As the Mark Teixeira saga drags on into a third week, I think it's become clear that Andy MacPhail didn't ever really want to land the free-agent slugger --- it's simply too much to invest in one player when the team is still 2-3 years away from contending.
MacPhail made a respectable offer to pacify the fan base --- apparently 7 years for $140-$150 million --- but he must have figured the O's would be quickly (and repeatedly) outbid by contenders. Only now the BoSox, Yankees, and Angels have all blinked, leaving MacPhail in a rather awkward position --- you've got to believe that most O's fans are getting increasingly annoyed with each day the Severna Park native and would-be franchise savior remains on the market. Economic woes or not, if you're willing to spend 140 million over 7 years, how on earth can you balk at spending 160 million over 8 years? To not even step back into the fray with an increased offer ... incredible!
I still trust MacPhail's vision for the Orioles, but I can't believe this is how he wanted the whole Teixeira thing to play out.
Keywords: Baltimore Orioles Mark Teixeira free agency
