Mark Teixeira --where is he going?

Mark Teixeira is not going to the Red Sox according to the rumor mill. The Sox claim they have cut off negotiations. This has me wondering what is going on. Supposedly the Nationals and the Orioles are the front runners, and a "mystery team."
The usual suspects, the Yankees and Angels, have pretty much denied being in the hunt. With Scott Boras as agent, we all know he will go where the money is top, and I just don't see the Nationals or O's being able to pay the big bucks.

Meanwhile, it appears the Yankees are considering adding Manny Ramirez's bat to their potent lineup. Manny is the only player on the Red Sox I didn't hate in all my years of hating Red Sox players. (It officially started in 1961)
Yes, I would like to see that bat in the number 3, 5, or 6 hole, but the man comes with a lot of baggage. I hope Cashman pases on him.
So, where goes Teixeira? The Sox have Youkilis (the pussy) so I can't see them signing another first baseman. The Nationals? I guess they may want to build around him, but he may not want to play for a team that is destined to go nowhere for a few years. That leaves the O's, Angels and the very quiet Yanks.
He could improve the O's, but would they be able to win a division like the AL East? That division is loaded with quality teams. Are they really going to pay such huge money to bring in a player to possibly finish 2nd, but more likely 3rd or 4th? Doesn't make sense to me.
That leaves the Yanks or Angels as the best fit. Neither team "needs" him, but he Yankees propensity for grabbing every player may mean they may just suddenly be in the race. That plus the fact they do now have a regular first baseman, and it makes sense. I won't be surprised to see him in pinstripes.
Lastly, Pettitte is still negotiating. Apparently, he does not want to take the 10 million the Yankees have put on the table. Last year, he made 16 million, and that is too large a drop.
Not for nothing, but Andy, who is one of my all time favorite Yankees, should just take the cash. He is at the end, and did nothing in the second half last year. He did get injured and we don't expect much more thn his 14-14 record and 4.50 ERA. That isn't a 16 million dollar pitcher. I doubt anyone would pay him more than the Yankee offer. Just suck it up, Andy, and try to get by on the 10 mil.

Go Yankees

Yankees rotation falling in place, Hot Stove Report

With the signings of CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, the Yankee rotation is looking pretty strong. They also lead the league in starting pitchers with initials instead of names.
As of now, the big 3 starters are CC, AJ, and Wang. Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy round it out.
Obviously, they won't have a 6 man rotation, so Kennedy, Chamberlain, and Hughes will be up for the last 2 spots. And, according to the rumor mill, Andy Pettitte is still in the running for the #5 spot. While one can never have too much pitching, as proven by last year's injury plagued season, it is almost certain the Yankees will not go north with 7 starters. I'd look for one of 3 things to happen: a trade of Kennedy or Hughes (I'd hate to see Hughes go) or letting Pettitte finish his career eleswhere, or keeping Joba in the pen, setting up Mo until he hangs up his spikes. Mo is 39, so how much longer can he pitch?

In football news, the stupid Giants were outplayed by the 'Boys. That is painful. In their defense, the Giants have 3 starters on offense out, not counting that loser Burress. And Hixon would make a great defensive back, as he can't catch and hold on to the ball. Two weeks in a row he dropped a potential TD pass that hit him in the hands.
This week, we play Carolina. I'm looking for a big Giants win if everyone is healthy.

Go Yankees