Results tagged ‘ Frank McCourt ’
Dodgers Ownership: One Year Later
On March 27th It would have been exactly one year when Guggenheim Baseball Management bought the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt. A group led by Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter did something that many Dodger fans wanted to happen and that’s take the Dodgers from Frank McCourt. One year later the Dodgers are n much better shape than it was under the old owner. Instead of waiting till the 27th to talk about this I figured I go ahead and make this post to look at what the Dodger ownership has done in one year. As many remember the Dodger Franchise was under such uncertainty. Frank and Jamie McCourt going through a nasty divorce that really hurt the franchise, Dodgers going bankrupt due to the owner taking the money for his personal whatever it was, Half empty stadium due to fans boycotting McCourt, Everything was just a complete mess. A historic franchise hitting rock bottom due to one man and failed duties has an owner. Come the off-season after the 2011 Season the hot topic wasn’t only Free Agency but the bidding for the Dodgers. While the Dodgers couldn’t make any noise in the Off-Season with signings many believed that once they got a new owner Los Angeles was going to be the “Yankees” of the west (Hate that). The fate of a Franchise rest in the hands of the MLB as they had the final say on who will take control of the Dodgers and the Stadium.
Come the night of March 27th everything changed. News had broken that Magic Johnson and his group had won bidding for the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium. Many fans rejoiced as not only someone bought the Dodgers but a man familiar with the city and passion Los Angeles has with this team. Magic, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter all talked about how they were committed to restoring Dodger pride. Many were saying that it would take a while before the Dodgers get to where they should due to the damage left by McCourt but it’s all worth it. This group was bound to make the Los Angeles Dodgers a First Class Franchise that would win for years to come.
In a span of one year Dodgers ownership have really brought this franchise a long ways back than expected. The Dodgers have the players to contend once they acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, Zack Greinke, and Josh Beckett stating that money wouldn’t be an issue for players to win right now. They’re also getting back to the International market with signings of Hyun Jin Ryu (Korea) and Yasiel Puig (Cuba) as well as restocking the Minor League system for the future. Off the field Dodger Stadium is undergoing much-needed renovations to make the 51 Year Old stadium state of the art. They’re also doing more get in touch with the fans which was a major key that the Dodgers missed under the old ownership. Players are greeting fans at the gates as they enter the Stadium, Fan Fest’s being held for fans to further get in touch with this franchise, as well as Dodger legends roaming all over the place in the Stadium. As if that wasn’t enough the Dodgers struck a deal with Time Warner to get their own Channel. You can say that the Dodgers came a long way from where they were in 2010 and 2011. This franchise is really going up and the future can’t be any brighter for this team right now. I for one am happy that Ownership is keeping their word to bring this Franchise back and the icing on the cake would be a World Series Title come October.
Dodgers New Owners Press Conference: My take on it
Today was a Historic Day in Dodgers Baseball. Just when we thought this couldn’t get anymore real than it already is everyone got to see it made official on TV or Webcast. Mark Walter, Magic Johnson, and Steve Kasten were introduced by the One and Only Vin Scully in front of many of the Media, Dodger greats and the Mayor of LA Antonio V. Such a Landmark day. As soon as Magic was introduced they already got down to business and getting on the fans good side by Lowering parking from $15 to $10 which I have to admit makes me happy and I don’t drive. It was great seeing this great moment before our eyes. It would have been very great if they had let the fans or something be involved for this great moment or season ticket holders at least but overall a great scene at Dodger Stadium.
There were a few things that I the owners pointed out that made me excited. With Magic he showed that we was ready to get to work and Said Monday that he’ll be up bright and early to work. He wanted to return the Dodger pride and promised to work tirelessly. He even said that parking was going down which I stated earlier was great. Magic showed so much pride and enthusiasm on being an owner and wanted to get to work right away. Stan Kasten came up and talked about what he planned to do with the group. Stan and Magic and Walter want to win right now and with the Dodgers in first place Stan will be with Coletti to evaluate what they can do to get better. They’re willing to spend the money to help the Dodgers win and bring back a World Series. He also brought up Fan Experiance and How he’ll be around Dodger Stadium talking to the fans listening to their suggestions even announced an email (fanbox@ladodgers.com) And encouraged fans to email them with their suggestions and questions and comments. I know A LOT of Dodger fans will email him. He wants fan experiance to improve and wants the team to improve as well. He also talked about the Stadium and how they will make improvements to make this a first class ballclub. I didn’t get to hear much of Mark Walter but he will provide the money to do what it takes for improvements to the Team and Stadium.
