6-4-2 — an Angels/Dodgers double play blog

Steve Dilbeck writes that McCourt lost this round in court (ditto Craig Calcaterra), but it's hard to look at the decision that keeps any MLB loan separate from MLB oversight as a clear win for Bud Selig. Nonetheless, there are a lot of positive signs here, including the devastating finding

McCourt and his attorneys had argued that, as the debtors, the Dodgers were entitled to use their business judgment to pick the loan they preferred. That is a standard under bankruptcy law, but Gross ruled that McCourt forfeited that priority by failing to disclose he would have personally owed his lender $5.25 million by not seeking court approval of the loan.

The full letter from the commissioner to McCourt denying the Fox TV deal is a hammer blow, Bud Selig swinging for the fences, and frequently connecting. It contains some doozies:

• Pages 3,4: "... the $385 million that would be accelerated as part of the Proposed Transaction far exceeds any up-front payment previously received by any other club. No other owner has sacrificed so much of his team's future for an immediate payoff. ... '[H]amstringing the business' is exactly what you are proposing...."
• Repeatedly, there was no Fox TV deal to approve, because Jamie refused to allow it.
• "I cannot approve a transaction that would allow you to extract millions upon millions more from this storied franchise."
• Frank's business projections don't include revenue sharing, the late decline in ticket sales, and diversions of funds for personal purposes.
• Frank is being audited for tax years 2006 through 2008 (footnote, page 10).

Lots more in the letter, which is juicy and delightful.

Update: Here's the judge's ruling from today's hearing. Round 2 will be about Bud v. Frank, which will be, in my estimation, the main event.

Update 2: As expected, McCourt's camp is publicly upbeat since they weren't thrown to the curb or laughed out of court, and most importantly, MLB can't reinstall a monitor in Frank's scheming.

Update 3: Josh Fisher at ESPN:

Under the terms of the existing television deal, the Dodgers cannot begin negotiating with anyone other than Fox until late 2012. That has led baseball to express concerns about the desirability of extensions of the Fox deal thus far proposed by McCourt. However, because of the club's bankruptcy, it may have the option to walk away from the Fox contract and sell the Dodgers' television rights competitively.

MLB will likely oppose such treatment of an important strategic partner. While today's ruling signals Gross' willingness to curtail baseball's policies to the extent necessary to achieve bankruptcy's purposes, he may not be as willing to entertain a move with potential negative impact across the game. Make no mistake, the fight over the Dodgers' ability to sell their TV rights will be as bitter and acrimonious as any thus far. The outcome will determine how much longer the Dodgers remain under McCourt ownership.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts

• Today: Trevor Bell was optioned back to AAA, with Fernando Rodney rejoining the big club. He will be available Friday in Baltimore.
• Yesterday: The Angels sent RHP Michael Kohn back to Salt Lake after giving up three homers in Tuesday's game. They recalled RHP Horacio Ramirez, which seems a bit odd given he hasn't pitched in the majors in two years.

Labels: angels, transactions

I was pretty damned sure that the Angels were going to lose this series, and they very nearly did last night — but thanks to a positively inspirational six-run rally in the sixth and Jordan Walden's 22nd save, they held it together for the win.

Today's story — the Angels won on an unearned run, reminding me of the weird game on June 28, 2008 where he lost despite giving up no hits (the Dodgers would get none, either) — except that this time, they won. C.J. Wilson was, save for an error that allowed the winning run to cross the plate (Endy Chavez' throwing error that allowed Mike Trout to reach, and Howie Kendrick to score). Weaver's most nail-biting moment came in the sixth, when the Rangers managed to load the bases, but he finally got Mitch Moreland to strike out, ending the threat.

Is the season over? Not any more. Are the Angels still contenders? Possibly, but I'm still not quite sold. Let's see the division lead trade places down the stretch.

ESPN Box

Labels: angels, rangers, recaps

In the wake of the late series loss to Oakland, I have to say -- the division is about to be decided, and the Angels are not going to prove equal to the task. I had some hope before the All-Star break, but after that performance? No way.

Labels: angels, predictions, rangers

• The Dodgers have released Marcus Thames, who cleared waivers.
• The Angels sent Hank Conger to AAA Salt Lake to make room for Tyler Chatwood (!).

