The American Spectator

Today, the Los Angeles Dodgers filed for Chapter 11 protection. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said that he was left with no choice after MLB Commissioner Bud Selig refused to approve a TV deal with Fox last week.

Now, of course, there is an argument that Fox is not prepared to go along with the Dodgers’ plans and also assumes that sooner or later to be ex-wife Jamie McCourt doesn’t own a piece of the team. On the other hand, there is a bankruptcy attorney who argues that McCourt was shrewd in filing for protection in Delaware.

I’m no fan of the McCourts. Indeed, this drama could have been playing itself out here in Boston if the other owners hadn’t approved John Henry and Tom Werner’s bid to buy the Red Sox in 2002. On the other hand, during the first six years under McCourt (between 2004 and 2009) the Dodgers made four post-season appearances. If the Dodgers were to make a run for the NL West or NL Wild Card during the second half it could alleviate a lot of problems. Everybody likes a winner. Remember that the Texas Rangers were in bankruptcy proceedings during much of the 2010 season en route to their first American League pennant. What didn’t kill them made them stronger.

Nevertheless, the Dodgers have been around since 1884. So under the circumstances, I suspect there will be a little sadness in Vin Scully’s voice the next time he calls a Dodger game.