The Dodgers "fired" President & CEO Bob Graziano
yesterday, according to Jason Reid of the L.A. TIMES, who
reports that Graziano was "told of the long-rumored move" by
Fox Sports Enterprises President Rick Welts. While Welts
"declined to discuss specifics" of the move, Reid writes
that "it's obvious" that Fox Group CEO Peter Chernin is
"displeased with the team's poor performance and seeming
front-office malaise." Welts said that the decision was
made because of Graziano's "relative lack of experiencing
running" a pro franchise and his "handling of key issues
confronting the ballclub." Welts: "Bob is a thoroughly
likable guy and a competent guy, and this is a very
difficult decision for me to make. ... I don't know how to
move forward without change." Reid cites a source as saying
that Graziano has "already rejected" a Fox Sports
Enterprises VP position and "will leave the organization
once the transition is completed" (L.A. TIMES, 9/29). In
L.A., Matt McHale reports that the Dodgers "will move
quickly to name a successor" to Graziano and cites sources
as saying that Welts "could wind up with the job." Welts,
on Graziano: "Professional sports in the year 2000 requires
a great range of skills. Bob's area is in finance, but
there are so many different elements that go into the job."
Graziano said while he was "disappointed. ... This wasn't a
shock" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 9/29). FSN's Keith Olbermann
reported on the dismissal at 24:06 into the 11:00pm ET
broadcast. Olbermann, on Graziano: "He was a [former Owner]
Peter O'Malley hire, who became perceived as the Fox
henchman who traded away Mike Piazza" (FSN, 9/28).
CLEAR AS CLAIRE? In L.A., Bill Plaschke floats former
Dodgers GM Fred Claire as a possible successor to Graziano.
Plaschke: "Who else understands both Dodger baseball and
business as he does? (L.A. TIMES, 9/29). Also in L.A.,
Karen Crouse writes that Washington Sports & Entertainment
President Susan O'Malley would be a "qualified" candidate.
Crouse: "The old boys' network hasn't exactly been a rousing
success for the Fox ownership group. So why not let
O'Malley into the club?" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 9/29).
