Per the Boston Globe:

Theo Epstein just responded to an e-mail I sent him in regard to the Mark Teixeira trade rumors that have been floating around the past two days. The ESPN report was that Sox and Braves were discussing Teixeira for Kevin Youkilis and Craig Hansen.

Asked if there was anything to it, Epstein responded, "No, not at all."

The rumor was originally reported by Peter Gammons, and when it comes to Red Sox rumors Gammons is usually on to something, so this denial by Epstein is curious. Of course, the response, "no, not at all," could mean that the inquiry the Braves made about Youk and Hansen went no where and that the Red Sox have not pursued it any further.

This just shows you that even the seemingly credible rumors may be nothing more than the misunderstandings of an overheard whisper. I'm sure there'll be plenty more of this kind of fodder in the coming days.