Carver Harris for the Tempe Frontiersman
11/25/2013

I’m still in shock.  We knew that Sascha Tesch would want to rebuild the Tempe Knights.  But I think none of us was prepared for how far he would go.

First, he let a couple of top shelf free agents go, including SP Conan McCullough.  Then he traded SP Barney Sharp and RF Jason Kirkland to the Manchester Maulers for prospects.  Which was okay, I guess, considering that they were going to be non-tendered.  Earlier today, members of the front office announced that there is an agreement in place to trade LF Orlando García and 3B José González, though they wouldn’t comment on the details.

Then the team went and announced to the world that megastar Markus Hancock would also be up for trade.  The 27-year-old, currently under a $13.4 million contract, has won three Golden Arm awards, leads the league in shutouts five years running, earned the most strikeouts in three of the past four seasons, and has an ERA that was in the top three in the SL for the past five years.

It’s a feeding frenzy out there.  Teams are doubtless showering Tempe with outrageous offers in a bid for Hancock.  Some even made their offers public, showing what lengths they’re willing to go in the first rounds of bidding.  It’s anyone’s guess how high the bids will go.

The deliberate silence from Tempe management is deafening.  We requested an interview with the GM but instead received the following statement: “Thank you for your email.  However, the Tempe Knights will not comment on the status of ongoing negotiations.  If interested teams choose to make the offers publicly, it is solely their decision, but we are not following those statements and only consider offers made directly to our front office.  We will evaluate every serious offer and hope to sign a deal that will benefit the team and the fans during the Winter Meetings.”

The fans, meanwhile, are less than thrilled.  Dozens picketed the Tempe front office this afternoon, shouting, “We want Hancock,” and, “Out with Tesch!”  A club employee who tried to soothe the protesters was doused in beer and had to retreat.

“I can’t believe they’re doing this,” cried a fan.  “They’re selling out the team and destroying everything!”  Indeed, some protestors felt reminded of the fate of the Cleveland Spiders.

And the object of desire?  Hancock, currently on vacation in Aruba, couldn’t be reached for comment.  According to his agent, he is aware of the proceedings and will contact the media if and when he finds it appropriate.