It's the second week of Spring Training games and normally Dodger fans would be excited about Opening Day, Dodger Dogs and Vin Scully. But while the Dodgers open up in San Diego on Thursday April 5th, April 1st will mean more than April Fools Day to many who wear the Blue.

April 1st, is the day where Frank McCourt must name the buyer of the Los Angeles Dodgers. And while this isn't news to anyone reading this now, I have been surprised that since McCourt and MLB reached their settlement and set these deadlines, there have been no delays.

That speaks to three things, how much Selig wanted McCourt out, how much Frank needs to collect the cash and having a number of motivated buyers.

Now an article in Forbes says the following:

A person familiar with the meetings held today between seven groups bidding for Frank McCourt's Dodgers and Major League Baseball said the league's owners were impressed with offers: billionaire hedge fund titan Steve Cohenand agent Art Tellem; Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten; billionaire St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke; Memphis Grizzlies billionaire owner Michael Heisley and investor Tony Ressler and Stanley Gold, chief executive officer of Shamrock Holdings, the investment company of the family of the late Roy Disney.

The highest bid per the article was the one from the Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten group at $1.6 Billion. However per sources, the owners were impressed by hedge fund billionaire (and soon-to-be minority share owner of the New York Mets) Steve Cohen, whose $1.4 Billion bid reportedly included $900 Million equity. All told, the five bids are only separated by $300 Million.

Anyone who has been following this story knows that Dodger fans want Frank to sell everything related to the team but he made a deal in 2005 to separate the Dodgers and the stadium from the land where the parking lots sit. And even though Frank took the Dodgers to bankruptcy, he did not put the parking lot land in with the team. And neither the Court nor MLB has required him to do so.

One of the original bidders, Rick Caruso and Joe Torre's group took themselves out a few weeks ago using McCourt's stand to hold on that property has the reason. Now, it could be that Caruso wasn't going to be able to put together the financing or maybe "The Grove" man wanted to build his own mall on the parking lots.

Some fans hoped that the rest of the potential buyers would challenge Frank's stance but the Forbes story said that all five bids did not include the parking lots.

I think MLB will end up approving three bidders, Magic/Kasten, Steve Cohen and Stan Kroenke. Where this deal goes from there wil be left to the man who many thought would be happy to step away from his legal troubles with a million or two, now it seems that he will have a nine-figure payout plus another parking lot with an annual multi-millon revenue stream.

I just hope he will continue to work on building those Dream Fields.

Update Per LA Times:

Major League Baseball is expected to reject two bid groups — one led by Shamrock Holdings chief Stanley Gold and the family of the late Roy Disney, the other led by former YES Network chief Leo Hindery and Colony Capital chairman Tom Barrack — before submitting the four remaining bidders to a vote of all 30 owners next week. The plans were confirmed by two people familiar with the sale process but not authorized to discuss it.

Here's a weekend game to play, just received my copy of the 2012 Baseball America Prospect book so here's the game you loved to play last year, name the top 30 (and 31st) Dodger prospects by the hints I give.

Now, last month, BA published the Dodger top ten prospects so I will give their grades and risks (described here) that BA is using in the book.

1. RHP Zach Lee - 60/Medium

2. RHP Allen Webster - 55/Medium

3. RHP Nate Eovaldi - 55/Medium

4. OF Alfredo Silverio - 55/Medium

5. LHP Chris Reed - 55/Medium

6. RHP Garrett Gould - 55/Medium

7. RHP Chris Withrow - 55/High

9. OF Joc Pederson - 50/High

10. Tim Federowicz - 45/Low

11. Raw, strong defense - 50/High

12. Power arm, no mechanical issues, potential no. 3 - 50/High

13. Above-average power, struggles to maintain consistency - 50/Extreme

14. Sits 90-93, touches 94, projectable frame - 50/High

15. Herky-jerky delivery, ceiling as a set up man - 50/High

16. Incomplete season - 50/High

17. Lack of command but array of promising pitches - 55/Extreme

18. Young, intriguing tools - 50/High

19. Potential for average power, above average speed and good arm - 45/Medium

20. Draws comparison to another player with one of his names - 45/Medium

21. Solid power to all fields, adequate defensively - 45/Medium

22. Gap power may not equal HR, lacks speed and athleticism - 45/Medium

23. Better pure stuff than his brother - 50/Extreme

24. Troncoso replacement (my words) - 45/High

25. Good pitch recognition skills, more raw than usual for his position - 45/High

26. He's still here (my words) - 40/Low

27. Nothing flashy about his game, consistent defender - 40/Medium

28. Size may be an issue, contact-oriented approach - 45/High

29. Sound swing, generates plus bat speed, defense is fine - 45/High

30. Above-average power, test will be next level - 45/High

31. Former intern - 45/High

Real Estate developers are not new as owners of Los Angeles sports franchises. Both local NBA teams were purchased by men who made their fortunes in developing property. And, while Frank McCourt may not had actually ever developed anything, real estate was his vehicle to at least prop up his net value.

Ironically, one of the things that never came to pass with McCourt ownership was the development of property around Dodger Stadium, even though many thought that was one a key reason why McCourt wanted to buy the club back in 2004.

In a few weeks, we should learn who the serious players are in this game of Who Will Be the Next Owner of the Dodgers. I am fairly sure that the one of them will be a group headlined by former Dodger manager Joe Torre and shopping mall developer Rick Caruso.

Both Torre and Caruso have name recognition in Los Angeles. Torre, who would be in line as perhaps Dodger president, does bring many years of experience and while his managing skills were often debated, he is certainly both well liked and respected by baseball and media people both throughout the country and here in Los Angeles.

