Feeling the Dodger Blues

The startling news that Major League Baseball was assuming control of the Los Angeles Dodgers is the latest in a sad chapter for this historic and proud franchise. It was just three short seasons ago LA looked to be on the verge of becoming a power in the National League again, with back-to-back appearances in the NLCS (each time falling to the Phillies) led by a core of young stars in Andre Either, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley with Joe Torre at the helm.

But like the Diamondbacks and Rockies before them--two other recent teams who made the playoffs behind a talented young squad--the once bright Dodger future has dimmed. There was the suspension of Manny Ramirez who last year was given his ticket out of "Mannywood". The inconsistencies of Either, Kemp, Kershaw and Billingsley, which has left all four with a lot to prove this season. Then, of course, you had the messy divorce of Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his now ex-wife Jamie. Which is why the organization is in the situation it's in right now.

When Mr. McCourt bought the team back in 2004, it was seen as a sign the once proud franchise would return to being a factor in the National League. And in fact, they reached the postseason four times (2004, 2006, 2008, & 2009). But Ms. McCourt, who served as the team's CEO until she was terminated in 2009, tried to rest control of the Dodgers from her estranged husband during last year's divorce proceedings. The financial burden put upon Mr. McCourt as a result of the divorce finally forced MLB Commissioner Bud Selig's hand.

It's hard to believe that a team in the nation's number two media market could be facing such financial trouble. The Dodgers are second only to the Yankees among baseball's iconic teams. It's a franchise rich in postseason history and a who's who list of Hall of Fame players. How quickly the fortunes of a team can change.