While the Angels made their landmark offer to Mark Teixeira last week, are the Orioles are now stepping it up in the sweepstakes? It may be a case of maybe or maybe not.

Roy Firestone posted on the popular Orioles Hangout forum causing a flurry of activity last night as he reported that slugger Mark Teixeira will be a guest of Peter Angelos in his box at today's critical Ravens-Steelers game.

Two days after Philadelphia ace pitcher Cole Hamels gave this commentary on the Mets by calling them "choke artists", the Mets' newest acquisition -- the always confident Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez -- responded in his own way.

The centerpiece of the re-tooled New York bullpen has only added more to fuel to a fire that help to redefine a growing rivalry.

He just got into town, but he's sure holding his against the words of Hamels with the Mets.

After ten years in the Baltimore Orioles organization, tall right-hander Daniel Cabrera was not tendered a contract by the Baltimore Orioles; thus, making him a free agent. no comments

Well, it looks like the Los Angeles Angels have now made their numbers to Teixeira public.

I think the Angels may need him more than anyone, just for the fact that they can the win division again in the American League West. no comments

Ah, Cole Hamels. You're a World Series Champion, married to a lovely girl and have the world at your fingertips.

Now, you've joined the big boys -- for real. In '07 Jimmy talked trash to the Mets and his team would win the division -- and the did.

And the Mets collapsed.

In '08, the Mets had their turn as Carlos Beltran jumped and gave his two cents. Well, Philadelphia took the division, and the World Series.

And the Mets collapsed -- again.

Is Daniel's time up in Baltimore. Yes it is, according to the Baltimore Sun's Peter Schmuck:

The O's attempted to generate interest in a deal at the winter meetings but apparently found other teams unwilling to take the risk of going to salary arbitration with Cabrera, who made $2.85 million last year and stood to get a significant raise in spite of his 8-10 record and 5.25 ERA.

Apparently, the O's did not make an attempt to re-sign Cabrera for a more reasonable salary, something they still are trying to do tonight with reliever Lance Cormier. The team finally has given up on Cabrera and will leave it to some other club to try and tap his raw talent and unfulfilled potential.

Oh well.

ESPN is reporting that A.J. Burnett will be the newest member of the Yankee pitching staff.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves were also in competition for him; however, Baltimore didn't want to give Burnett the years he wanted and also were not a viable option for him as winning served to be important a factor.

The deal with New York is for five years, 82.5 million dollars.

Burnett may turn out to be Carl Pavano II -- ok, it may be a stretch -- but his history should be enough to give anyone a pause; alas, that's obviously not the case. It looks like A.J. was good enough and also healthy at the right time to get the chance to make even more money.

I guess he got the money and the years he wanted.

The Indians were in need of a closer, and they got one -- in Kerry Wood.

From ESPN: The former Chicago Cubs star finalized a $20.5 million, two-year contract Saturday, a deal that includes a 2011 option that could become guaranteed.

Wood gets $10 million next year and $10.5 million in 2010. The Indians' $11 million option would vest if Wood has 55 games finished in either of the next two years.

General manager Mark Shapiro will hold a conference call later in the day to formally announce Wood's signing.

The deadline to tender a contract to arbitration-eligible players is at midnight. Right now, I am keeping my eyes on one player -- Daniel Cabrera -- and checking to see if he will be offered a contract, arbitration, or be sent on his way out..

Almost every fan of the Orioles has had their thoughts on Daniel, and considering his *potential* and physical gifts, he's not been able to put it all together. At this point, I'd say it's 50/50 on Cabrera staying. Despite all the negatives one could put on him, he is an innings eater, and when he's focused -- he pitches like an ace. Also, he has been for the most part reliable heathwise -- until the last month of the season in '08.

However, has his time ran out?

Well, here's somewhat discouraging news if you have been following the whole Mark Teixeira drama. Granted, he's not signed with anyone and no one knows what the Angels, Yankees along with the Red Sox have offered the slugger; however, it looks like Andy MacPhail may be focusing on fixing the team's other problems (IMO, should be key).

Right now, the thought that is on many fans minds is whether Teixeira is going to come back to the Orioles, be the hero on the white horse and save the franchise, or spurn the organization and look for riches elsewhere.

I'm not sure if the Orioles are just going to give up on this adventure, or make one final honest effort in the end, but I think fans want to see the team fight as hard as it can to get Mark at Camden Yards 81 times per year.