Rick Caruso was born and raised in Los Angeles, earned his bachelors at USC and his law degree from Pepperdine. His company's signature property is The Grove and Caruso's net worth has been estimated from 800M to 1.2 Billion. It is probably safe to say that most of that is tied into his company and real property holdings and not easily converted into liquid capital.

Bill Shaikin reported that Torre and Caruso would be working with investment banker Byron Trott. Trott's presence certainly confirms that if Torre and Caruso are involved, the deal will either be heavily financed or that multiple partners will be included.

The fact that the next buyer will have to borrow money to buy the Dodgers should not be surprising or even unexpected. Few people have hundreds of millions available in cash and one could even argue that with interest rates so low, if you can get the financing, why not borrow the money.

The next owner will have to be able to show both MLB and Dodger fans that they have money available to both improve the team on the field, player development for the system and the fan's experience at Dodger Stadium. Of course, all Frank McCourt will want to know is will that owner be able to pay him the amount he wants for the team.

The next few months will be interesting to see how it plays out.

For a long time now, I thought that the end game for Frank McCourt was to have MLB cut a deal with him whereas he would end up with additional compensation on top of the sales price for the Dodgers.

Think about it, from October 2009 to the present, what has been Frank McCourt's worse case scenario.  Selling the team and splitting the proceeds with his former wife.

Today, with their settlement in hand, that remains the worst case scenario, he could go down the bankruptcy court trail and still end up selling the team and having to pay Jamie off like one of his creditors.

We all know by now, that Frank McCourt never met a courtroom he was afraid of or an amount of time too long to get what he thinks is his price, if he loses, so be it, that is the cost of doing business.

So now, a week before the probable final set of hearings that would probably decide his fate one way or another would the Court agree to continue the trial another month.

MLB has made a last second move to avoid the possible precedents if this case goes forward.  McCourt has no need to postpone it, on the contrary, the sooner this decision is made, the sooner he can begin his reorganization plan.  But MLB had not much to win and a lot more to lose if something were to go wrong.

Predicting what a judge will do is like picking the 8/9 seeded game in the NCAA tournament, it may look easy but something could happen to flip it.  MLB rests on precedents set nearly a century ago and I don't think they want to risk a fresh set of legal eyes seeing if their business practices are relevant and necessary in the 21st Century.

So, MLB reached out and said what would it take to avoid all this unnecessary litigation and get you satisfied and the Dodgers sold.

All of this is based on supposition, maybe Frank caved in first.

But regardless, if a deal is reached, don't be surprised if the terms "confidential settlement" is involved.  Now some of this may have to come out since the bankruptcy is public and all the creditors will have to be satisfied.

I will not be surprised if Thanksgiving comes and this matter is still open but I think there is a chance, we will be busy figuring the net worth of some potential owners then too. 

The story has gotten a lot of play since Saturday night but the issue remains, Ethier has had an knee issue all year and it finally began to really bother him on the last road trip.

Continue reading this post »

Judge Gross issued his ruling today and the main thing you should take away from that is that there will be no more concerns about payroll, Vin Scully not being paid or Manny standing by the Dodger entrance with his hands out.

MLB will provide funding starting at $150M but they have said there is more there if needed. 

The second thing you should take away, MLB is not going to make any rash moves to show any intent to take over the Dodgers.  In fact, it is doubtful they will insist to have their monitor reinstated at this point.  Primarily, this is because the Court is really the monitor when it comes to big ticket items, they will make sure that the creditors get paid and not Frank McCourt.

MLB likes the threat of its best interest in baseball power but only when they know no one will challenge it.  And since this power has not been tested in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court, I don't think they are in any hurry to see if it holds up under scrutiny.

So MLB will provide the funding (that McCourt wanted from them a few months ago but could not get then) but the last pitch may be thrown in August when the parties convene to hear arguments that the Dodgers should not only be allowed to circumvent MLB rules by having the Court give them the power to auction off their media rights, this would also conflict with the Dodgers existing contract with Fox.

That seems too high a hurdle to pass, especially since the Court may feel that there should be enough money available to both take care of the creditors and pay back MLB if McCourt's interests are excluded from this equation.

While I can see an end game, I still unsure of how the Court gets there.  Selling the team to make the creditors whole is certainly an option but the Dodgers will argue they can achieve that and still own their business if they can sell the TV rights.  MLB's argument will be those rights will be undervalued if sold now (and also but I don't know how they can raise this, if those rights are sold, the team's potential sales price drops).

As it has been throughout this saga, if McCourt ever decided to just leave and sell, I think MLB would do everything possible to get him paid off and even run the team for a few months while conducting the sale.  At this point, I can see MLB being in charge next season but a new buyer seems unlikely.

So stay tuned but relax for the rest of the month, the next big day in Court will be in August. 

While some of you are on your way to work, a hearing with multiple attorneys earning hundreds of dollars per hour will be in front of Judge Kevin Gross to resolve a crucial point for Frank McCourt.

I could bore you with a review of the legal arguments and strategy but it boils down to this, Frank McCourt is intent on doing one thing, keeping the Dodgers and if he has to drag down MLB to do that, so be it.

The filing of the Chapter 11 action really doesn't matter to McCourt because the worst case, he walks away with parting gifts and a ticket out of town.  But if he wins, not only does he keep his team, he ends with the last laugh over Commissioner Bud Selig.

