You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out

Last night, hours after reports that the Red Sox might have been close to a deal with Mark Teixeira, owner John Henry said the Sox were outbid:

"We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry said in an e-mail time-stamped 10:45 p.m. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

But all that did was start the speculation whether Scott Boras was lying about other offers and whether the Sox were bluffing. Didn't we go through this with Daisuke Matsuzaka two years ago?

And, like Dice-K, the Sox have to sign Teixeira because I worked hard this week to learn how to spell his name.

While the professionals were trying to figure out what all this posturing means, we got our six pack of Phillies (and a Red Sox) tickets. We're going to see the 2008 World Champions take on the 2007 World Champs, Mets, Cardinals, Braves and Marlins twice.

Best promotion of the year: Charlie Manuel bobble figurine: April 28.