DODGERS The ongoing OWNERSHIP Thread

A Jack Webb thread hijacking? Cool. "Just the facts, ma'am."

 

Well, what about Dan Akroyd?

 

Must see TV

 

Badge 714. Ben Alexander. Colonel Potter.

 

We still need to see the deal but I think MLB will assume the team on 4-2 in that case......

They wouldn't have left anything to chance with FUCKFACE.

 

This is a rough attempt to establish what has happened since McCourt took the helm. There may be mistakes. They are all mine.


In 2003, McCourt buys the Dodgers despite being upside in terms of monies. After having failed to acquire the Redsox, Rays, and Angels, McCourt went after the Dodgers after learning from Selig that FOX was intent on selling them as quickly as possible. The Makeup of the deal was one of broken promises and hyperbole. In short, McCourt should not have even been at the table to purchase a ballclub much less one of the caliber of the LA Ddogers

In 2003, the Dodgers record was 85 and 77. McCourt purchased the Dodgers and announced that all GM/Managers positions were open to discussion. He asked that all managers reapply for their own jobs. Evans did so. He was replaced by Paul DePodesta. Believing that he could run a decent team in the fashion of Billy Beane's Oakland A's, McCourt attempted to moneyball the Dodgers. This means, in essence, short on money while acquiring good players for cheap using Saber techniques. It was rumored that Dan Evans had a contract in place for Vlad Guerrero. According to multiple reports, Selig and McCourt killed the deal in order to ensure the transition was smooth and not more costly.

The Dodgers were lacking in the offense department during this time period. However, with the acquisition of Shawn Green, it looked as if the Dodgers would be turning it around. Had the Dodgers acquired Guerrero, it is likely they would have been in a very good position offensively. Also on the roster was a young Adrian Beltre who looked to be the offensive leader of the future.

Despite being in first place for most of the season, DePodesta traded Loduca, Mota, and Encarncion for Hee-Seop Choice, Brad Penny, and Bill Murphy. Murphy was then added to Koyie Hill and Reggie Abercrombie for Steve Finley and Brent Mayne. In the following moths, Choi would be ineffective, Penny would be injured constantly, and Finley would struggle offensively.

Despite making the playoffs, many analysts believed that the Dodgers had actually made a trade that negatively affected the team in terms of talent.

In 2004, the Dodgers went on to win the division with a record of 93 and 69. However, the lost in the first round of the playoffs. During the 2004 campaign, it was rumored that despite putting up decent numbers, Green had a shoulder injury. Also due to financial constraints, Green agreed to change his contract to acquire better players. However, because of a personal issue, McCourt was insisting that Green be traded. The one bright spot of this season was the surge of MVP candidate Beltre. Despite a promise to resign the young 3rd baseman, he was let to go to free agency. Later, Beltre would dispute the claims by Dodger management that they were in contact with him. He also suggested that he would have taken less money to play for the team that brought him up. Green was also traded to the Diamondbacks with the Dodgers paying approximately 10million dollars. In return, the Dodgers received Duaner Navarro--a supposedly offensive-minded catcher.

****Hole at third for years

The following offseason, DePodesta acquired J.D. Drew, Derk Lowe, Paul Bako, Mike Edwards, Jose Valentin, Nakamura, Odalis Perez, and Jeff Kent. Notably, due to a lack of protection, Shane Victorino was taken by the Phillies in the rule five draft. In essence, the likes of Jason Grawbowski and Miked Edwards cost the Dodgers a pretty good centerfielder. Also of note, Milton Bradley was acquired from Cleveland for two midlevel prospects. And, a pitcher named Joakim Soria was allowed to seek work elsewhere.

Despite the complete team overhaul, the 2005 season was a disaster. With a record of 71 and 91, the Dodgers were the 6th worst team in baseball. In draft, the Dodgers would again try to sign Luke Hochever but were rebuffed due to price.

Following this season, manager Jim Tracy was shown the door as was his boss Paul DePodesta. In their place were Ned Colletti and former Redsox skipper, Grady Little--best known for his Pedro Martinez debacle that helped the Redsox collapse in the playoffs.

In Colletti's first offseason, he signed Furcal to shore up ss and provide a leadoff player. He signed Garciapara to play first (another hole). He also signed Kenny Lofton to play centerfield and Bill Mueller to play third. Garciaparra and Lofton would play well for the Dodgers but Mueller was sidelined with injury and eventually moved to the front office. Because of onfield and clubhouse issues, Milton Bradley was traded (along with Antonio Perez who never reached the star potential sworn by DePodesta) for Andre Ethier on a scout's advice.