A little detail about what is being discussed today, it is not about MLB taking over the Dodgers and pushing McCourt pursuant to the MLB Constitution and Bylaws.  Today's hearing is what is known in litigation as a Motion to Compel.  Motions to Compel are filed by a party who is requesting the Court to order a party or other witness to produce evidence, either documents or oral testimony.  As a rule, Courts don't like to see these motions, they would rather the parties work things out on their own.  But once the Court makes a decision, it is generally the last word, appellate courts will almost always defer to the trial court on these issues.

The Court could sidestep the Motion to Compel by ruling that the issues raised by McCourt are premature and the only matter in front of the Court presently is the DIP financing issue so all discovery (documents turned over, depositions) will be limited to that. 

But I think the Court realizes the magnitude of what is going on and it may decide to either end this fishing expedition or they will decide that it wants to see more information.  If that happens, Bud may not show up in Phoenix because he will be busy prepping for a deposition.

Both sides have hired the top lawyers in both bankruptcy matters and sports law.  Two of MLB's lawyers represented the group that eventually won the rights to buy the Texas Rangers.   Not only does McCourt have some of the top bankruptcy attorneys, one of his lawyers is probably one of the five best sports law attorneys in the country, he has represented the three major player's associations while also being the lead lawyer in some of the most important antitrust cases in the last 35 years.

As much as I would enjoy seeing MLB squirm about turning over the requested information, the Court finding for MLB will probably force McCourt to make a last ditch move when the time comes for MLB to take over the team.  He/ll never have a better chance than what he has now with Judge Kevin Gross.  But I think Kevin Gross has one more win for the fans of the Dodgers.

Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw became the 4th and 5th players drafted by Logan White to be voted on or selected as an NL All-Star.  The only NL team to sign and develop as many as 4 players is the Brewers and while Fielder, Weeks and Braun are great players, note that lowest player picked in that group was Fielder at 7th overall in 2002 (Weeks was 2nd overall in 2003 and Braun was 5th overall in 2005).  The Brewers other signed and developed player since 2002 was Gallardo.

The Red Sox also have had 5 All-Star players who were signed and developed since 2002, Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury.

The Diamondbacks and Rockies have drafted and developed one All-Star player apiece since 2002, Justin Upton (2005, first overall) and Troy Tulowitzki (2005, 7th overall pick). 

The Padres have not signed and developed an All-Star player since Jake Peavy (15th Round pick in 1999).  The Giants have 3 players, Matt Cain, 2002, First Round, 25th overall, Brian Wilson, 2003, 24th round and Tim Lincecum 2006, First Round 10th overall.

BTW, the 2005 first round has had 6 All-Stars (all position players, 5 college) and that doesn't include Andrew McCutchen (who is trying to be the first Pirate player drafted and developed as an All-Star in 2000s and Ricky Romero.

Finally, All-Star game selections are subjective and in some cases (though not with the Dodgers over the past several years) requirement to pick one player from each team skews this kind of review.

I enjoy learning about history, if I am not watching a live sports event, I am likely to be watching a documentary or some other show about the past.  History in fact does repeat itself, the names may change, the circumstances slightly different but what was wrong in 1600 is still wrong today.

I am not sure if I became a Dodger fan first or a baseball fan, it was pretty close and probably the reason I became a Dodger fan was based solely on the fact was that they were the local team.  But I always loved baseball, in particular the history of it.

I would read everything I could get hold of, I loved straight baseball history books, biographies, and current magazines and newspaper stories.  When I bought my first Baseball Encyclopedia, it was probably the most I ever spent on a book and I loved to look at those numbers and absorb them.   Baseball cards continued this fascination as well as teaching me the proper names of my favorite players.

I write this prelude to explain my fascination with the drama that is Frank McCourt vs Bud Selig.  I will start off by saying that I am ready to see Frank move on, if only to see what MLB does next and who they approve to be the owner.  But prior to that, I would also love to see Frank press this battle on in every venue that he can get to because I want to see the answers to some questions:

1.  What is the criteria for implementing the best interest in baseball clause and why was it used in this case?

2.  Does MLB have the right to insist a certain percentage of revenues be put back into the business, if so why can't there be a team owned by non-profit entity with a named representative which could ensure that all monies are spent on the team?

3.  Should MLB bar individuals from owning teams so if the team itself cannot be part of a property dispute?

In the end, I doubt any of my questions will be answered.

Why I said this was a history lesson was because, I think professional sports leagues know that even though they often have some sort of protection from being sued either by contract or by an anti-trust exemption, they also know that it is not wise to leave a neutral party in charge in making a decision that can determine your business. 

MLB learned this when they lost the reserve clause, the NBA when Spencer Haywood basically changed how their draft worked and the NFL is going through those pains right now.

Bud may have an airtight case but it may not be enough to stop Frank from gathering evidence like other team's financial records or producing embarrassing testimony from baseball officials. 

Remember Frank is getting paid ultimately regardless if he goes to Court or not, MLB and Bud have everything to lose and nothing to gain by letting it get there.

So while my focus will always be on the play on the field, off the field action will be interesting to me too.

Okay, so it is not a night game, it is one of those mid afternoon specials that Fox is scheduling for regional TV broadcast.

But that just means a game probably ending some daylight and possible post-game gatherings.

So here's how it works, please comment below and tell me how many tickets you will be using, I am going for Infield Reserve at $20 per seat.

I cannot promise anything else besides the game and getting to see and buy Mr. Stephen a drink but there might be something else going on pre-game.  But that depends on the turnout.

So let me know and I will update this post as necessary.

The Dodgers left Los Angeles to embark on a 3 city road trip against the best in the NL West.  2-3 is not a good record but considering they lost the first two in Colorado with Kershaw and Billingsley on the mound, it is not that bad.

Offensively, the team is still not operating that well, with not much from Loney, Uribe and catching spots.  But then it is only a 2 week sample.  Pitching has basically been okay though there was only one really good start this week.

