Whether Teixeira joins the Red Sox or another club is an open question. Whether he merits $180 million over eight years — or whatever the final number will be — is another subject of debate.

For now, though, we're in the familiar Scott Boras Staredown Phase, in which an ardent suitor attempts to call the legendary agent's bluff.

The Sox are experienced at this game.

Boras stuck it to them in Dec. 2005, when Johnny Damon signed with the Yankees without giving the Red Sox a chance to match New York's offer, according to Sox owner John Henry.

The Sox struck back in Dec. 2006, when team officials flew to Boras' home turf in Southern California and forced him to accept a take-it-or-leave it proposal for Daisuke Matsuzaka.

The shenanigans resumed Thursday night. First, news broke that Sox officials were meeting with Boras in Texas. But at 10:45 p.m. ET, Henry issued a sad lament to selected reporters via e-mail.

"We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry said. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."