The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

"Fox, myself and MLB made a horrible mistake in not doing the proper due
diligence on Frank McCourt. I helped get him approved, and for my piece
I feel very bad about it. … He has been an embarrassment to this
franchise. The sooner he gets the hell out of town, the better off we'll
all be as Dodger fans." — Bob Daley, the Dodgers' managing partner when
Fox sold the team to McCourt in 2004.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-reaction-20110628,0,3926435.story

Jon Heymen Tweet:

jamesmir11 said:

"Fox, myself and MLB made a horrible mistake in not doing the proper due
diligence on Frank McCourt. I helped get him approved, and for my piece
I feel very bad about it. … He has been an embarrassment to this
franchise. The sooner he gets the hell out of town, the better off we'll
all be as Dodger fans." — Bob Daley, the Dodgers' managing partner when
Fox sold the team to McCourt in 2004.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-reaction-20110628,0,3926435.story

It's ABOUT friggin TIME. Own up for your mistakes and we will (sorta) forgive you! You made a business deal in your best interest and screwed us, the fans. Apologize! Love it.

Per Shaikin's Twitter, Fox's lawyer suggests that Fox could be owed damages if Dodger TV rights are auctioned off before expiration of exclusive negotiation period.

THIS is what I was thinking could be yet another hurdle for Frank's effort to auction off the Dodger TV rights at this time. I would guess that the damages could be significant and could deter a prospective bidder from entering the bidding.

I suggest people follow on Twitter, because this is fantastic so far. Basically, there are lawyers there on behalf of Fox, MLB, and Jamie McCourt ALL trashing Frank and arguing for a sale. GO GO STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!

Per Shaikin's Twitter, Fox's lawyer suggests that Fox could be owed damages if Dodger TV rights are auctioned off before expiration of exclusive negotiation period.

THIS is what I was thinking could be yet another hurdle for Frank's effort to auction off the Dodger TV rights at this time. I would guess that the damages could be significant and could deter a prospective bidder from entering the bidding.

This Judge has to break TWO contracts in order to allow Frank to auction the TV Rights: MLB and Fox. I think the fact that there are so many people in court opposing Frank definitely SHOULD influence this judge.

It's too bad that whoever wrote the "Bob Daley" item in the Times-Throwaway couldn't even spell his name correctly.
 

DoppelgangBang said:

I suggest people follow on Twitter, because this is fantastic so far. Basically, there are lawyers there on behalf of Fox, MLB, and Jamie McCourt ALL trashing Frank and arguing for a sale. GO GO STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!

But why? We have the BBWC! :)

DoppelgangBang said:

Per Shaikin's Twitter, Fox's lawyer suggests that Fox could be owed damages if Dodger TV rights are auctioned off before expiration of exclusive negotiation period.

THIS is what I was thinking could be yet another hurdle for Frank's effort to auction off the Dodger TV rights at this time. I would guess that the damages could be significant and could deter a prospective bidder from entering the bidding.

This Judge has to break TWO contracts in order to allow Frank to auction the TV Rights: MLB and Fox. I think the fact that there are so many people in court opposing Frank definitely SHOULD influence this judge.

Don't forget Jamie. She technically is still viewed as co-owner of the Dodgers and she is not for auctioning off the TV rights deal, either, so he technically is going against the co-owner's will as well.

Yeah, its tough sledding for Frank. I don't see how a judge can rule in his favor.

I see the likely outcome as MLB becoming the financing option the court chooses and an open auction for the Dodgers taking place OR Selig and MLB work out a deal with Frank and Jamie to let MLB control the sale of the club.

http://documents.latimes.com/mlb-dodgers-bankruptcy-response/

DoppelgangBang said:

Per Shaikin's Twitter, Fox's lawyer suggests that Fox could be owed damages if Dodger TV rights are auctioned off before expiration of exclusive negotiation period.

THIS is what I was thinking could be yet another hurdle for Frank's effort to auction off the Dodger TV rights at this time. I would guess that the damages could be significant and could deter a prospective bidder from entering the bidding.

This Judge has to break TWO contracts in order to allow Frank to auction the TV Rights: MLB and Fox. I think the fact that there are so many people in court opposing Frank definitely SHOULD influence this judge.

