Bidding War for Saks' Services

Stardom breeds interest, and Saks has garnered both.

The off-season acquisition of Chokolate Saks was a surprise, and yet, expected at the same time. After a second D Cup finish, Wildcards management openly spoke of their desire to acquire a big bat. That they were able to lure that of Steven "Chokolate" Saks, who had found substantial success with Who's Up, certainly raised eyebrows.

This time, it looks as if Saks, through no direct effort of his own, is raising eyebrows again.

Sources close to Wildcards management, speaking with reporters on the condition of anonymity, have indicated that they have received considerable offers for the services of their all-star third baseman.

Unconfirmed reports have cited the TD Waterhouse Warriors as the front-runners in the Saks sweepstakes. They are rumoured to be offering a package deal including two "notable players" and a 1st-round draftpick in exchange for Chokolate Saks and Hollywood Fernando.


Chokolate Saks may be calling his shots with the Warriors by the end of the season.

A source close to the negotiations reports that the trade was all but a done deal when a second suitor for Chokolate Saks came in - the Colts. Colts management reportedly offered a package deal of Meat and Ichibro along with 1st and 2nd-round draftpicks for the same package of Saks and Hollywood Fernando. With the price raised considerably, the Warriors had no choice but to sweeten their offer, supplementing their earlier proposal with a 2nd-round draft choice, cash considerations, and - this being Chokolate Saks' contract year - a considerable raise from his current contract of one pint per homerun: one pitcher per homerun.


If the Warriors have their way, Hollywood Fernando may be flying to his new home at TD Waterhouse West Field very soon.

Considering the circumstances of league standings and the Wildcards payroll position, the deal makes sense for all parties involved. Both suitors - the Warriors and Colts - are chasing the Wildcards for first place and are unlikely to catch them without a serious enhancement to their lineup. The Wildcards are near their payroll-cap, and thus, may not be able to sign Saks to a long-term deal by season's end, as he is surely due for a raise.

With an 8-0-1 record and only five games to go before playoffs, the Wildcards likely have enough space, and talent, to win a sufficient amount of games to stave off any end-of-the-season charges at first place that both teams will likely make.

When asked of such offers, Wildcards management offered the following statement:

"It is in Wildcards policy not to speculate on any unconfirmed rumours or reports. As the source is unknown, and therefore, not credible, we will treat this report as such. We value the interest of the media and of our fans in the team, and hope they continue to support the Wildcards as we move forward this season."

Savvy reporters, such as yours truly, have circumvented this attempt at hype diffusion by speaking with Chokolate Saks' agent, Mark Lukowitz.

"Yes, I can confirm that there has been considerable offers tendered to the Wildcards for the acquisition of my client, Mr. Saks, and his teammate, Mr. Al Fernando. Speaking on behalf of Mr. Saks, I assure Wildcards fans that these negotiations will have no detrimental effect on his focus and/or performance on any games he may have remaining with the team. He would like to assure his fans that as long as he is a Wildcard, he is dedicated to the team - for however long that may be."