Joe Arrigo: O.T.S. Sports Rumors 6-30-12

It’s late June which means it’s the dog days of summer.  The rumors are starting to really heat up around Major League Baseball with the trade deadline quickly approaching and the NBA free agent frenzy is set to begin. We also all know that the NFL getting ready to start training camp in a few weeks so there is some scuttle bug around the gridiron as well.

 

Before I get to the rumors, I want to wish my “little brother” Tyron “Bossy” Brackenridge a happy birthday. He gave himself an early birthday present last night (which just happens to be our Grandma, Carol Arrigo’s birthday) with an interception against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Saskatchewan Roughriders 43-16 win in the CFL opener. I’m proud of you on and off the field bro and keep doing what you doing!!

 

             RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.

 

Inside Pitch MLB Rumors:

The Dodgers and Astros have agreed to a deal that would send OF/1B Carlos Lee and cash to Los Angeles for Double A pitcher Garrett Gould. The deal is not a given since Lee has a limited no trade clause (to 14 teams) and really doesn’t want to leave the Houston area because he runs an extremely lucrative cattle ranch there. Lee is in the last year of a 6 year $100 million dollar deal and would give the Dodgers some needed some pop in their line-up with Matt Kemp on the DL and Andre Ethier out (with a muscle strain). As I write this (at 5:15pm pst) Lee is still considering the deal, but reports are it doesn’t look as if he will accept it. I was told by a perosn close to the situation that if a deal doesn’t happen involving Lee that they would turn their attention to another player because “something else will come up, it always does this time of the year.” It was reported by Fox’s Ken Rosenthal that Lee would like to have a decision by Sunday.

 

The Orioles and Phillies agreed to a deal that send DH/1B Jim Thome to Baltimore for class-a pitcher Kyle Simon and minor-league catcher Gabriel Lino. A deal was announced after each team played Saturday. This could be a sign that the Phillies are going to be sellers at the deadline, or they could be starting to move some salary to try and resign some of their own player (Cole Hamels or Shane Victorino).

 

The Dodgers also made huge waves this past week when they signed Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig (pronounced Pah-eeg) to a 7 year $42 million dollar deal. The 21 year old, 6’2, 215 pound outfield has been compared to Matt Kemp or Vlad Guerrero. The baseball scouting community varies on their opinions of Puig, who is considered a 5 tool prospect. Some think he is the real deal and should make in impact in the Majors either later this year or next season. Other scouts feel he is overrated and the Dodgers over spent to land him.  From what I have seen Puig looks like the real deal (although he needs to go the other way more) and will give the Dodgers one of the most dynamic outfields in baseball. One thing is for certain, the new Dodgers ownership is not shying away from spending on players they feel can have an impact on the field for the Dodgers in hopes of bringing a World Series title back to LA for the first time since 1988.

 

With the signing of Puig the Dodgers have tied up $278 million dollars in their outfield (of Kemp, Athier & Puig) and look to spend more at the deadline and in the off season.  I have heard that the Dodgers are in on pitchers Francisco Liriano of the Twins, Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza of the Cubs, Zack Greinke of the Brewers  and should he be available, Cole Hamels of the Phillies. They also have a high interest in 3B Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays, who will be made available should the Blue Jays fade out of contention.

 

The Yankees have had internal discussions about Zack Greinke and Francisco Liriano since they lost Andy Pettitte for 6 weeks and CC Sabathia for 2 starts. While no deal is likely, from what I was told it is a sign that Brian Cashman is softening his stance about not dealing for starting pitching.

 

I was told that the Rangers have scouted Brewers starter Zack Greinke and that the Brewers would want shortstop Jurickson Profar, the Rangers top prospect, in return as part of a bigger package for Greinke. The Dodgers, Yankees, Cardinals, Orioles and Braves also have scouted Greinke and had internal discussions about the talented Brewers pitcher. The Rangers also are scouting Cole Hamels of the Phillies.

