Their #1 priority was Teixeira, and he became too f***ing expensive. They were also all to aware that the Yankees would top any offer they made, right up until the Tex signing would've been a scourge to the Red Sox no matter what Tex's ultimate production was, though I'm sure that angers you, as it probably telegraphs a lack of effort to those that were cutting themselves all Christmas because the Red Sox wouldn't empty their whole f***ing bank account for one f***ing player.
Just because its not your money doesn't mean that the team has to spend it with idiotic abandon like a 15 year old cheerleader with a stolen credit card. There are limits. Teixeira's price passed Boston's limit. Recognize this, lest you look like a bigger fool on the matter.