"We've met with him, and he's our No. 1 priority," Bowden said.

Orioles general manager Andy MacPhail also confirmed to reporters that his team is involved in the bidding for Teixeira. The process is likely down to four teams: two traditional contenders (the Angels and Red Sox) and a pair of downtrodden teams in Teixeira's backyard (the Nationals and Orioles).

While industry sources said reports of Baltimore offering Teixeira a nine-year contract are false, the Orioles are in the hunt for Teixeira.

"Part of Mark's decision is complex because he's got regional ties," agent Scott Boras said. "Certainly, family things are part of his consideration."

Boras said he has met "multiple times with multiple teams," adding Teixeira has met with all the teams who have shown interest in him and said the process could get done before the end of the MLB winter meetings on Thursday, though it likely will drag on in the coming weeks.

"At this point in time, I can't say we're that close to getting a deal done," Boras said.

The switch-hitting first baseman, who will turn 29 two days before Washington's home opener, has averaged 35.4 home runs and 118.4 RBI the last five seasons. His on-base percentage has been at least .370 in all of those seasons, and he is viewed as a Gold Glove-caliber defender.

Beyond that, his regional appeal and marketability would infuse a weary fan base with energy and signal the Nationals are serious about winning.

One player Washington is not pursuing, however, is Manny Ramirez. A club source said rumors that the team is interested in the 36-year-old left fielder can be "put to rest" and that there's "no truth" to them.

Said Bowden, "We've made one offer, and there's one free agent that Scott represents that we have interest in at this time."

Redding still in limbo

A deal that would have sent starter Tim Redding to the Colorado Rockies fell apart on Tuesday evening, but that doesn't mean Redding won't head west sometime this week.

A source close to the right-hander said he believes Redding could be traded to Colorado by Friday, which is the deadline for Washington to offer him arbitration.

The 30-year-old could make up to $3 million after going 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA last season, and it's questionable whether the Nationals would want to pay him that much money.

Redding had surgery on his left foot in November but has had the stitches removed. The Rockies didn't ask for a physical on Redding before the trade talks broke down, the source said.

Redding's agent, Tom O'Connell, is close with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, and Colorado had discussed dealing for the pitcher with Bowden at the July 31 trade deadline.

Colome released

The Nationals released reliever Jesus Colome on Wednesday afternoon, letting go of the right-hander before Friday's arbitration deadline and clearing a second spot on their 40-man roster before Thursday's Rule 5 draft, where Washington has the first pick.

"Based on what the market is with his numbers, we didn't feel it made sense to allocate those dollars at that level for him," Bowden said.

Colome posted a 2-2 record and a 4.31 ERA in 61 appearances with the Nationals last season.

Bowden wouldn't comment on how many players the team might take in the Rule 5 draft other than to say Washington "will be active."

Any players the Nationals select in the Rule 5 draft must stay on their 25-man roster all of next season or be returned to their previous team.