It has been becoming more and more frustrating. The Dodgers have come so close the last two years, only to fall short of the World Series both times at the hands of the Phillies. We have waited too long.
It's been over 20 years since we have even been to a World Series. The Dodgers franchise is one of the most storied franchises in the history of sports. We have always been the loveable underdogs. From Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax to Steve Garvey to Orel Herscheiser to well no one. We have seen terrible management affect this club since the O'Malley's sold the franchise to Rupert Murdoch.
Then, it seemed like we turned a corner. Dan Evans and News Corp left. The Dodgers were owned by a family who were " committed to winning." A couple mediocre seasons and then all of a sudden Manny Ramirez comes along and puts fire into the bellies of a below .500 team.
We finally won a postseason series after 20 long years. Then all of a sudden we had all of the tools for a title contender. We had a power hitting outfield. A great defensive infield with good contact hitters. We had a great play caller behind the plate. We had the "best" bullpen in baseball. We even had a promising pitching staff. What happened? Another five and out to the Phillies.
So what would be the natural thing to do after coming three wins short of a world series appearance? What? Let the Phillies trade for Roy Halladay, while our biggest move was downgrading at second base with Jamey Carroll? We can do so much better.
But it seems as if ownership won't let us. You're telling me that we have been outmaneuvered by the team that has knocked us out of the play-offs in consecutive years.
Where does the blame fall?
Owner Frank McCourt.
If he cannot support the team in the middle of a divorce, what makes us think he is going to be able to support it after? Remember, even before there was a divorce, the Dodgers refused to take on any salary after Opening Day. They traded away a stud prospect in Carlos Santana, who can become the next great Dodger catcher, just so they could have Casey Blake without the salary.
He has been a cheap ass since he came to town. He spent money on crummy free agents and now wont spend any money on necessities, such as starting pitching. (I bet they could get Erik Berdard or Ben Sheets at a really low price on a one year deal. It is low risk, high reward on a low salary for one year).
McCourt didn't allow Colletti to offer arbitration to Wolf, Hudson, etc. for fear they might except. What is the big deal? If they accept, it's only one year for a quality player. If they don't, you get two free draft picks to replenish a farm system that has already been scraped thin because of McCourt's cheapness.
McCourt is definitely not the answer. If he has any respect for the Dodgers organization and its rich history, he would sell the team. We don't want to go through another News Corp. tenure. We already suffered through the Dodger's of the 90's. Bring back the glory days of the 60's and 80's. We need someone who will put together a memorable last season for Vin Scully, he deserves it. We just need an owner he cares about winning as much as Steinberner, Dr. Buss, or Paul Allen. Frank McCourt never has and never will be that guy.
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