The Dodgers' status as "a bankrupt company should not prevent owner Frank McCourt from offering big contracts this winter," according to sources cited by Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. MLBPA Exec Dir Michael Weiner said the Dodgers will "be permitted to make whatever decisions they have to make." Those "critical decisions" include whether to pursue CF Matt Kemp, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Dave Stewart, Kemp's agent, said of his client, "I don't think he's so much worried that the team isn't going to be able to contend. He's been very supportive of today's ownership -- Frank McCourt -- and sympathetic to the situation." Stewart added, "This is Los Angeles, and because of the great tradition the Dodgers have, I don't think we're so concerned about the direction of the ballclub." But player agent Scott Boras indicated that "some players would be comfortable making a long-term commitment to a team with ownership uncertainty and some players would not." Boras said, "It's the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's a storied franchise. Because of that, it will right itself in time. The question is, how much time?" MLB Exec VP/Labor Relations & HR Rob Manfred said McCourt is "free to sign players to long-term contracts. The only possible caveat is if they get to a value that some people might think it requires court approval." He added, "When it gets up into the $100-million range, there could be issues. A player might be interested in having approval before he takes himself off the market." A source said that the Dodgers' revenue is "projected to decline at least $27 million this season, primarily because of a league-high 17% drop in attendance." Shaikin notes taking on "a significant financial obligation amid declining revenue could risk diminishing the value of a team, which would raise concerns among creditors" (L.A. TIMES, 9/22). SI.com's Jon Heyman noted some "expect the bankrupt Dodgers to spend a fair amount" this offseason. But that "would seem to be a tall order for the financially challenged team" (SI.com, 9/21).
WAITING FOR A RESPONSE: L.A. Marathon Founder Bill Burke, who leads a group that offered McCourt $1.2B for the team, said that the Dodgers owner "did not respond" to the bid. The offer "expired Tuesday," but Burke indicated that his group "has offered an extension." He said, "I don't have any expectations at this point. We're just waiting to see how everything plays out" (LATIMES.com, 9/21).
