Dodgers’ Transition Underway

The transition of the Dodgers from News Corp. to prospective buyer Frank McCourt began Wednesday at Dodger Stadium in the first of ongoing meetings between club officials and McCourt’s point man.

Dodger President Bob Graziano was in discussions throughout the day with McCourt advisor Corey Busch, team officials said, laying groundwork for the Boston real estate developer to take control of the franchise if the sale is approved in a vote by owners. Commissioner Bud Selig is expected to schedule a vote in mid-November.

As part of his agreement in principle to purchase the Dodgers from the media giant for $430 million, McCourt is permitted to move forward with transition plans pending ownership approval.

Graziano declined to comment on his lengthy meetings with Busch, and a spokesman for the McCourt group said Busch would not grant interviews until the sale is completed. Team officials involved with the process, however, said Graziano and Busch spoke mostly in general terms about how the transition would unfold if everything holds to form.

A definitive plan will be laid out after the World Series, as McCourt, who might attend meetings at Chavez Ravine next week, becomes more involved closer to a sale vote, team officials said.

For now, Busch, who will have a top position in the reorganized front office, will continue to review the team’s operating plans for 2004 while meeting with senior management.