Player of the Week:  Hiroki Kuroda, going 8 2/3 scoreless innings in a game where they were going to be short-handed in the game.

This week is part of a 20 straight game streak, which will change how Mattingly approaches the bullpen.  The starters will need to go longer.

Their next 3 opponents have gotten off to slow starts, Giants, Cardinals and Braves but they all have good pitching and the Cardinals and Braves have done well against the Dodgers in the past couple of years.

The biggest surprise or at least most unexpected, Tony Gwynn, Jr. who has had gotten some big hits and showed good defense in LF.

I still think 12-8 would be a great record to have after this stretch against the Giants, Braves and Cardinals.  they can do that but will need a really good week to make it happen.

Bill Shaikin wrote a nice story summing up what could happen if the McCourts settle their divorce.

His key point was this one:

Under this new deal, McCourt would abandon — or at least defer for many years — his dream of a Dodgers cable channel, in exchange for a fair-market payment from Fox.

Better than fair, perhaps — in the neighborhood of $3 billion over 20 years, which would more than triple the Dodgers' annual television revenue. Fox is agnostic about McCourt, but the Dodgers became a must-keep team the second the Lakers fled to Time Warner.

McCourt would ask Selig for his blessing, arguing that the deal would provide plenty of money to settle the divorce, manage the Dodgers' debt and improve the team and the stadium.

And then we would find out just how badly Selig wants McCourt out.

Folks that is 150 million a year, with probable advances to pay off Jamie and reduce debt load.

I for one was never a big believer in the Dodger Network anyway, so this does seem like a way out for Frank and Jamie.

The question remains, what will Bud do if it goes to him for approval.

Now, I know Eric does these reviews and I am not going step on that, but here some thoughts.

Player movement - it is a small sample size but Ivan De Jesus may be able to make the first series in AAA after collecting his first major league per diem.   I would option him down when Blake comes back, I think that is what team wanted any way.  If they need someone to fill in at 2B for a longer period, he can come back but he doesn't fit right now.

The next move is probably this weekend in San Diego when the Dodgers use their 5th starter for the first time, and while its a great story, I think Hector will get DFAed and the Dodgers will keep Ellis until Navarro comes back.  If Hector clears waivers and the Dodgers can send him to AAA to share the load with Ellis, that would be okay with me.

I'll address the other moves as they emerge.

The things I am pleased with so far:

1.  Kershaw, Bills and Kuroda  were all successful, Kershaw being a candidate (Lee will probably get it) for NL Pitcher of the Week.

2.  Matt Kemp is having a good start but more importantly, seems to be really comfortable this year (from what I can tell).

3.  Furcal is moving really well, even if he only plays 4-5 times a week, that will be great for the team, he must stay healthy.

4.  Broxton 3 for 3 in saves, maddening at times yes but still doing the job.

5.  Donnie not making any really bad moves yet.

Concerns:

Some but not for now.

Later.  BHS

Hi everyone, tomorrow morning at 10:00 there will be several bake sales going in the Los Angeles area

I will be at the Culver City location, mention TBLA, I will buy one extra item

la bakesale locations

akasha
9543 culver blvd

angeli cafe
7274 melrose ave

black cat bakery
519 fairfax ave

bld
7450 beverly blvd

brentwood country mart
225 26th street
santa monica

chefs center of california
45 n. san gabriel blvd
pasadena

forage
3823 w. sunset blvd

The Beatles - Happy Birthday (via doctorzaius77)

It has been my pleasure to call Eric a good friend for the past several years and really, no one puts in more hours to this work that I know of, and he certainly doesn't do it for the money, fame or TBLA groupies that wait outside the press box.

Have a wonderful day, a great Opening Day when you get to be a fan and then back to work in the press box for you.

Do either Paul or Giminez have a chance to make the final 25 man roster, and is MacDougal the only NRI to make this team?

I think Jansen, Troncoso and Elber make the initial roster but there will be a competition between them to see of the three of them, which one will still be here once Padilla and Garland return from the DL.

The more I look at it, the only downside to having DeJesus make it to LA on 3/31 is that he really doesn't have a chance to stay when Blake returns, so despite my thought that MacDougal is the only NRI to make the team, it will probably be Aaron Miles.

With Thames scheduled to get some time at first base, despite Giminez's appearances there this Spring, it seems that he is destined to be DFAed with a hope that he clears so he can catch down in AAA with Ellis.

Xavier Paul could be the 25th guy, problem is that he really won't play much if at all even if Gibbons is still adjusting to his contacts.  It could delay his DFA process by a week or so depending on when Blake returns.

But in the end I think neither of them are on the team when ESPN rolls its cameras on the last night of March.

Assuming no more setbacks as we hit Minus10 days to Opening Dusk at Dodger Stadium:

Pitchers:

Kershaw, Billingsley, Lilly, Kuroda, Broxton, Kuo, Guerrier, Jansen, Hawksworth, Troncoso, MacDougal, Elbert

Catchers: 

Barajas, Navarro, 

Infield: Loney, Uribe, Furcal, Carroll, Miles, DeJesus

Outfield:  Ethier, Kemp, Gwynn, Thames, Gibbons

DL:

Blake, Garland, Padilla 

Selig won't answer in public, but this is what he has told baseball officials: If the McCourts had not spent all that money on themselves, the Dodgers would have been just fine.

Bill Shaikin continues his fine reporting on the ownership story with his latest column about the perceived differences in how Bud Selig is treating the financial problems that two of his big market teams are having.  