This group led the Dodgers to a playoff birth by securing the Wild Card with a 88-74 record.

Despite what looked promising, Colletti made two moves in the offseason that would haunt the Dodgers for years. Colletti signed Juan Pierre to a enormous contract in an effort to steer him away from his former employer, the Giants. He also signed Jason Schmidt despite (as it was found later) knowing that he had a serious injury to his pitching arm. The former would play decently well for the Dodgers but would not be the offensive force the Dodgers needed. The latter would pitch only six games the entire length of the contract. Colletti also signed Luis Gonzales to a large contract despite his declining numbers and rumors of PEDs. Little would be accused of playing veterans over youth despite this obvious decline. This, among other issues, led to the dismissal of Grady Little.

Also happening during this time was McCourt's insistence on short contracts with deferred money. This would later have a very negative impact on the Dodgers ability to work in the offseason. Also notable was the offensive provided by a minor league outfielder named Cody Ross. Despite showing power in his at-bats and his addition of offense to an anemic offense, Ross was trade to the Reds for a terrible prospect. This was done in an effort to protect other players in the rule five draft. Also worth mentioning was the signing of Japanese free agent, Saito--who would later become the closer for the Dodgers.

Due the club's poor showing the previous year, the club was able to sign Clayton Kershaw with the 7th overall pick. During the division race of this year, Izturis was traded for pitcher Greg Maddux who would resign in the offseason.

During the 2007 campaign, free agents Shea Hillabrand, David Wells, and Estaban Loaiza were signed for a playoff run. Mike Sweeney was also trade for in exchange for minor leaguer Travis Denker. JD Drew, despite finally putting up numbers akin to his contract, elected to pursue free agency and seek a better deal. Many suspected that overtures were made to Scott Boris by the Boston Redsox but the allegations were not able to be proven. Thus creating an offense hole that was in need of filling.

After the resignation of Grady Little, Joe Torre was signed after his dispute with the New York Yankees. During the offseason, in an attempt to add offense, Andruw Jones was signed to a large contract with much of the money deferred. This contract was a direct effect of JD Drew's departure and the offensive hole created. Also signed were Hiroki Kuroda and Chan Ho Park. Both of whom would be especially helpful in revitalizing a terrible pitching staff.

During the 2008 campaign, the additions of youth seemed to be helping the aging veterans. Loney, Ethier, and Martin appeared to be the stars of the future. However, because of the hole at 3rd base, more offense was needed. Colletti trade Jonathan Meloan and catching upstart Carlos Santana for Casey Blake. In the original deal, the cost for Blake was merely Meloan plus the 2 million remaining on Blake's contract. However, due to financial constraints, Santana was added in place of the 2 million. Because of the return usually received for an offensive-minded catcher. the Santana trade was lambasted by many. During this offseason, CC Sabathia made intimations of wanting to play in Los Angeles. However, the Dodgers front office never attempted to contact the free agent.

Also, in an attempt to create more offense, Manny Ramirez was traded for in a three-team deal involving the Pirates and Redsox. It was later learned that not only was this deal in the last minute, the Dodgers were brought in because a matchup between the Pirates and Redsox was unable to happen. Thanks, in large part, to the offense provided by Ramirez in the last two months of the season, the Dodgers won the NL West. However, they were eliminated in the 2nd round by the Phillies. Of note was the trade of Andruw Jones to the Whitesox with the Dodgers absorbing about 85 percent of the contract.

 

Preparing for the 2009 season, the Dodgers gave contracts to Furcal, Blake, and Ramirez. The former would be hurt for most of the season, Blake would prove quite valuable, and Ramirez would be suspended for 50 games due to a league violation. Ramirez would also show signs for fatigue. During this playoff push, the Dodgers traded for Ronnie Belliard, Jim Thome, and Jon Garland. Belliard and Garland would be instrumental in the last few months of the season but Thome's body would not be able to sustain him during this period. The Dodgers would go the playoffs with a 95 and 66 record. The would, again, be eliminated from the playoffs by the Phillies. It was during this time that the owner, Frank McCourt went to the media and stated that he was filing for divorce from his wife.

Following the divorce announcement, the Dodger finances were beginning to be made public. Because the Dodgers had failed to sign premier free agents and were continually deferring payments to players, fans and other owners were becoming angry with the franchise.