 

On The Sideline NFL Rumors:

This is more of a thought then a rumor and it centers around Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. For 16 years the Packers fans loved Favre and he could do no wrong. He was one of 5 central figures (Bob Harlan, Ron Wolf, Mike Holmgren and the late Reggie White) that led the Packers turn around from doormats to the most stable franchise in the NFL. Up until recently Favre was hadn’t had any kind words for NFL MVP and former understudy Aaron Rodgers. Favre recently told Deion Sanders ” Aaron Rodgers, I knew when I left, this guy has all the tools,”Favre said. “He can beat you with his feet. He’s got a great arm, extremely accurate, handles the cast around him perfect.” Those may be the start of the fence mending and in my opinion it is about time.

While Favre left the Packers no choice but to deal him and both sides took things personal and handled the situation like Jr. High school kids fighting, it’s time for both to “kiss and make-up.” Favre’s place in Packers history is either at or near the top (depending on who you talk to) and he needs to be recognized as such. Ted Thompson would privately tell you that  he wished he handled the situation better as Favre probably would too. It’s time for the future Hall of Famer and one of the most storied teams in NFL history to get together and welcome each other back into each others lives.

As for the fans, we (and I include myself and other family members in this) and the Favre supporters need to realize that the NFL is a business and no matter how painful the final outcome maybe for one party or the other. To take things personal and hold grudges that help no one and only divide an icon from the team he will forever be associated with and it’s fan base (and vice versa). For Favre to not give Rodgers credit until now was childish, but that being said, he has and it’s better late then never. Now the team needs to retire Favre’s number and once he is elected into the NFL Hall of Fame, include his name in their “Ring of Honor” with the likes of White, Lombardi, Starr and Lambeau.

 

The Crossover NBA Rumors:

The rumors are running rapid about the Lakers making a couple big deals this offseason. The first rumor has the Lakers sending Pau Gasol to Atlanta for Josh Smith and a “filler” player. On the surface some would wonder why the Lakers would make this deal and the reasoning is Smith is close to Dwight Howard and the hope for the Lakers is if they add Smith, LA would look more attractive to Howard. Which leads to the next Lakers rumor: Andrew Bynum & a “filler” player for Dwight Howard. Should the Lakers add Smith, Howard’s interest would go up in joining the Lakers. Any deal would be made after July 1st.

 

A player that is going to draw interest from a few teams is former Grizzlies point guard OJ Mayo. Mayo wasn’t tendered a contract in part because the Grizz couldn’t afford him and the $8.5 mill tender. The Lakers have a definite interest in Mayo, who already has a good relationship with Kobe Bryant dating back to Mayo’s days at USC, and are expected to pursue him. The Lakers won’t be the only team in on Mayo with the Pacers, Clippers, Celtics and T-Wolves all having interest.

 

The hot rumor going around NBA circles is Deron Williams and Jason Kidd are a packaged deal and they will both end up with the Nets. They are hanging out together in the Hamptons this weekend and will meet with the Nets and Mavs Monday. There is ramped speculation that their minds are made up and will end in Brooklyn.

 

I am hearing that the Lakers are leaning towards amnestying Metta World Peace (Ron Artest). The Lakers are a team that has interest in Rashard Lewis (who was released today) and want to free up cash in the short and long term. They tried to move MWP during the draft but had no takers. Lewis, like Josh Smith, is also a close friend of Dwight Howard and from what I hear the Lakers are trying to make LA as attractive and familiar as possible to Howard as possible

 

The Rockets were the most active team leading up to the draft and look to be the same way during free agency. They want to move Scola, Martin, Lowery and ANY OTHER player on their current roster. They hope to acquire a big name big man to build around.

 

 

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Joe Arrigo’s O.T.S. (On The Sidelines) Sports Rumors Report

I have decided to expand the O.T.S. rumors report into an all sports rumors segment.

RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.