Now, no one is talking on the record but in the last few months it appears that Frank McCourt has been denied at least twice in possible financial deals to had some cash to the Dodger coffers.  No one is reporting that the Ddogers are having current issues to meet payroll or other obligations but it certainly seems likely that there are some issues, probably with debt payments that making things tight in Dodger Town.

At the same time, a financial crisis, that while not of their making, the story certainly seems to indicate that the Wilpons may have not taken all precautions they should have, the Mets are in very serious financial trouble.  Unlike the Dodgers, the Mets are reported to be seeking out investors and has by some reports, borrowed $25M from the Commissioner's fund to meet current obligations.

Let's step back for a moment and take a quick look at the McCourt ownership period, in 2004, he purchased the Dodgers, Dodger Stadium, and the training facilities in Vero Beach and Dominican Republic for $430M.  From a tangible asset view, he has added new seating areas and new seats in Dodger Stadium, some upgrades on the Field level, though he has continued to delay improvements on other levels (in particular the Reserved where he does have room to do so.)  The Dodgers moved their spring training facility to Arizona and despite the nostalgia of Vero Beach, by almost any measure, that has been a big success.  He has the same basic media package he has had since he bought the team. 

Forbes publishes valuations of professional sports teams every year, and while there is dispute about their methods, last year, they valued the team at $727M.  And in recent articles they have speculated on the team being put up for sale, the $1B figure has been tossed around.  Though, I question the reality of Dodger TV network, certainly, with the probability of 150 games being available for sale in two years, makes them a valuable commodity in the media world so that is an asset with high value.

Of course, valuation is not just the value of every physical item in the store, there are non-tangible assets, primarily known as brand or goodwill.  Also, Forbes add Market, which I am guessing takes into account the large metropolitan area that the Dodgers have sat in for over 50 years plus the demonstrated loyalty those fans have showed by coming out year after year to the Stadium.  Even with the Yankee's success, probably the Dodgers have the most consistent fan base in terms of buying tickets in baseball.

Anyway, back to the focus of this post.

Until October 2009, nary a peep of dissatisfaction was heard from Bud Selig about the McCourts, as far as I could tell, all was fine with the Dodgers relationship with MLB.  Soon after the McCourts separated, Jamie McCourt filed some papers with the Court, including a declaration that detailed her demands for contiuing spousal support while the dissolution proceedings took their course.  Of all the details to emerge from their litigation, in my opinion, this first one was the most damaging because it exposed the details of the lifestyle the McCourts (or at least Jamie) had grown accustomed to since moving to Los Angeles.

And really since then, it has all been downhill, the McCourts have never been popular figures (especially by the writers of the LA Times) and certainly while some jabs were more in great fun (and perhaps boredom with the ineptitude of the 2010 Dodgers), the employment of the psychic, the number of homes purchased, the amount of debt incurred all became too familar storylines in the last 18 months or so.

But, from where I sit, it has been hard to figure out how that as affected the product on the field, this off-season, they did not go after Cliff Lee, Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford but the Yankees ended up with no Lee under their Christmas tree and the Angels ended up with no Crawford but instead Vernon Wells.  The Dodgers entered spring training with a solid rotation for the first time in several years.

And even if the McCourts' usage of club revenues was in poor taste and practice, I am not sure how the commissioner can determine that is any different than what other clubs choose to do with their revenues.  

By apparently raising a flag of good taste, in his view, of how the McCourts spent their money, and using that as his criteria to act differently with the McCourts than the Wilpons, he may have the shield of the Commissioners' office to protect him now, but will Frank McCourt ultimately decide to do something that I can't recall any owner doing since Al Davis, and sue the league.

Now, perhaps McCourt is barred to do something like that based on his franchise agreement but we all know that McCourt is not scared of litigation.

And if he is able to settle his divorce with Jamie and gets that approved with the Court, and he still owns the team, I would think MLB would be in a very precarious position to deny him much without risk of a lawsuit that could expose every owner to open their books and show exactly where each dollar goes.

MLB is probably hoping that Frank and Jamie won't settle, the team will have to be put up for sale in order to distribute the community property and that Frank will leave the Fraternal Order of Water Buffalo otherwise known as MLB owners.

If something else happens, look out.  Lord Voldemort may have ultimately lost to Harry Potter but it took 8 movies and a lot of overacting to do so.

Since some liked the guessing game from the Baseball America chat, I will do the same for positions 11-31 in their 2011 ranking of the 12th best minor league system (in their opinion).

First a reminder of their previously published 2010 Top Ten:

1.  Dee Gordon SS

2.  Zach Lee RHP

3.  Rubby de la Rosa RHP

4.  Chris Withrow RHP

5.  Allen Webster RHP

6.  Jerry Sands OF

7.  Scott Elbert LHP

8.  Kenley Jansen RHP

9.  Ethan Martin RHP

10.  Trayvon Robinson OF

BTW, Dee Gordon appeared in all three editors' Top 50 prospect lists(22nd, 28th, and 30th) and was the only Dodger prospect to be in the Top 50.

Okay, now the game, I will try to either take a direct small quote or some fact and you try to guess the player.  Oh and when I say high round pick I mean double digit round.