Following the season, Pierre would be traded to the Whitesox for pitchers Ely and Link. Because of his strong showing in the final two months of the season, Belliard was given a contract. Also signed for offensive purposes were Reed Johnson and Brian Giles. However, Giles retired two months later. Also signed were Doug Mientkiewicz and catcher Brad Ausmis. Both would be injured during the season missing significant time. Ironically, this would be the first injury of Ausmis' career. Also added to the roster due to the loss of Giles was Garrett Anderson. It should be noted that during this time many in Los Angeles and across the country were noticing two patterns. First, McCourt was continually raising ticket prices on all items contrasting the lack of premier free agents signed to a team in need of help. Also worth noting was the retirement of Jeff Kent. Due to his age and injuries and the surge of Belliard in July, Kent was played much less in favor of the younger Belliard.

The 2010 season was one of anger and disappointment. More information about misspent revenue and outlandish lifestyles were becoming public. The team played to their expectations. Horrid. Despite continual promises by management, premier players continued to avoid the LA area. Finally, due in large part to the record of the Dodgers coupled with annoyance with the ownership, Joe Torre announced his retirement. Don Mattingley was given the helm. In the end, the Dodgers limped to a record of 80-82. In an ironic twist of fate, Manny Ramirez was traded to the Whitesox for cash considerations. In essence, the Whitesox outfield of Ramirez, Pierre, and Jones were all previous Dodger outfielders. Toward the end of the terrible season, MLB made the decision to investigate the McCourts and the reports that they were not only mismanaging the Dodgers but were also siphoning monies from the team. Many suspect that Torre was the person whispering in the ear of Selig after he was given a position in the MLB front office. Worth noting is McCourt's insistence that he could become financially viable if given the opportunity to pursue another television deal with FOX or one of their competitors. In fact a deal was in place which MLB denied due to the terms. Further, FOX threatened to sue McCourt should be pursue another media contract while under exclusive negotiating rights with themselves.

 

After the 2010 season, Colletti acquired free agents Jaime Carroll, Aaron Miles, Mike MacDougal, Matt Guerrer, Eugenio Velez, Dionar Navarro, Vincinte Padilla, Rod Barajas, and Juan Uribe. Sadly, long time catcher Russell Martin was granted free agency when he could not come to terms with the Dodgers. Colletti argued that due to Martin's injury and declining numbers, he was unable to pay the catcher for possibly being unable to catch. However, Martin, in an attempt to make a point, took less money from the Yankees and walked.

The 2011 season was not much better than the previous one. The highlights of the season were notable. Kemp showed himself to be among the elite offensive players in basbeall. Kershaw won 21 games and took the triple crown for the NL in pitching. Carroll and Miles (colloquially known as the Midget Militia had career years. On the other hand, Uribe had a more than forgettable year. During the first half of the season, Ethier appeared to be leading the Dodgers into obscurity. While hitting a 32 game hitting streak, he slowly began losing his power and avg. Lost for some of the season due to two injuries, the offense was primarily Kemp. And, he produced--big time. However, in an effort to countermand the investigation by MLB, McCourt filed for bankruptcy. As a way of protest against the horridly cheap owner, fans began to boycott. Dodger stadium became a ghost of its former self. At the midpoint of the season, Furcal was traded to the soon to be World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. However, Kuroda refused to waive his no-trade clause.

Despite the loss of Ethier and Uribe, the Dodgers began to show signs of life in the second half. This winning allowed the Dodgers to avoid having their first back to back losing seasons in franchise history. In the end, the Dodgers managed to reach the plateau of 82 and 79 record.

Finally, during the 2012 offseason, Frank McCourt announced he would sell the Dodgers to a bidder agreed upon by MLB and the bankruptcy court. And here we are.....

 

Like. Can't read it yet, but I am looking forward to it. Props SDF.

 

Just read it. Had some extra time. Good read but brings back BAD MEMORIES! hahaha Fucking McDOuche.

 

why wouldn't the creditors just get less?

 

I don't think Gross will do anything to help FUCKFACE at the expense of the creditors until they agree to take less, just to get paid, and no one has AFAIK.

 

Despite the historically pathetic end, there were definitely some magical moments during his reign. I'll try to remember those more than the bad.

 

nice, accurate write up.

 

MLB had to do what ever they did to get McCourt to agree to sell. The fact they agreed to stay out of the media dispute makes me wonder what else Frank got to put the team up for sale.

 

Thanks for the work!