Labels: angels, dodgers, transactions

Bill Shaikin's latest Times story doesn't go into details about how much he would benefit — that's been redacted — but we learn that MLB further alleges that the McCourts have extracted $200M from the team in the seven years they've owned the club.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts

I don't take the Sports By Brooks story very seriously; to me, this is more a threat to Frank McCourt that if, by some miracle, his byzantine corporate structure should miraculously survive court challenges by MLB, he will not be the team's landlord, and needs to get that idea right out of his head. (Via my friend Ron La Pierre on Facebook.)

Update: Bill Shaikin tweets that AEG denies any such talks have been held.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts

I didn't even know he was on the DL, but apparently he was, and for knee surgery. I assume the fact that the Rangers gave him an outright release is a move to prevent him from occupying space on the 40-man. It's unlikely he'll be claimed, given he is owed an additional $7.1M through 2012.

Labels: injuries, rangers, transactions

Multiple tweets about the Brewers acquiring K-Rod for cash and two PTBNLs; I'll just use this Andy McCullough tweet as representative.

Matthew Pouliot at Hardball Talk notes that because Rodriguez has a $17.5M 2012 option that vests if he gets 55 games finished this year, it is likely he will be an eighth inning man for the Brewers.

Labels: brewers, ex-angels, mets, trades, transactions

As if this comes as a surprise. Please, some judge, somewhere — make McCourt go away.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts

Too bad it has no chance of succeeding:

“We were thinking the American League and National League can have different charities, and we can play for that,” Bell said. “If you’re the MVP, you get X amount of money for your own personal charity. And everyone that shows up, the money goes to that charity. It would give awareness to the charities, people would talk about it, and you’d want to play for that reason. If I was commissioner for a day, that’s what I’d do.”

Labels: all-star game

The Dodgers acquired Juan Rivera and cash from the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later, and gave Marcus Thames the heave-ho. MSTI has the full skinny, and he sets out a good case that this represents a positive incremental change. Also, the cash has to be useful for a guy running out of dough, what with the stadium looking ever so empty these days.

Labels: blue jays, dodgers, trades, transactions

Weaver Tosses Another CG Gem: Angels 5, Mariners 1

I didn't watch this in its entirety, but Jered Weaver only really got into trouble in the third and seventh innings, giving up the opposition's only run in the third on a Brendan Ryan single. Other than that, the Angels got as much as they would need in an answering rally in the bottom of the third, posting a three spot on three hits, including a Howie Kendrick double.

Unfortunately, Peter Bourjos pulled up lame at second base during an eighth inning rally, and as a consequence the Angels made a surprise move and called up Mike Trout all the way from AA Arkansas. Here I was thinking I'd have to go there to see him (and log a visit with my in-laws at the same time — not a bad thing), but he's coming to me, tonight!

ESPN Box • Angels recap

Dodgers Break Five-Game Skid With Six-Run Shutout: Dodgers 6, Mets 0

The Dodgers were in danger of posting their longest losing streak of the year (and as it was, they already matched their longest with five straight), but somehow managed to get behind a strong eight-inning performance by Clayton Kershaw and beat up on the Mets' Dillon Gee, who gave up five earned runs for the first time this year.

ESPN Box • Dodgers recap

Roster Notes

• Rod Barajas, whom I missed going on the DL with a ? injury, is expected back after the All-Star break.
• The Dodgers announced Wednesday Jon Garland will have season-ending shoulder surgery, which conceivably could be career-ending as well.

Fan Falls To Death In Arlington

A terribly sad happening in Arlington as a fan fell to his death trying to catch a foul ball thrown into the stands by Josh Hamilton. Video from the game is surprisingly un-disturbing; we don't see him hit the pavement. My condolences to his family.

Labels: angels, deaths, dodgers, injuries, mariners, mets, rangers, recaps, transactions

Woo and hoo:

"This is clearly, in my mind, not an appropriate occasion to turn this hearing into a trial on the commissioner," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross said.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts, woo hoo

Bill Shaikin is once more on the job, with a series of tweets consummated with "McCourt's wide-ranging discovery requests are so broad and 'so irrelevant to any issue that they constitute harassment.'"

In related Dodgers news, Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman reports that the Dodgers won't start selling players off for another two and a half weeks if it becomes necessary.

Update: Shaikin now says McCourt tried to take out an additional $20M from the team even after payroll crisis in April. Incredible.