30.  One of six prospects to share something in common.  - Luis Vasquez

29.  Highest round pick from this year to be ranked in Top 30.  -  Derek Cone

28.  One of  a plethora of players from this crowded position area for this team, certainly not among the more celebrated  -  Angelo Songco

27.  The plainest of names, at least last ones.  "Easy plus arm."  -  Blake Smith

26.  Ceiling is "major league set-up man."  - Javy Guerra

25.  "mechanically sound left-handed swing" and "tick above-average speed runner."  Name is the same of patriarch in long running TV show.  -  Joc Pederson

24.  compared to "Mark Loretta" and a "heady player" and "who gets the most out of what he has."  - Jake Lemmerman

23.  "solid swing that is short to the ball."  "plus speed" and a "chance to play center."  -  Scott Schebler

22.  "upside remains impressive."  "tools to become big league[r]"  -  Pedro Baez

21.  "generate average to potentially above average power" "range is good enough for now"  -  Jonathan Garcia

20.  Best two pitches are his fastball and curve.  Among the better personal stories on this list. - Ralston Cash

19.  Third player from that plethora of players mentioned earlier.  "outstanding bat speed."  -  Brian Cavazos-Galvez

18.   Command is average for his age.  Curve is his best pitch.  -  Garrett Gould

17.  His setback may have been more due to injury but has "fearless nature" on the mound and "maturity" off it.  - Nathan Eovaldi

16.  "flashing 94-95 mph" in instructional league  -  Josh Lindblom

15.  Consistent, same good number for two years and within less than 2% of having same number of something some folks dwell on.  - Kyle Russell

14.  Of all the players on this list, he could be the one who is blocked to some extent.  -  Ivan De Jesus, Jr.

13.  ceiling is a "mid-rotation starter"  - Aaron Miller

12.  I guess height and frame do make a difference.  -  James Baldwin

11.  Third potential prospect for this position, could have 4 average or better tools.  -  Leon Landry

Oh and number 31, I'll give you that one, Ryan Christenson, LHP from 2010 draft (7th round).

Okay, start guessing.

There is not much to say about what happened in that Tucson shopping center yesterday morning.  And of course when I heard that among the victims was a 9 year old girl, I felt horrible.

Late last night, the news came out that the girl was the daughter of Dodger scout, John Green and her name is Christina-Taylor Green.

Here's her story in her local Tucson newspaper.

Christina-Taylor had just been elected to the student council at Mesa Verde Elementary School and had been interested in politics from a young age, her father, John Green, said Saturday night.

"She was a good speaker. I could have easily seen her as a politician," her father said.

The brown-eyed athletic girl had one sibling, an 11-year-old brother named Dallas, and the two loved to go swimming together.

She'd already told her parents she wanted to attend Penn State one day and have a career that involved helping those less fortunate than her.

She also loved animals and was a passionate dancer who loved ballet, hip-hop, jazz and gymnastics and was the only girl on her Canyon del Oro Little League baseball team, "The Pirates." 

The Dodgers released a statement late last night:

"We lost a member of the Dodgers family today. The entire Dodgers organization is mourning the death of John's daughter Christina and will do everything we can to support John, his wife Roxana and their son Dallas in the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. I [Frank McCourt] spoke with John earlier today and expressed condolences on behalf of the entire Dodgers organization."

I have no words to add except I send my condolences to all involved and hope they find some comfort in the outpouring of support that they have and will continue to receive.

Well it worked 5 years ago when Kevin Goldstein chose the most recent first round pick as the Dodger's best prospect.   This time instead of Kershaw, it is Zach Lee.  Most of the article is for subscribers only but you can check out the top ten plus here. 

Dee Gordon dropped from his No. 1 status to No. 3 (behind Lee and Jansen).  Withrow dropped out of the Top Ten.

I will note that his sleeper pick is James Baldwin and Ivan DeJesus is nowhere to be found. 

Maury Brown's Biz of Baseball site has a wealth of information and this is another example of the fine work they do.

Here is a the link to their payroll page.

From 2004 - 2010, the Dodgers have ranked the following in team payroll:

5th, 6th, 5th, 3rd, 7th, 7th and 9th.

The Cubs and Mets have spent over $400M in payroll for the last 3 years.

The Angels have finished in payroll from 2004 - 2010 in the following order:

3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 6th, 8th and 7th.

One thing about a college football season, the actual playing of it, is pretty short.14-15 weeks mostly.

I don't count the bowl games as part of it, those are a strange hybrid of eggnog, parades and some out of place sponsor saluting two schools who have no history against each other playing a game in a stadium hundreds or thousands of miles away from their home.

As a UCLA season ticket holder, I submit myself to days spent pondering why I can predict the exact play they are going to run.

Anyway enough about this, how about that game, I am sure the television-watching audience could feel the tension and excitement buzzing from Pasadena.

I have to congratulate Lane Kiffin, even at the end, he could not help himself and ran two plays with less than 30 seconds left in the game with a 14 point lead.  But to the victor goes the spoils.  Allen Bradford ends his strange and probably puzzling USC football career not with an armful of awards and a ticket to NFL but wondering why the hell did Joe McKnight get the ball before he did.

Matt Barkley did a good job on one leg and thankfully his two longest completions came on lobs that Roger Federer would proud to use at Wimbledon.

But they could have won this game 42-7 so the fact that could have lost to game to UCLA is even more reason why my true purposes of putting computer keystrokes to memory is being done at this hour.

I never played football at any organized level, never sat in a classroom, locker room or stood on a practice field with a coach yelling in my year so I don't have any instinctive feel for the game.

But I do know that this was a game that UCLA should have won, a close win but 17-7 seems about right.

A college football season is like a novel, 12 chapters in a book, some of those chapters set things up for later on and some are just crazy detours but in the end, they all lead somewhere.  This UCLA season led nowhere, at least nothing that you can see on the surface.

Sure, the freshman got a lot of experience, and that goes for the red-shirts and even true sophomores, so hopefully they will build on this and get better.  And I am not one to day UCLA should have won a lot more games, I think at best maybe 6, if fortunate 7 this year.

