Teixeira: Decision before Christmas?

There have been many reports that Mark Teixeira will be making a decision on which team with which he will sign before December 25, 2008. The Washington Nationals are reported to have offered Mark Teixeira an 8 year deal worth $178-184 million according to Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), with discussion of a ten year deal. It may be the length of time that made the Red Sox and Angels seemingly back down this past week, but the Red Sox and the Nationals are the front runners, according to Peter Gammons of ESPN. I'm guessing it is now down to opt out and no trade clauses if it is indeed the Nationals. Time will tell.