Meet the New Boss, Not Quite Same as Old Boss

Flanked by executives of his Fox Group, the new owner of the Dodgers walked into Dodger Stadium at 11:45 Tuesday morning and headed for the office of board chairman Peter O’Malley.

Questioned in passing, the new owner said he was looking forward to the home opener with “great excitement and great anticipation.”

Rupert Murdoch disappeared into the executive offices and was not heard from again.

The Dodgers opened their 41st season in Los Angeles--and first under any ownership except that of the O’Malley family--by bombing the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks, 9-1.

A crowd of 52,424 on an idyllic afternoon saw the first-year Diamondbacks provide a panacea of sorts for the Dodgers’ offensive ills.

Murdoch watched from O’Malley’s private box, but unlike Disney boss Michael Eisner, who participated in a pregame ceremony and conducted a news conference as the Angels opened the season in Anaheim, the elusive Murdoch had no comment on his $311-million investment, the contract dispute with Mike Piazza, the current and future alterations at Dodger Stadium or if, in fact, he even knows the difference between an infield fly rule and rugby scrum.

It is also not clear whether Murdoch understood why the crowd at times booed Piazza, particularly after he struck out in the third inning.

“Oh, he understood that,” President Bob Graziano said of Murdoch. “He’s a quick study. He understood all of the happenings in today’s game.”

Murdoch understands money, of course, and may ultimately have to pay his all-star catcher $100 million to keep him in blue.

Tuesday’s boos underscored the public resentment that Piazza, who will be paid $8 million this year, created when he chose opening day to express dissatisfaction with his contract negotiations. Graziano refused comment on the crowd reaction, saying it was best for Piazza and the club to minimize a situation that could become an ongoing distraction.

As for Murdoch?

“He thoroughly enjoyed the day,” Graziano said. “I think he found it to be a very good experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him back soon.”

Not a bad idea for an owner who has just paid a record price for the franchise, including a stadium that has never looked better.

The impressive new Edison Field in Anaheim may have that miniature Matterhorn in center field and a view now of the 57 Freeway and Arrowhead Pond, but the landscaped foothills and cloud-draped San Gabriels provided an unsurpassed backdrop Tuesday to some subtle and tasteful changes at 36-year-old Dodger Stadium.

The outfield fences now feature a mural montage--from Jackie Robinson to Tom Lasorda--of all the Dodgers in the Hall of Fame.

Second baseman Eric Young called it an inspiring reminder of Dodger tradition.

“As a player, you want to perform well enough to put your own face on that wall,” he said.

Young and other current Dodgers are featured in new murals on the outer perimeter of the stadium.

There are also two auxiliary scoreboards for out-of-town games on the facade of the second deck, besides a modest increase in revenue-producing signage.

Luxury boxes are likely additions next year, along with remodeled clubhouses.

Graziano said the current changes were planned before the ownership change, but the Murdoch team is obviously just getting started.

The Dodgers, of course, hope that Tuesday’s 13-hit assault was only the start.

A veteran scout who had followed the club on the road wondered if the ownership change had caused some pressure for the team on the field.

“They’ve seemed to be a little tight,” he said. “That’s what happens with new ownership. Everyone tends to be affected--the players and management. No one is quite sure of their situation.”

Manager Bill Russell disagreed.

“They’re aware of it, obviously,” Russell said. “But it hasn’t affected the way they’ve played or the way I manage. Mr. O’Malley said he didn’t want it to become a distraction, and everyone has done a good job of seeing that it hasn’t.

“I mean, [the players] are all signed. They still get paid every two weeks.”

Young agreed.

“There’s pressure just being a Dodger,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who the owner is. L.A. expects a winner. We have a job to do, just as everyone in the organization does.

“I mean, I don’t think Mr. Murdoch is putting any pressure on us--not yet anyway.”

Young played a catalytic role Tuesday. His bunt single set up the first Dodger run, and he had a two-run double in a five-run fourth.

Arizona starter Willie Blair left in that inning and has now given up 20 hits and 11 runs in the 10 2/3 innings of his two starts.

The Dodgers came in hitting .172 so they didn’t care who they beat up on as they try to generate some momentum. It will, however, take more than one win and one week, of course, to resolve questions about left field, center field and the closer role.

For now, the question is, when will Murdoch be back?

“I’d like to meet him,” said Young, who when told the new owner might not be around that much, added, “Well then, maybe I’ll go see him--especially after a win.”