The Q&A Segments pretty much went into more detail but what I liked was how they handled the media as far as the McCourt questions. Magic going as far to Kill rumors that McCourt will get funding. He Said they own 100% of it and McCourt won’t get a dime unless is revenue for developments but you have to do what you have to do to improve. He isn’t Involved in the Dodgers or anything and thats whats important. So People McCourt Isn’t Involved Lets Move Forward!!! Another question one of the media members asked was about Dodger Stadium. A lot of rumors about Dodger Stadium moving or Stadium name changed and from what Kasten answered it brought a lot of relif to us all. He said while he can’t answer for the century the Dodgers will play in Chavez ravine and the name will remain the same. Thankfully that killed the rumors and that they want to make additions to Dodger Stadium while keeping the current design.
The New Owners gave Dodgers fans a lot to look forawrd too. Finally a owner who will listen to the fans and who want to win now. Dodger fans we have our owners and they’re ready to get to work for us. They gave us a suggestion box and will be around the fans. They’ll promote the Dodger bran and bring fans to the Stadium They’re doing their part and we have to continue doing ours and thats support the Team no matter what. Go to the Stadium and Support the Dodgers in a Fan friendly way, Let our new owners know what they can do to improve fan experiance so we can have the best, and Help with the payroll so that they can go out and get the best players to win a Championship in Los Angeles. Things are looking up and we will come together as one to do whatever for this Historic Franchise that is the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Dodgers Spring Training Recap
As Spring Training comes to a close and Opening Day approaches It’s time that we take a look into the Dodgers Spring Training. Filled with some good play, bad play, Bad weather, Hot weather, Ties, magical ownerships The Dodgers wrapping up Spring Training in Arizona before heading to Anaheim to play the Angels in the Freeway Series. The Dodgers went on to have a 14-13 Record in Spring Training with a few ties. Watching the games that we’re televised on TV I would have to say there were somethings that have impressed me and some that didn’t impress me but all in all Spring Training have given us a taste of whats to come. Lets go ahead and Recap Spring Training in Arizona.
Who Impressed-There were a few Players this Spring that really impressed me. One who stood out the most was Andre Ethier and Dee Gordon. Ethier who is coming off Knee Surgery and a not so good 2011 Season managed to Play this spring with many questions that appears to be answered for right now. Ethier played like the Ethier that we all know and is showing the potential for a monster season. Dee Gordon exploded into the Major League scene with his amazing speed but his issue has been hitting at the Major League Level. During Spring Training Leading off Dee has been able to hit into the Gaps and Successful bunting by taking advantage of his speed. Stealing Bases as well has been a huge success this spring as well. Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp have also showed how they can look to improve on their Monster Season from 2011. Any worry so far of them disapointing have not shown so far. Juan Rivera, Nathian Eovaldi, and Kenley Jansen have also pitched in with stellar showings as well which give Dodger fans something to look forward too.
Who Disapointed- While some impressed there have been a few that really disapointed me this Spring Training. Juan Uribe who had a disapointing 2011 Season had a lot to prove to people. During the Spring Uribe really have not shown that things will get better for the season. Uribe who is on the Opening Day Line up will have to produce this season. Another set of players that have disapointed me have been Chad Billingsley and Ted Lily. Billingsley who has been in the All-Star game a very good pitcher has found himself imploading in the middle of games giving up runs and beat up by batters. During the Spring it seemed like we were getting a repeat of the 2011 Season as Billingsley went through his mid game breakdowns that would hurt the team. Ted Lily also had issues with pitching last season giving up multipul home runs in games which really put the Dodgers in a bad position as well. In the Spring Ted Lily had also had the same isssue as well as getting bases stolen off of him. Lily is starting the Season on the DL due to Neck stiffness issues which sidelined him for the rest of Spring training.
One Year under Mattingley’s Belt- Last Season Don Mattingley did a pretty good job managing the team dispite off the field issues with the Franchise ownership. Keeping the teams focus on the field play good ball has been one heck of an effort by Mattingley. This season he will look to apply somethings that he learned from last season and apply it to become even better. The potential is really briht for Mattingley to become a very Good Manager. The players respect and play hard for him and the Fans love him.