Don't forget Jamie. She technically is still viewed as co-owner of the Dodgers and she is not for auctioning off the TV rights deal, either, so he technically is going against the co-owner's will as well.

Yeah, its tough sledding for Frank. I don't see how a judge can rule in his favor.

I see the likely outcome as MLB becoming the financing option the court chooses and an open auction for the Dodgers taking place OR Selig and MLB work out a deal with Frank and Jamie to let MLB control the sale of the club.

The difference there is that Jamie isn't yet technically a co-owner. That's still up for debate in the CA courts. She has a claim, unsettled, but Frank is on all the documents and wields all the power currently. In order to pursue this media rights auction, the court must literally BREAK written agreements between Frank and both MLB and Fox. Uphill battle ... I hope.

UCSB07 said:

http://documents.latimes.com/mlb-dodgers-bankruptcy-response/

Giddiness, an entire document spelling out how much of an idiot frank is

Damn, the MLB didn't mince words.   It looks like Bud got a backbone.  Hurray for us!

Heyman just weighed in and he is thinking that the court will go with the MLB DIP financing as it would be administered by the league and not Frank, therefore creditors get paid and the money is not used to take care of Frank's personal debts. 

For those who aren't familiar with the courts its not looking good and frank may be out of rope in 30-60 days but don't be surprised if at least 1 motion goes against mlb if for nothing else than the judge has the final nail to hang his hat on later. All part of the process

This line from Shaikin - Also, the subsidiary that controls the Dodger Stadium parking lots has $67 million in loans coming due at the end of this month. -  makes me wonder if, even with the DIP financing, which will only be $60 million today - if approved - and the other ninety million coming in future dates will cover what Frank owes on Thursday.   If my math is right, Frank does not owe just $30 million but nearly $100 million in payroll and a balloon loan payment.  That doesn't even figure in what he has to pay Jamie, his other loans and whatnot and it would appear that Frank only has $150K in the bank.  

grabarkewitz said:

Heyman just weighed in and he is thinking that the court will go with the MLB DIP financing as it would be administered by the league and not Frank, therefore creditors get paid and the money is not used to take care of Frank's personal debts. 

If that's the case is Frank out as owner (meaning he has no say in the daily running's of the club) and MLB in control, or does the scumbag still have control?

Throwdeuce said:

grabarkewitz said:

Heyman just weighed in and he is thinking that the court will go with the MLB DIP financing as it would be administered by the league and not Frank, therefore creditors get paid and the money is not used to take care of Frank's personal debts. 

If that's the case is Frank out as owner (meaning he has no say in the daily running's of the club) and MLB in control, or does the scumbag still have control?

According to what I am reading, the bankruptcy court may have as much of a say as the MLB with Frank taking a number as a creditor.  Plus, if Jamie's challenge has legs, Frank could take a number behind her.   The thing that might scare the MLB and Bud Selig is that the bankruptcy court may put the team up for sale and that would open the door for Mark Cuban.   I am sure that by then, the flow chart of McCourt entities may be back to just one, the Los Angeles Dodgers, because the league is also challenging that.    If it becomes just one entity expect Cuban to bid along with anyone with a loose billion.   Damn, I wish I had a billion....

grabarkewitz said:

Throwdeuce said:

grabarkewitz said:

Heyman just weighed in and he is thinking that the court will go with the MLB DIP financing as it would be administered by the league and not Frank, therefore creditors get paid and the money is not used to take care of Frank's personal debts. 

If that's the case is Frank out as owner (meaning he has no say in the daily running's of the club) and MLB in control, or does the scumbag still have control?

According to what I am reading, the bankruptcy court may have as much of a say as the MLB with Frank taking a number as a creditor.  Plus, if Jamie's challenge has legs, Frank could take a number behind her.   The thing that might scare the MLB and Bud Selig is that the bankruptcy court may put the team up for sale and that would open the door for Mark Cuban.   I am sure that by then, the flow chart of McCourt entities may be back to just one, the Los Angeles Dodgers, because the league is also challenging that.    If it becomes just one entity expect Cuban to bid along with anyone with a loose billion.   Damn, I wish I had a billion....

