat bastard.
Tex said Boston, Anaheim and NY were all in consideration. He preferred to be on the East Coast due to family. He said he kept asking his wife where she wanted to be, she kept telling him wherever made him happy. When it came to crunch time, she said she wanted NY. He also said he went to O's/Yankee games in Balt with a Yankee hat on. So from then on it was a no brainer, Boras just needed to make it happen.
If the answer to #2 is 'yes', then Teixeira is amazingly immature and petty. In that case, it's a good thing the Yankers got him. The Red Sox just got rid of an immature, petty superstar because he was immature and petty. Why replace him with another?
I love the "we weren't getting him no matter what we did" excuse. I even saw one poster write "Kudos to RS management for not signing him". I guess Red Sox Management attempts to not sign someone by offering them a 170 million dollar contract....Red Sox management really wanted Texeira and they thought they could get him so when they didn't, they presented this aura of "he wasn't coming here no matter what we did" and some of you rubes bought it...sure guys, whatever makes you feel better.
When did the Red Sox fly to Texas?--Dec 18th--- Looks like Tex (and wife) had already decided he wanted to be a Yankee TWO weeks before Xmas --that is before the red sox flew to Texas. Red Sox FOOLED by Tex and Boras!
I agree totally with the 2nd posting.teixeira was never coming to Boston no matter what happened.In his new conference he stated that his he and his wife decided on the Yankees two weeks before he actually agreed to sign with NY.Henry was right in sending his email.He was very much interested in getting Mark to Boston but what he and the Angels management didn't want was their offer to be used to drive the price up which Borasshole has been known to do.If people think that the Red Sox wont do business with Boras again all they have to do is look at what happened with Johnny Damon..Enough about this subject!Time to move on!!
Theo got his FA infielder! Nick Green! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
OVER-RATED!!!!
Boy you Red Sux fans are really burning over this Tex signing. So jealous are we.
Get over it. Yankees all the way. HAHa
GO YANKEES!!!