The 2010 Bruins book had a theme going in, it was a new offense, a running offense that would do a couple of things, one get UCLA back to some ability to run the ball and second, keep other offenses off the field because the defense was going to be very young.

So all you heard in Spring and Fall camps was that UCLA had this kind of spread, read-option offense that had Bruin fans cautiously excited since it was exactly the opposite of their recent attempts to run the West Coast offense.

And among the first reports from the 2010 UCLA Fall Camp, I heard this was the best the offense had looked in years.

But like the guys who beam down in red shirts from the USS Enterprise, the UCLA starting quarterback got hit with a phaser but not set to stun or kill but enough to change the entire fortunes of this team.

So the team spent most of the camp running an offense that second string quarterback is not nearly athletic enough to play but the team decided not to try and make changes to work with him, they basically hoped that their starter would be able to play without practicing the last 3 weeks before the first game.

It was a bad plan.

What they should have done is made changes to the plan to reflect the different QB and let Prince heal without any pressure to get back out there and play.

Anyway, that is not what happened so you end up 2010 having the same questions yet to be answered.

In the next week or so, expect a few coaching changes in Westwood, not the head coach and maybe not the Offensive Coordinator.

Some people get excited about recruiting, to me its like the minor leagues, all the recruits are better than who you have on the team, until they go on the team and you find out that a lot of them are not as good as you thought they would be.

Anyway,  enough college football talk for now.

I am record of being fine with the pitching moves the Dodgers have made, and while I would agree, I might have put left-field next, I could also see why they did the moves that have been made.

I would have given Barajas an arbitration offer, I would have waited until after the Winter Meetings to sigh Giminez but I make the same move with Russell, I have a problem having faith in a guy playing catcher having a problem with his hip, I don't expect he will be able to do much in 2011.

Well I am done for now, have a nice Sunday everyone....

As we get ready for the deadline to accept arbitration and the non-tender date, here's a rundown of the rotation status for the NL West.

Los Angeles - Kershaw (3rd year, Arb Eligible (2012), FA (2015); Billingsley (5th year, FA (2013); Lilly (signed through 2013); Kuroda (signed through 2011); Garland (signed through 2011, auto-extension for 2012 if incentives met)

San Francisco - Lincecum (4th year, FA (2014); Cain (6th year, extension signed 2010, bought first year FA (now FA 2013); Sanchez (5th year, FA (2013); Bumgarner (1st year, Arb Eligible (2013), FA (2017); Zito (signed through 2013)

Colorado - Jiminez (signed extension through first year of FA (club options that will be exercised) FA (2015); Chacin (1st year, Arb Eligible (2013), FA (2017); Hammel (4th year, FA (2014); Cook (signed through 2011)

San Diego - Latos (2nd year, Arb Eligible (2013), FA (2016); Richard (3rd year, Arb Eligible (2012), FA (2015); Stauffer (4th year, FA (2014); LeBlanc (2nd year, Arb Eligible (2013), FA (2016)

Arizona - Kennedy (2nd year, Arb Eligible (2013), FA (2016); Saunders (5th year, FA (2013); Hudson (1st year, Arb Eligible (2014), FA (2017); Enright (1st year, Arb Eligible (2014), FA (2017)

These lists do not include any projected call ups from that team's minor league system.

Just something to do on the night before Thanksgiving.  I got tired after checking back to the 1967 76ers.  Only one team in a full 82 game season since 1967 had an 8-7 record after 15 games and won an NBA title, the 1978 Washington Bullets (who finished 44-38 that season).  Any earlier than that, the season gets a little shorter.

1980 - Lakers  11-4

1981 - Celtics 10-5

1982 - Lakers 11-4

1983 - 76ers 13-2

1984 - Celtics 10-5

1985 - Lakers 10-5

1986 - Celtics 13-2

1987 - Lakers 12-3

1988 - Lakers 10-5

1989 - Pistons 12-3

1990 - Pistons 10-5

1991 - Bulls 9-6

1992 - Bulls 13-2

1993 - Bulls 11-4

1994 - Rockets 15-0

1995 - Rockets 11-4

1996 - Bulls 13-2

1997 - Bulls 14-1

1998 - Bulls 9-6

1999 - Spurs 7-8 (50 game season, 30-5 after that start)

2000 - Lakers 11-4

2001 - Lakers 11-4

2002 - Lakers 14-1

2003 - Spurs 9-6

2004 - Pistons 10-5

2005 - Spurs 12-3

2006 - Heat 9-6

2007 - Spurs 11-4

2008 - Celtics 13-2

2009 - Lakers 14-1

2010 - Lakers 12-3

Bill Shaikin's latest column salutes the Phillies on their ability to make the deals to get Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt.  But I don't understand how he ties that in to the Dodgers' ability or desire to spend money.  Both Lee and Halladay were acquired via trades.  None of the players traded by the Phillies were draft picks that required them to pay over slot or do something out of the ordinary.

Now, perhaps if you want to dig deeper and say that if the Dodgers were willing to spend more money on player development or international signings, then maybe they have the type of prospects that the Indians or Blue Jays would have wanted.  Or we could even go back to the stories about the Santana for Blake deal.

But that is a lot of steps to take and we could also take a look at the stages of the two clubs when these deals were made.

The Phillies had a core lineup that had started playing together in 2007, their core was older and most had been already extended either up to or through some arbitration years.  Let's remember to date, they won their World Series without any of those acquired aces.

I have always maintained that the biggest detriment to the Dodgers ability to make a deal for those pitchers was the fact that at least the rumors made it seem that the other teams only wanted players on the MLB roster.  Though Kershaw's name was never seriously mentioned, you often heard Billingsley or Kemp to headline a deal.  That type of deal never made sense.