OK, well, I would guess that means he's no longer has any say one way or another, so I can freely go to a game again knowing I'm not supporting him, but the players.

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

UCSB07 said:

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

Shit, so he's still in control, oh what trades Ned can do before July 20th
X_X

from what i gather it looks like nothing has really changed until the next court date on the 20th

UCSB07 said:

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

Okay, how is he going to pay back the money he owes for the DIP financing if he has pretty much exhausted most other forms of revenue?  

UCSB07 said:

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

Can someone explain to me why MLB would do this?  What do they stand to gain by allowing this? 

Matthew said:

UCSB07 said:

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

Can someone explain to me why MLB would do this?  What do they stand to gain by allowing this? 

I would think to give Frank enough rope to hang himself.  If Shaikin is correct, Frank owes more than $30 on Thursday and he is only getting $60 million today.  He still has a $67 million balloon payment on his mortgage of the parking lots due on Thursday and my math tells me he will be some $37 million short if doesn't put the money into his own pocket.  

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/06/warning-to-jp-morgan-chase-time-warner-fox-et-al-help-frank-mccourt-and-feel-the-wrath-of-los-angele.html

Throwdeuce said:

UCSB07 said:

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

Shit, so he's still in control, oh what trades Ned can do before July 20th
X_X

I guess Frank is hoping for a massive improvement in the attendance numbers in the sixteen home games he has in July.   Think again, Nimrod.  I got a feeling it will be even emptier at Dodger Stadium in July.  He doesn't get it that he is the reason the fans are staying away.   You know what, I can wait until July 20 if that will get rid of the asshat for good. 

grabarkewitz said:

Dilbeck is killing today. 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/06/warning-to-jp-morgan-chase-time-warner-fox-et-al-help-frank-mccourt-and-feel-the-wrath-of-los-angele.html

Honestly, I can get behind that. I have no problem cancelling my Chase card.

Me thinks Dilbeck reads the BBWC.

grabarkewitz said:

Matthew said:

UCSB07 said:

per shaikin MLB is allowing mccourt to use his own financing offer until july 20th, the media rights have been taken off the table and there is a new trial set for july 20th about the proposed mlb financing, so confused what happened in that court house

Can someone explain to me why MLB would do this?  What do they stand to gain by allowing this? 

I would think to give Frank enough rope to hang himself.  If Shaikin is correct, Frank owes more than $30 on Thursday and he is only getting $60 million today.  He still has a $67 million balloon payment on his mortgage of the parking lots due on Thursday and my math tells me he will be some $37 million short if doesn't put the money into his own pocket.  

As for the league, I guess they are giving him the same amount of rope as Wilpon so that there can be no charges of favortism. 

MLB may also be hoping Frank defaults on these other loans due and throws the parking lots under the bankruptcy protection so if and when the team is forced to be sold everything goes with it. 

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team then I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

DoppelgangBang said:

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team, I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

I will wait until July 20 before I jump off the train.  UCSB has a good point, by getting everything under one umbrella, the league (or the court) can sell the whole enchillada and get the most bang. 

DoppelgangBang said:

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team, I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

I'm almost att hat point as well. I feel like a beaten wife staying with her husband expecting him to change. When will I wise up?

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

Dilbeck is killing today. 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/06/warning-to-jp-morgan-chase-time-warner-fox-et-al-help-frank-mccourt-and-feel-the-wrath-of-los-angele.html

Honestly, I can get behind that. I have no problem cancelling my Chase card.

Dillbeck hit it out of the park with that article. I don't have a Chase bank account or credit card so they are not benefitting from me, but I would bet a lot of Dodger fans would consider closing their Chase checking or savings accounts or credit cards if Chase ended up being the reason McCourt kept the Dodgers.

IMO, its still a losing proposition for McCourt, anyways. I think more and more Dodger fans will join in the revolt against McCourt if he keeps the team and attendance will plummet even more.

And with decreased attendance and ratings, it just makes the value of a new TV contract less. The Dodger brand under the ownership of McCourt has been irrevocably harmed. The man brought the Dodgers to bankruptcy fer cryin' out loud! How embarrassing is that for all of us Dodger fans who love the team and have loyal followed this iconic franchise?!

