Around Town: McCourts don’t deserve Dodgers
The testimony in the what has become known as the “Dodger Divorce Trial” is stunning. Last week, it was revealed that Frank McCourt “had taken at least $100 million out of the Dodgers’ assets for Jamie’s use.”
However thoughtful it was for Frank to blame this cash withdrawal on his estranged wife, the failure of the Dodger organization to invest in its bullpen is outrageous and inexcusable.
The sum of $100 million would have allowed the Dodgers to keep Orlando Hudson, Juan Pierre and even Manny Ramirez.
The sum of $100 million would have allowed the Dodgers to boost the bullpen — to hire better pitchers.
Orlando Hudson is a popular second baseman who hit for the cycle on Opening Day, April 13, 2009, his first home game as a Dodger. A baseball player hits for the cycle when he hits a single, a double, a triple and a home run in the same game, but not necessarily in that order. Hudson singled in the first inning, hit a home run in the third inning, doubled in the fourth inning and tripled in the sixth inning. Hudson was the first Dodger to hit for the cycle at Dodger Stadium. He was also extremely popular and a four-time Golden Glove awardee. He had an even temper and the fans loved him.
The Dodgers failed to re-sign Orlando Hudson and lost him to the Minnesota Twins on a one-year, $5 million contract.
Juan Pierre is an outstanding outfielder. When forced to play behind Manny Ramirez and deprived of playing time, Juan Pierre still gave it his all. When Manny was suspended for 50 games, Juan Pierre gave an outstanding performance. He is a great fielder — plus, the man can steal. He holds the record for the most stolen bases of any active major-league player. All he needs to do is hit a ground ball and get on first. If Juan Pierre gets on first base, within five minutes, nine times out of 10, he’ll steal to second and then third. Juan Pierre was a team player, a sweet guy and the fans loved him.
The Dodgers traded Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox for two minor-league pitchers. If the McCourts had refrained from using the Dodgers as their piggy bank, the Dodgers could have put up money for more pitchers and kept Juan Pierre.
On Aug. 5, Juan Pierre, as a White Sox player, stole his 500th career stolen base against the Detroit Tigers.
On Aug. 30, the Dodgers put Manny Ramirez on waivers. Under league rules, a team may decide to “waive” any player under contract, at any time. Other MLB teams can then claim the waived player. Manny Ramirez was claimed by — guess who? The Chicago White Sox, which will pay the $3.8 million remaining on his contract.
The McCourts have decimated the Dodgers. They raised prices for tickets, parking and food. A bottle of water at Dodger stadium costs $5. Parking fees are outrageous. A simple T-shirt costs $30.
The McCourts do not deserve to be the owners of the most-loved team in history of baseball.
They expect the fans to be loyal to a franchise which has no loyalty to its players.
Too bad the fans can’t put the McCourts on waivers.
Too bad the fans can’t trade the McCourts back to Boston.
ANITA SUSAN BRENNER is a longtime La Cañada Flintridge resident and an attorney with Law Offices of Torres and Brenner in Pasadena. E-mail her at anitasusan.brenner@yahoo.com.