Big heart Factor- I can’t count how many times this team has been down late in games and stormed back to either take the lead or tie the game. The Dodgers have showed that other teams that games aren’t over until the final out and have stormed back a few times thanks to late game heroics. This team can fight and weather they apply it to the Season. If so then they can really be something when down in games.
Storyline of Spring Training- One way or another The Dodgers Ownership situation would dominate the headlines and most of the time it wasn’t positive. This Time It was Magical. April 27th would be a day where the Los Angeles Dodgers would open another new chapter in Dodger Baseball. Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, Mark Wither and co Were approved by MLB and Former Owner Frank McCourt as they bought the Dodgers for 2.15 Billion. The new Ownership group was a sign and start of whats to be a Bright future for Dodger Baseball and the City of Los Angeles as they look to restore the luster back into one of Baseballs most historic franchises. This is something all Dodger fans can really low towards as this is the start of a brand new and Magical Era in Not only Dodgers baseball but MLB it’s self.
Its Magic!! One of L.A.’s Legends Buys the Dodgers
Say hello to you're new Owner
What a Great Night To Be A Dodgers Fan!! After dealing with the issues of Frank McCourt We Now Have A New Owner! NBA Hall of Famer and Laker great Ervin “Magic” Johnson!! Magic Johnson and his group have won the Bidding and came to an agreement to buy the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium for $2 Billion tonight. All Dodger fans this is the time we’ve been waiting for since the Divorce. Earlier in the week I said that If I had to pick anyone to be the Owner I want it to be Magic and his group. Well Tonight it happened and how great is it One week before the Season.
Speaking for many Dodger fans tonight I want you guys to know that With Magic Johnson we have a guy who knows the Dodgers and what the LA Fans and community is all about. All the frustration we had to deal with McCourt has turned into Joy with Magic Johnson. We are 100% Confident that Magic will do whatever it takes to turn this Francise around and get it back to the World Series winning style. He knows what to do and I am happy for a brand begining in Dodgers Baseball.
Fellow Los Angeles Dodgers Fans!! Celebrate and Cheer On As Tonight Marks the Begining of a New Chapter in Dodgers baseball and History. Magic Johnson Welcome to the Dodgers family and we Know you will do what it takes to Bring the Dodgers back to the Championship winning Franchise.
And then there were 3: My thoughts on Dodgers Bidding
It’s been a long process for the Dodgers and now its down three Bidders. Magic/Kasten, St Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke, and Steven Cohen/ Soon Shiong are the three that will be voted by MLB before negotiating with Frank McCourt. Looking at the potential owners I have different thoughts about different ones which is something I won’t get into at this moment. I don’t know what each owner has on their agenda as far as bringing the Dodgers back from the mess that was brought during the McCourt issues but hopefully it’s the right one. Now as I mentioned Next Week MLB will vote on the 3 bidders which means by April 1st the Dodgers auction will be done and who ever MLB votes will talk with McCourt on finalizing a sale by April 30th. It’s been a rough process after going through a lot of bidders and multiple things but in the end the Dodgers will have a new owner and we’ll be rid of McCourt.
Whoever the new Dodgers owner is I hope the first thing that comes is getting the Dodgers out of the Bankruptcy mess and other mess McCourt has left. In order to get back the left over damage that McCourt left must be fixed. Another is the fan experience. Dodger fans are the most Loyal in baseball as I always say and the new Owner must notice that and not make it about the Money Makers. The tradition of the Dodgers must stay too. No changes!!!! Upgrades to make the Stadium wouldn’t but No Name changes or moving the Stadium.
As far as who I want as the owner I would love to see Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten as the owners of the Dodgers. Magic knows how deep the Los Angeles/Dodgers connection is being in Los Angeles when the Dodgers won the World Series. Stan Kasten, who looks like he will be on the baseball side of things, knows what to do as far as putting a winning product on the field. Kasten is a Veteran Baseball executive. He and Magic look like a good team that will make everyone in Dodgertown extremely happy. It rest in the hands of MLB as of now but I have faith that they will do whats best for the Los Angeles Dodgers and it’s Fans.
Matthew
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