Dodgers Chair MARK WALTER for years has operated "primarily behind the scenes," but a raft of recent issues and events have "forced him to adjust to a higher profile," according to Zuckerman, Baer & Patrick of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Issues behind that higher profile include not only his team being on the brink of its first World Series title since '88, but also a "complicated personal life of late" and "turmoil" inside his $295B investment firm, Guggenheim Partners. L.A.-based Academy Group Managing Partner TIM KNOWLES, whose program is backed by Walter, said the owner would prefer to be out of the limelight "at almost any cost." Knowles: "Mark knew full well when buying the Dodgers that his visibility would increase. ... Does that mean he relishes that part? Probably not.” When Dodgers players "sprayed each other with Champagne" after winning the NLCS, Walter "stood to the side with his family, seemingly unnoticed." Meanwhile, Guggenheim has recently "endured a series of executive departures as well as internal upheaval surrounding the status of a key executive, a woman Mr. Walter has had a personal relationship with, according to current and former employees." Sources said that earlier this year, the SEC also "began looking at Guggenheim’s operations, certain investments and disclosures" and company execs "are cooperating" with the examination. For now, there are "no indications the Guggenheim unrest will impact the team." During his tenure, Walter has "made few public comments about the Dodgers but functions as the ownership group’s most important voice." He "participates in strategy debates and is involved in the team’s day-to-day activities." Dodgers President & CEO STAN KASTEN: "He will routinely share his thoughts with us mid-game, good or bad. He’s passionate" (WSJ.com, 11/1).