Had Scott Elbert remained healthy in 2007 and had remained a top prospect, I think he could have been part of deal.  Of course the same could be said about Santana.  Some here believe the rumored 4-5 prospect deal for Lee in 2009 was better than the players that Phillies sent to the Indians.

Look, if Shaikin wants to say that how the Dodgers have handled their finances have hamstrung the team's ability to win, I will accept that premise.  But to me, he needs to go a little bit further than that to prove that one thing stopped them from getting some H2Lee.

Lucky number seven in this momentous tome to Dodger baseball.

If you want to review the previous entries:

10.  Manny and Vic's Wild Ride in Philly

9.  Lima Time

8.  Loney spoils Cardinal Holliday

Advertisers believe that you develop your buying habits early in life, which is why those audiences are so prized in television.  I think the same goes for sports and their fans.  While certainly, tastes change and geography can influence them too, my fandom was definitely influenced by the teams I followed when I was growing up in Los Angeles in 60s and 70s.

While I wasn't old enough to appreciate the Koufax, Drysdale and Wills Dodger teams, I was 12 when the Dodgers won the pennant in 1974 and I watched all of the Big Blue battles with the Big Red Machine.  My favorite players were Dusty Baker, Reggie Smith and Ron Cey.  I really wanted them to play the Red Sox in 1978, how fun to see my team play in Fenway Park.  But instead, they lost to the Yankees again robbed by Graig Nettles and bad umpiring.

After failing to capture the 1980 NL West title despite a great weekend sweep, 1981 did not seem to be all that promising, as the great infield was getting older, and two outfielders who had been hurt in 1980, Smith and Monday were probably going to need some help again.

But then, something that doesn't happen often, happened in LA, perhaps something that only happens in sports, a community got energized and a player to be known by only his first name, stepped into the spotlight and made Dodger Stadium is own.

It's hard to explain what kind of impact Fernando Valenzuela had on Los Angeles, the Herald Examiner ran a contest for his nickname, the Dodgers drew more people in his starts then they would for the other games and on the road, he drew double the crowds in prior games in Montreal and New York.

But he set the tone and the Dodgers got off to great start.  It would take something bigger then them to stop their run for another chance at a World Series.  That something happened, a mid-season strike.  Fortunately, unlike what would happen 13 years later, they came back to play in August.  But Fernando and the Dodgers did not play as well but they were playing with house money, since when they started up again, MLB had decided to add another round of playoffs, a series between the winners of the divisions in the first and second half.

The Dodgers matched up with the Astros and were behind 2-0 before they played a game in Dodger Stadium.  But like the year before, they swept the Astros and headed to the NLCS to face the Expos.  The Dodgers won Game 1, then had Fernando going up against Ray Burris, a pitcher who didn't walk many, strike out many or give up home runs.  In Game 2, Burris pitched a shut out and in the last playoff game I attended until 2006, the Dodgers lost 2-0.

Montreal would win Game 3 and the Dodgers were one game away from losing, but then post-season pitching star Burt Hooton won again and the Dodgers were in a winner take all game with Fernando again facing Ray Burris.

Game 5 was rained out on Sunday so they instead played in a 2/3 full Olympic Stadium on Monday afternoon.  After wasting a one-out triple by Bill Russell, Tim Raines scored in the bottom of the first to give the Expos a 1-0 lead.  It remained that way until the top of the 5th when Rick Monday scored on a Valenzuela ground out.

Both pitchers remained effective for the next 3 innings, bringing the game still tied at 1 going into the top of 9th.  Tim Wallach had pinch hit for Burris in the bottom of the 8th so 5-time All-Star Steve Rogers came into to pitch.  Rogers quickly got two out and then faced Rick Monday.  Monday only had 156 PA in 1981 but he made them memorable for at age 35, he put up an 194 OPS+ .  

Monday, famous for when he saved the American Flag (then a Cub) at Dodger Stadium, had been a part-time player for the last several years but still had a little pop in his bat, swung and hit a fly ball to center.  Andre Dawson raced back to the wall but to no avail, for it was a home run and the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead.

Valenzuela, going for a complete game, got two out but then walked the next two batters.  In came Bobby Welch, who got a ground ball to Lopes, he threw to Garvey and the Dodgers were the NL Champions.

A nice link with video of the highlights can be found here.

I was happy for this group of players, for they were team that formed a 35+ year relationship with this fan, I hoped they would get a chance to win a World Series, I knew time was running out.  That story remained to be told, some of it might be told a little later in this series.

Nice little story about Coach.

The last time I saw and heard Coach Wooden was in 2008, I want to say it was the Cal game and the they were saluting the 1968 UCLA team that won the title at halftime.  Coach would always say a few words at these events and you would look forward to hearing him.

This time, after Coach talked about that team and those players, he addressed the hushed Pauley Pavilion crowd and gave his support to the current team and especially Coach Howland, of whom, he always gave nothing but praise in the times he was asked about him.

The other time I recall seeing him in a more intimate setting, I believe it was the year before, at  a screening of the HBO film on UCLA and Coach Wooden.  Fittingly it was at the Mann Bruin theater and not only was Coach Wooden there, several former players, including Bill Walton, showed up to give support.

After the screening, a few of them spoke and then the microphone was given to Coach, he tried to say something but he couldn't finish, too choked up with emotion, especially because the film highlighted his marriage and relationship with his beloved Nell.

Was the man perfect, no, but he did lead an exemplary life and in the end was revered as he should have been.

Happy Birthday Coach, those of us who had the honor to meet you, will always be in your debt.