Its ridiculous, really! :-S

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

Dilbeck is killing today. 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgers/2011/06/warning-to-jp-morgan-chase-time-warner-fox-et-al-help-frank-mccourt-and-feel-the-wrath-of-los-angele.html

Honestly, I can get behind that. I have no problem cancelling my Chase card.

Thanks for the idea, Nick.  I just paid the stupid thing off, shredded it and told them I am done.  They asked for a reason and I told them that they helped push baseball to the edge in Los Angeles.  Of course, I get a tool who wouldn't know a baseball from a bag of manure, must be a McCourt relative. 

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team, I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

I will wait until July 20 before I jump off the train.  UCSB has a good point, by getting everything under one umbrella, the league (or the court) can sell the whole enchillada and get the most bang. 

I'm waiting for the dust to settle and to give MLB its fair shot, but if he emerges with definitive control of the team then I am GONE.

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team, I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

I will wait until July 20 before I jump off the train.  UCSB has a good point, by getting everything under one umbrella, the league (or the court) can sell the whole enchillada and get the most bang. 

I'm waiting for the dust to settle and to give MLB its fair shot, but if he emerges with definitive control of the team then I am GONE.

I will join the crowd if Bud and the MLB don't have the stomach to take on this clown.  If he is still the owner on the 21st, I am Casper. 

Not jumping off a cliff like I said earlier, but I think ucsb is probably right

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team, I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

I will wait until July 20 before I jump off the train.  UCSB has a good point, by getting everything under one umbrella, the league (or the court) can sell the whole enchillada and get the most bang. 

I'm waiting for the dust to settle and to give MLB its fair shot, but if he emerges with definitive control of the team then I am GONE.

I will join the crowd if Bud and the MLB don't have the stomach to take on this clown.  If he is still the owner on the 21st, I am Casper. 

Now MLB is claiming a win, because they got the media rights auction off the table for now and didn't have to finance McCourt ... hmmm. They also are getting ready to make motions in the coming days to reinstate Shieffer and to insert a receiver. Interesting ... [all from Twitter]

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

grabarkewitz said:

DoppelgangBang said:

I know this is an unpopular view, but if McCourt retains control of the team, I'm going on a hiatus from baseball. I'm not jumping ship to the Angels, not ruling out baseball forever, but I would be taking a break from the sport until he is no longer involved.

I just can't support ANYTHING about this guy and if MLB can't get rid of him, then I've lost faith in them as well.

I will wait until July 20 before I jump off the train.  UCSB has a good point, by getting everything under one umbrella, the league (or the court) can sell the whole enchillada and get the most bang. 

I'm waiting for the dust to settle and to give MLB its fair shot, but if he emerges with definitive control of the team then I am GONE.

I will join the crowd if Bud and the MLB don't have the stomach to take on this clown.  If he is still the owner on the 21st, I am Casper. 

Now MLB is claiming a win, because they got the media rights auction off the table for now and didn't have to finance McCourt ... hmmm. They also are getting ready to make motions in the coming days to reinstate Shieffer and to insert a receiver. Interesting ... [all from Twitter]

I will wait until the 21st.   I will be interested if McCourt even lets Schieffer back on the property.   Still, if that is what it takes for this clown to hang himself, I am all for it.  

Newest news:

"A person familiar with Major League
Baseball's plans says the league "probably" will file a motion to
seize the cash-strapped Los Angeles Dodgers.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

Baseball's constitution allows commissioner Bud Selig to take
control of a team that seeks Chapter 11 protection. MLB first must
file a motion seeking termination of the franchise, and the person
says that is "probably going to happen." There is no timetable
for that filing"

My ears are bleeding.

I was just driving home and flipped the dial between innings and these two absolute idiots were on Fox Sports Radio basically blaming Dodger fans for being "spoiled front-runners" and that McCourt hasn't done anything that any other MLB owner hasn't done.

This belongs in the Idiocy Thread, because it was the absolute stupidest thing I think I've heard in a while.

ocmike24 said:

My ears are bleeding.

