I think its noteworthy that the teams involved are teams the Cubs would rather not see improve (Doyers and VB's). Meaning, if Boras pulled this garbage and other teams involved were Angels and Yankees, Theo withdraws the offer a week ago. If the angels get him at a lower price, fine! That sets the market lower for remaining available starters. But if the Brewers get him at a lower price, or the Dodgers, that gives them better value as they compete head to head with the Cubs (the brewers in the division would then become a legitimate threat having added 3 impact players to an unspectacular but solid core, the Dodgers would widen their projected advantage in the playoffs. This has created quite the stalemate. Nobody is budging up, and Boras knows nobody is backing off.