Earlier:

Bankruptcy court file now includes letter from #Dodgers fan Greg MacDonald to judge: "Please allow us to reclaim our team."

Update 2: Shaikin's long-form piece at the Times Dodger blog.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts

I don't presently have a link for this but I will copy-and-paste the announcement from the Dodgers. Shameless and pathetic: giving away tickets at a steep discount on a major giveaway night.

DODGERS ANNOUNCE 48-HOUR $5 RESERVE LEVEL TICKET SALE FOR ANDRE ETHIER BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT THIS THURSDAY

In recognition of All-Stars Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw, $22 Loge Level, $22 All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion and $27 Field Level seats will be also offered

LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers announced today a 48-hour $5 sale on Reserve Level tickets to this Thursday’s game (7:10 p.m. vs. NYM) featuring Andre Ethier Throwback Bobbleheads presented by San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino. This sale is being held as Ethier competes for a chance to reach the All-Star Game in his hometown of Phoenix in the “Final Vote.”

Teammates Kemp, who will start in center field for the National League, and Kershaw have already been selected to the NL All-Star Team and in celebration, the Dodgers are offering $22 Loge Level, $22 All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion and $27 Field Level seats for Thursday’s bobblehead night.

Ethier has been among the National League’s top hitters all season long as he currently ranks seventh in the NL with a .317 batting average and has seven homers and 41 RBI. He posted a Major League season-long 30-game hitting streak earlier this season, the second-longest streak in Dodger history. Fans can vote at dodgers.com and MLB.com or for a simple text vote on behalf of Ethier, text N1 to 89269.

Dodger fans can partake in the 48-hour sale by visiting dodgers.com/ethier.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts

A Fourth Of July Worth Remembering: Angels 5, Tigers 1

The Angels bid adieu happily if perhaps a bit wistfully to interleague play. They took four of six from crosstown rivals the Dodgers, though despite my misgivings and the apparent at-large misgivings of Dodger fans overall, Chavez Ravine matches still outdrew those at Angels Stadium, 127,852 to 126,021. The difference is quite small, but still says something about the durability of that contract with the fans.

So, back to the American League for the balance of the season, and to the out-of-division opponent of the moment, the Detroit Tigers. The headline on this game was principally about bookended Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells solo homers (in the first and eighth innings respectively), which leads me to recalling a piece I can't now put a finger to in which Wells vowed that his post-injury numbers would be far better than his early struggles. And just so: he's hitting .264/.280/.549 since his return; while you like the slugging average, the on-base-percentage is disturbingly low, even for someone who can knock the ball over the fence. By contrast, Garret Anderson, whom I and others have slagged for his inability to take a walk, never posted an OBP under .308 as an Angel, averaging .324 for his Halo career. Still, it represents a sizable improvement for Wells to be contributing, and for now, he has postponed the day when Tony Reagins will have to walk the plank, and Arte will cut him loose as an expensive failed experiment.

(Incidentally, an alert reader noticed that the Blue Jays pulled the plug on one of the returns for Wells, designating Juan Rivera for assignment on Saturday. The move worked out pretty well for Toronto, as callup Travis Snider shattered John Lackey and the Red Sox, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. My Sawx-loving Facebook friends are now well past disgust and into talk of DFAing Lackey, who has a grand total of four quality starts all year, out of 13 attempts. The talking heads on MLB Network's Quick Pitch program last night were saying his 7.47 ERA is in historic company in terms of pitchers being given the most rope and still coming up short. As upset as I was at the time that he was allowed to leave, the injury risk had to also be there, and I must say I'm glad someone else has to deal with that. Now, about Vernon Wells ... Rivera still has a higher OPS+. Embarrassing.)

Have I mentioned the Angels are tied for first place in the division? No?

ESPN Box • Angels recap

Frank Goes After Bud: Discoveryrama!

Not too surprising, given Frank's decreasing lack of options. And who knows but that other teams are run this badly (I have always imagined it at least a possibility) but that Frank's case, being more heavily leveraged, merely came a-cropper first. I plan on pouring a nice glass of pinot grigio and enjoying the show from a distance.

Roster Moves

• Casey Blake went down (neck strain) and Rafael Furcal was called up on Saturday from his latest rehab stint.
• This briefly kept Dee Gordon on the 25-man roster, but then he, too, was shipped to AAA Albuquerque to make room for Eugenio Velez.

