Not So Fast, Dodger Fans

It’s been a happy last couple months in Dodgertown. Matt Kemp is signed for years to come, Clayton Kershaw will hopefully follow suit in the near future, and He Who Must Not Be Named has agreed to sell the team. Everything is blue skies, bubble gum and joy.

But not so fast Dodger fans. Your happiness could be short-lived.

Guess who might be lurking around Dodger Stadium for years to come, creeping in the shadows of our parking lots waiting to take your money. None other than the man who has made your baseball-loving lives miserable for the last few years. Mr. I Pretend to Love Los Angeles When All I Really Love is Myself McCourt.

According to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times, McCourt can sell the lots to one of the prospective bidders, or he can keep the land to try to develop it.

In my humble (hopeful) opinion, I think McCourt is planning to use the lots to get as much money out of bidders as possible. He knows that no one wants him involved in anything Dodgers-related ever again, and will use that to his advantage.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed. We’ve all seen just how ugly things can get when McCourt is involved.


Dodgers Settle Lawsuit With Fox

Well, folks. It seems as if the last hurdle has been cleared. The Dodgers have settled their lawsuit with Fox, getting rid of the last big issue in the way of selling the team.

In a statement from the Dodgers posted on ESPNLA:

“This agreement is a significant step towards a successful sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers,” the team said in a statement. “It resolves all of the parties’ differences relating to the telecast rights agreement with Fox. This consensual resolution of all disputes between the Debtors and Fox will enable the sale of the Dodgers to proceed forward, free of any uncertainty relating to the various issues under dispute, with the continued objective of maximizing value for the Debtors and their estates.”

I can’t believe it’s really happening. McCourt is almost gone, and the real journey of healing this franchise can begin. It sure has been a rough ride.


Welcome Back, Joe?

Joe Torre wants to be back in Los Angeles. And can you blame the man?

He has officially resigned from his position with MLB to pursue ownership of the Dodgers, along with Los Angeles-based real estate developer Rick Caruso.

I, previously was not a huge fan of Caruso owning the team (please no shopping malls at Dodger Stadium), but with Torre added to the mix, I could come around to the idea.

Torre does know baseball, arguably better than most, and Caruso does have some pretty deep pockets, to the tune of upwards of $1.7 billion. Maybe these guys could make a good team…

… Or maybe they’ll just be added to the pile of SIXTEEN publicly known groups vying for ownership of this Dodgers franchise.


Another Day, Another Suitor

The big news on the Dodgers horizon today is that billionaire Steven Cohen is interested in purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cohen had previously attempted to purchase a share of the Mets, but has now set his sites on full ownership of the Dodgers.

Cohen is an East Coast hedge fund executive. I’m loving the idea of his deep pockets, but not the whole East Coast financial executive thing. I’m still on Team Magic Johnson.

For more information on Cohen and his potential bid, click here.


Dear Santa, Please Help the Dodgers

Dear Santa,

I need a favor. I know you’re a bit busy with the billions of children in the world and all, but I could use your help. Rather, my team could use your help this holiday season.

You see, the Dodgers need another bat in their lineup. Matt Kemp is one of the best hitters in the game, but he’s not a miracle worker (Not like you are, Santa). And with the way this Dodgers franchise has been headed the last few years, we need a miracle.

Can you help us, Santa? The miracle I had in mind comes in the form of a 5’11” 275 lb. first basemen named Prince. Yes, the Prince who hit 38 homeruns last season and came in third in the National League MVP race. Not only would Fielder fit in well with the Dodgers lineup, he could help Matt Kemp carry this Dodgers franchise into the playoffs and beyond for years to come. His price tag is way over what the Dodgers can afford… but that’s where you come in.

So what do you say, Santa? Can you look deep down in your Christmas Sack and pull out a Christmas miracle for us Dodger fans? Despite all that red you wear, I know you bleed Dodge Blue.

Thanks in advance,

Clare


No, No, No. James Loney Arrested After Car Crash

Dodgers first basemen James Loney was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after an accident on the 101 Freeway November 14th. He allegedly passed out at the scene after side swiping three cars. I have a hard time believing this. For the whole story check out ESPNLosAngeles.


Bring Back the Magic

I want Magic Johnson to be a part of the Dodgers. Call me a bleary-eyed believer. Call me delusional. Call me whatever. But I believe he could be just what this franchise needs to return to glory.

I get it… he’s considered a basketball guy who doesn’t know baseball. But he’s also a savvy businessman, a long-time resident of Los Angeles, and arguably the most beloved athlete this city has ever called its own.

And guess what, folks? Magic Johnson wants to be a part of the Dodgers. A big part. Ownership big.

What this Dodgers Franchise really needs is someone who cares about the city, has deep pockets, knows baseball, and knows how to win. Magic covers two of those bases better than anyone. The other two will be covered by Stan Kasten, former president of the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, and Mark Walter – moneybags to the tune of $125 billion. ESPN

Can you imagine free agents being recruited by THE Magic Johnson? Is there anyone better in the world to sell people on the city of Angels and the lifestyle it provides for athletes? No. There honestly isn’t. And now imagine Magic backed by a deep pocket book and a baseball mind. This dream scenario could be in our near-future as Dodger fans.

I believe in this Dodgers franchise. And I believe that Magic Johnson is the perfect man to help restore our storied franchise to its former glory.


Ellis and Treanor: Welcome to Los Angeles!

Photo courtesy of Keith Allison

Photo courtesy of Keith Allison

Welcome to the ball club Mark Ellis and Matt Treanor!

The Dodgers announced today that they have signed second basemen Mark Ellis and catcher Matt Treanor.

Ellis will take over the role of the Dodgers everyday second basemen. His contract is for two years and $8.75 million. He is considered to be a solid defensive second basemen, and will provide some reliability in the center of the infield.

Treanor will be making $850,000 this season, and will serve as the backup catcher to AJ Ellis. The veteran catcher isn’t much of an offensive threat, but should prove to be solid defensively.

Hopefully these two can provide a spark for the 2012 Dodgers.


Dodger For Life? Matt Kemp and Dodgers Near Massive Deal

Matt Kemp is here to stay, ladies and gentlemen. According to Buster Olney, Kemp is close to signing an eight year, $160 million contract with the ball club.

Have you passed out yet? I have.

This would be the largest deal in Dodgers franchise history, surpassing the Kevin Brown deal of 1998.

I have no idea where this money is coming from, or how it’s possible to offer such a huge contract when the ownership situation is in such a state of flux. But I’m questioning nothing. I’ll be holding my breathe until the deal is actually signed.

 


So Long, Frank! McCourt Agrees to Sell

REJOICE! REJOICE! HALLELUJAH! The skies have parted and the sun is shining brightly upon Dodger Stadium!

Frank McCourt has finally agreed to sell the Dodgers along with the Stadium and its surrounding property.

In a joint news release, the Dodgers and Major League Baseball said:

“The Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball announced that they have agreed today to a court-supervised process to sell the team and its attendant media rights in a manner designed to realize maximum value for the Dodgers and their owner, Frank McCourt. The Blackstone Group LP will manage the sale process.”

At this point… I have no words. All I can say tonight is Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Yippeee! Wooooooooo!