I was just driving home and flipped the dial between innings and these two absolute idiots were on Fox Sports Radio basically blaming Dodger fans for being "spoiled front-runners" and that McCourt hasn't done anything that any other MLB owner hasn't done.

This belongs in the Idiocy Thread, because it was the absolute stupidest thing I think I've heard in a while.

That along with this gem, i want to punch both these people talking about the situation, they basically blame MLB for all the problems and that the fox deal would have fixed everything. At least they mention that they are owned by fox

hunteralan said:

Newest news:

"A person familiar with Major League
Baseball's plans says the league "probably" will file a motion to
seize the cash-strapped Los Angeles Dodgers.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

Baseball's constitution allows commissioner Bud Selig to take
control of a team that seeks Chapter 11 protection. MLB first must
file a motion seeking termination of the franchise, and the person
says that is "probably going to happen." There is no timetable
for that filing"

There it is, I knew that Bud had a plan. 

The Dodger brand under the ownership of McCourt has been irrevocably harmed. The man brought the Dodgers to bankruptcy fer cryin' out loud! How embarrassing is that for all of us Dodger fans who love the team and have loyal followed this iconic franchise?!

Its ridiculous, really! :-S

Apparently McCourt and his attorney disagree with you!  From LA Times:

"The hearing opened with Bennett, representing McCourt, telling the judge
that the Dodgers had won, 15-0, Monday night in their first game since
the bankruptcy filing.



"I think this convincingly disproves the argument bankruptcy is bad for baseball," Bennett said.

mjktool said:

The Dodger brand under the ownership of McCourt has been irrevocably harmed. The man brought the Dodgers to bankruptcy fer cryin' out loud! How embarrassing is that for all of us Dodger fans who love the team and have loyal followed this iconic franchise?!

Its ridiculous, really! :-S

Apparently McCourt and his attorney disagree with you!  From LA Times:

"The hearing opened with Bennett, representing McCourt, telling the judge
that the Dodgers had won, 15-0, Monday night in their first game since
the bankruptcy filing.



"I think this convincingly disproves the argument bankruptcy is bad for baseball," Bennett said.

Then they proceed to lose when McCourt is back in charge.  Bennett is a freakin' tool.   He and McCourt deserve each other.  If some judge allowed that kind of jocularity in a serious setting like this, then he doesn't deserve to wear the robe.  

ocmike24 said:

My ears are bleeding.

I was just driving home and flipped the dial between innings and these two absolute idiots were on Fox Sports Radio basically blaming Dodger fans for being "spoiled front-runners" and that McCourt hasn't done anything that any other MLB owner hasn't done.

This belongs in the Idiocy Thread, because it was the absolute stupidest thing I think I've heard in a while.

Yeah, I believe it. Everyone has to pipe up with an opinion. Last week I heard a dipstick call into Mason and Ireland on 710 AM and claim that "NO one cared at all" about anything the McCrooks were doing when the Dodgers went to the playoffs. That is ridiculous to claim, but hey, the guy needed to have a different take. Even worse, John Ireland said, "You're absolutely right!"

Uh, sure, no one noticed or said anything at all in 2008, a year they went to the playoffs, that they dumped the top catching prospect in baseball in order to not have to pick up $2 million in Blake's salary. NO one recognized that or cared--that's absolutely right!

Similarly, NO one noticed in the last five years that the Dodgers have been at the bottom of the barrel in amateur and international signing expenditures. No one noticed and no one cared--because the Dodgers went to the playoffs a few times! That's absolutely correct! And this type of "critical" thinking is reinforced by some media. Heck, they engage in it, too.

Another brilliant comment came from none other than Bobby Valentine. (I know this is VERY hard to believe, but try.) He made John Kruk sitting next to him look like a Rhodes Scholar. Valentine harped on the low attendance and how Dodger Stadium used to be THE place to see and be seen. Yeah, that's the only reason that people ever showed up at Dodger Stadium. It wasn't because anyone cared about the team or wanted to see them win or anything like that.

Hey, guess what--the low attendance is exactly because people care so much about the team, not that it's not "cool" to be a Dodger fan right now. We are sick of this team being driven into the
ground by these criminals--that is how much people care, Valentine.