Labels: angels, blue jays, dodgers, ex-angels, injuries, recaps, tigers, transactions

I haven't written a game recap in weeks, certainly not since my trip to Pittsburgh and environs. This particular game was interesting most in how the Dodgers failed to do much of anything against Jered Weaver, who pretty much had their number from beginning to end, save for a mildly troublesome fifth, wherein he gave up a leadoff double to James Loney, the only extra-base hit the Dodgers sniffed off him the whole night. Of course, this is the third game in the last month in which he's given up six or more earned runs. That by itself isn't so terrible, though the recent frequency is a bit disturbing.

Dee Gordon got charged with two errors, both throwing, and both ended up allowing a run to score. Clayton Kershaw just couldn't catch a break on his defense, and Weaver pretty much had everything going his way. As Mat Gleason wrote after the game, Weaver did what Frank McCourt cannot: own the Dodgers.

ESPN Box • MLB.com recap

Labels: angels, dodgers, recaps

The ex-Angel is 38 years old, and as Matthew Pouliot points out, Ortiz could be one of three pitchers with more than 1,300 innings pitched with a career ERA over 5.00. (He currently stands at 4.93 ERA in 1389.2 IP, with a 85-82 record in 212 starts.)

Labels: cubs, ex-angels, transactions

When I started this blog in 2004 — seven years ago! — my main aim was to see Frank and Jamie to the door, and hopefully to restore sane ownership to the team I grew up cheering for. Even though events of the last year or so have pushed toward new ownership, there hasn't been a single break that would signal the end of the McCourt era. Instead, we suffer through many small ones, watching the franchise be cut, not in two, but with a thousand small nicks, as a man at a bloodletting.

It seems to me that two openings are possible at the end of all this: either we are stuck with Frank or we are not. In the latter case, the all but uniform desire of Dodgers fans, we are left with an unknown owner or owners, though hopefully better capitalized and more intelligent and resourceful. But in the former case, we get slow dissipation by overleverage. Too, such an outcome must necessarily come at the cost of the near-total evisceration of the Commissioner's office; what penalty could he then bring against a truly rogue owner?

I cheer, as always, for the second option, for new owners no matter their quirks, hoping against hope that the team isn't delivered into a different sort of hell.

On to the day's bullet points (I was sick yesterday):

• The Dodgers may not have bounced Manny's paycheck with the new debtor-in-possession financing, but they did bounce the paychecks of other employees. New, presumably non-rubber checks have since been issued; the blame is cast on the Chapter 11 filing, which caused the payroll funds to be locked up, but this seems a little petty. That goes double because some of the people whose payroll checks bounced were security personnel. Bryan Stow calling?
• My new favorite t-shirt and portmanteau: Frankrupt.
• Frank apparently wants to put Selig under oath, which has some interesting ramifications. While I do wonder whether Selig isn't being arbitrary about ousting Frank — remember, we know nothing about how the other 29 teams operate — if it means MLB has to ultimately be put on a sounder footing, then I'm all for it.

  In a letter dated June 3 and obtained by The Times, McCourt attorney Robert Sacks wrote to an MLB attorney: "We have reason to believe that the 'monitor' and members of his staff have an interest in seeing MLB attempt to take control of the Dodgers from Mr. McCourt."

  Sacks asked for immediate written confirmation that "(i) no one from MLB has spoken to the 'monitor' or any member of his staff about the possibility of any continuing role with the Dodgers; (ii) no one from MLB has spoken to the 'monitor' or any member of his staff about acquiring any interest in the Dodgers or any other MLB club; and (iii) neither the 'monitor' nor any member of his staff is receiving or will receive any compensation or benefits that is dependent in any way upon the outcome of the Commissioner's 'investigation' or their activities with respect to the Dodgers."

• Ten hearing dates were set in the Dodgers bankruptcy case; the next is July 20, with the league expected to request the revocation of McCourt's franchise before then.
• Steve Dilbeck asks, "Why is Steve Garvey still employed by the Dodgers?", and I would answer, "Because he needs the money."
• Some lessons from the McCourts at the Wall Street Journal. (I assume all of you are already smart enough not to pay a guy surnamed Shpunt $100,000+ for V-energy.)
• MSTI has a nice accumulation of McCourt sins, but this only goes so far. I plan on assisting him in this list if I can find the time to dig some.

Labels: dodgers, mccourts