The Angels, a team known for acting quickly in free agency, have yet to pull out of the Teixeira discussions, indicating that they retain a certain level of confidence in their chances. The Yankees, at the very least, are lurking on the periphery.

Then there are the Nationals and Orioles, the teams closest to Teixeira's hometown, the Baltimore suburb of Severna Park, Md.

Boras no doubt is citing the 2006 Tigers as an example for those two sorry franchises. The Tigers averaged 101.5 losses between '02 and '05, but reached the '06 World Series thanks in part to their purchases of three Boras clients — catcher Ivan Rodriguez, right fielder Magglio Ordonez and left-hander Kenny Rogers.

Neither the Nationals nor Orioles seem capable of duplicating such a run, even with Teixeira. But both teams are starting to develop young talent, with the Orioles perhaps a touch ahead of the Nats. The addition of Teixeira, 28, would give either a reason to dream.

Of course, to get Teixeira, the Nationals or Orioles would need to satisfy Boras' desire for "pull" value — a premium for "pulling" either franchise out of its respective misery. The Nationals seem more inclined to make such a sacrifice, which could be why Henry is effectively daring Boras to go to D.C.

Henry knows that Teixeira prefers to return east rather than stay west with the Angels. He knows — or at least hopes — that the Yankees are not a serious player. And he knows that, even though the Orioles likely view Teixeira as a homegrown heir to Cal Ripken Jr., they are unlikely to be his $200 million sugar daddy.