What a dope.

elysianpark62 said:

ocmike24 said:

My ears are bleeding.

I was just driving home and flipped the dial between innings and these two absolute idiots were on Fox Sports Radio basically blaming Dodger fans for being "spoiled front-runners" and that McCourt hasn't done anything that any other MLB owner hasn't done.

This belongs in the Idiocy Thread, because it was the absolute stupidest thing I think I've heard in a while.

Yeah, I believe it. Everyone has to pipe up with an opinion. Last week I heard a dipstick call into Mason and Ireland on 710 AM and claim that "NO one cared at all" about anything the McCrooks were doing when the Dodgers went to the playoffs. That is ridiculous to claim, but hey, the guy needed to have a different take. Even worse, John Ireland said, "You're absolutely right!"

Uh, sure, no one noticed or said anything at all in 2008, a year they went to the playoffs, that they dumped the top catching prospect in baseball in order to not have to pick up $2 million in Blake's salary. NO one recognized that or cared--that's absolutely right!

Similarly, NO one noticed in the last five years that the Dodgers have been at the bottom of the barrel in amateur and international signing expenditures. No one noticed and no one cared--because the Dodgers went to the playoffs a few times! That's absolutely correct! And this type of "critical" thinking is reinforced by some media. Heck, they engage in it, too.

Another brilliant comment came from none other than Bobby Valentine. (I know this is VERY hard to believe, but try.) He made John Kruk sitting next to him look like a Rhodes Scholar. Valentine harped on the low attendance and how Dodger Stadium used to be THE place to see and be seen. Yeah, that's the only reason that people ever showed up at Dodger Stadium. It wasn't because anyone cared about the team or wanted to see them win or anything like that.

Hey, guess what--the low attendance is exactly because people care so much about the team, not that it's not "cool" to be a Dodger fan right now. We are sick of this team being driven into the
ground by these criminals--that is how much people care, Valentine.

What a dope.

Shame on Valentine for falling in lockstep with the Eastern media spin on this thing.  He should know better, but I have to remember the Bobby is not that bright.   I guess he has drank the kool-aid that has been fed to every clown who appears on BBTN.  Dodger fans are not loyal, they only go to be seen.  That nugget is no more true than the moon is made of cheese.    Like you said, EP, the reason that fans do not show is not because they don't care, it is because they do care about their Dodgers.  

UCSB07 said:

ocmike24 said:

My ears are bleeding.

I was just driving home and flipped the dial between innings and these two absolute idiots were on Fox Sports Radio basically blaming Dodger fans for being "spoiled front-runners" and that McCourt hasn't done anything that any other MLB owner hasn't done.

This belongs in the Idiocy Thread, because it was the absolute stupidest thing I think I've heard in a while.

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1027501642001/dodgers-file-for-bankruptcy-protection/?playlist_id=87247

That along with this gem, i want to punch both these people talking about the situation, they basically blame MLB for all the problems and that the fox deal would have fixed everything. At least they mention that they are owned by fox

It is pretty sad that a guy who covers the LA sports scene actually doesn't know the particulars.   Promises were made by McCourt, he was stupid enough to think he could renege and that is the league's first and foremost contention.   It is really sad when clowns who have a degree in broadcasting think that gives them some kind of legal training.   Read the court documents, they are easy to find or even better get a legal professional to read them and explain them to you before making bold statements that do not hold up to scrutiny.    Geez, between the clowns at ESPN who have Roger Cossack on staff and still don't understand the case to the morons like Ireland and this clown, it is a wonder that anyone gets the right story.  Thankfully, guys like Bill Shaikin, Jayson Stark, Josh Fisher and Tim Brown are asking the right questions and paying attention when legal scholars weigh in on this issue. 

Don't know much about Tim Rutten, but damn, he gets it.

grabarkewitz said:

Don't know much about Tim Rutten, but damn, he gets it.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-0629-rutten-20110629,0,2924961.column

The money quote:

"It's always a sad spectacle when mediocrity and cunning are mobilized by
an instinct for self-preservation so all-consuming that it would
countenance the ruin of everyone involved."

A sad spectacle indeed.