Mark Teixeira has said all along that he wants to sign a contract before Christmas Day. Maybe he’s using the Greek Orthodox calendar or something, but Xmas Day arrives on Thursday at my house. What are the chances that Scott Boras’ client ends up in Boston by then? And really, given all this back and forth crap (not to mention what will need to happen to Mike Lowell if Teixeira does comes to the Red Sox), what kind of uphill climb will the Gold Glove first baseman be facing in the hearts and minds of Red Sox fans?

This saga has already gone on long enough. And it’ll go on that much longer if he does sign with Boston. This isn’t Dice-K filling a hole in the rotation, or Varitek returning to the team with a ‘C’ on his chest. This is signing a guy whose arrival portends the departure of the 2007 World Series MVP, a guy who gave the Red Sox a hometown discount when the Phillies were offering more money. It reminds me of a certain trade that didn’t happen in 2003 — the trade of Manny Ramirez to the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez. In retrospect, we’re obviously glad that didn’t happen. Don’t you get that sense with the Teixeira situation as well? That’d you just as soon he go somewhere else?

Honestly, how disappointed would you be if Teixeira signs with the Orioles or Nationals? Personally, I’d only be miffed if he signs with the Yankees. Otherwise, I don’t care if he spends the next 10 years playing ARC softball in Severna Park, Maryland.

If you want to play for a winner, Mark, then sign with the Red Sox. If not, vaya con Dios.