The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most stories franchises in all of baseball, have declared bankruptcy:
Dodger Blue
Dodger owner Frank McCourt must now borrow money to make payroll after diverting millions of dollars from the team for McMansions in Malibu. Instead of running wild on the basepaths like Maury Wills in the 60’s, the Dodgers are now running on empty in 2011.
A quick look at the list of creditors shows you why McCourt is striking out. Number 1 on the list is Manny Ramirez, who is owed $21 million to sit on the beach. I’m guessing he can buy a lot of dreadlocks with that. Next in line is Andruw Jones, who plays in Pinstripes now but he’s due $11 million from the Dodgers. The Yankees are laughing all the way to the bank.
Even Vin Scully got stiffed. The fabled Dodger broadcaster, who has never said a bad word about the McCourts in public, must be biting his tongue about the $152,000 he’s owed by the McCourts. Vin’s been eloquently spinning Dodger tales for half a century only to get spun by an evil spider who created a wicked web of greed. Vin deserves better. We all do – even if you are not a Dodger fan – keeping this team competitive is in the best interests of baseball.
The best the Dodgers can hope for is for McCourt to leave the team. Quickly. And hopefully a new suitor with buckets of cash will ride in the save the day. Mark Cuban, where are you when we need you most? Purchase the team and save this historic franchise from further shame.