 

 

:

The Los Angeles Dodgers were in on Kevin Youkilis until Sunday afternoon when the Chicago White Sox agreed to send a second player in exchange for the Boston Red Sox eating $5.5 million of Youkilis’ salary. I was told that the Dodgers now are turning their focus to Josh Willingham of the Minnesota Twins. The Dodgers need to add another power bat to their line-up and Willingham could be that guy that could play first base and hit 5th in their line-up. It comes down to what the Twins are asking for and if they want to deal him.

 

The Dodgers and Twins also have talked in recent weeks about a deal that could send Francisco Liriano to L.A. for a couple prospects. Liriano hasn’t pitched bad since being brought back into the rotation after being demoted to the bullpen. Liriano would give the Dodgers another strong arm to go with reigning Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw and the surprising Chris Capuano.

 

A name to watch in either deal with the Twins (or anyone other Dodgers deal) could be Chad Billingsley. I was told that the organization is growing frustrated with Billingsley and feel that a change of scenery may be need for both him and the team.

 

I am hearing a name that is available and could be had for a reasonable price is Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro. He is not having the type of year we are accustomed to Ichiro having, but teams in need of offense like the Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Giants and even the Yankees all have an interest. Given his age (38), ownerships lack of willingness to deal him and he would have to approve any deal makes it tough for the Mariners. But Ichiro wants to win a World Series and he could welcome a chance to play for a contender, increase his marketability in free agency (should he play well) and most importantly wanting to continue playing and reach 3,000 hits.

 

 

The Milwaukee Brewers are in a stretch which will decide whether they will be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. They have a huge chip in starting pitcher Zack Greinke and could fetch a young arm and positional player in any deal. A source who is tied into MLB circles has told me that they have talked to the Dodgers, Rangers, Pirates, Tigers and Nationals all have spoke to the Brewers. The Dodgers and Rangers have some pieces that fit what the Brewers would be looking for in return. I was told that the mentioned teams are not worried about his anxiety issues.

 

I spoke to a former MLB scout and asked him about Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and the Angels Mike Trout. He said that Trout is “Dale Murphy while Harper is Pete Rose”.  He said “They are the real deal and have all the tools you look for in players. They have each have hell of future and should become the faces of MLB.” He said that the thing that separates Harper from Trout “is Harper’s power & arm” while he says Trout has “way better speed.”

 

 

:

The NBA Draft is on Thursday and I have heard that the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade back into the first round for a Point Guard. A couple names I hear the PG’s they like include Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague, Tony Wroten and Tyshawn Taylor. The rumor making the rounds has the Lakers and Heat talking about a deal (at #27).

 

I have also heard that the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have talked about a deal that would send last years #2 overall pick power forward (and L.A. native) Derrick Williams, the #18 overall pick and Wesley Johnson to L.A. for power forward/center Pau Gasol. I was told that that Lakers feel they need a PF that can shoot and play away from the basket to free up Andrew Bynum, which Williams can do. The players I hear the Lakers like at that pick include PF Perry Jones III (Baylor) and Quincy Miller (Baylor). Gasol and Ricky Rubio (the Wolves PG) play together for the Spain National team and Gasol would add leadership to the young Minnesota team.

 

I am hearing that the Bobcats are targeting North Carolina SF Harrison Barnes and would like to move back a few slots to select him. He worked out for them this past week and “wowed” the Bobcats upper management. I was also told that former Tar Heel and NBA great (the Bobcats owner) Michael Jordan has signed off on drafting him if GM Rich Cho chooses to do so.

 

I hear to small forwards will be on the move draft day, the Bulls Luol Deng and the 76ers Andre Iguodala. Word is Golden State and the Bulls are talking about Deng, while the Lakers, Clippers and Raptors are in on Iguodala. If the Lakers deal for Iguodala it would include Pau Gasol.

 

 

 

Join me on The Average Joe Show this Tuesday at 8pm pst time. Joe Pacheco and myself will be joined by former NBA All Star Kenny Anderson  as we talk about the NBA Finals, LeBron James, Heat, Lakers and the NBA Draft. We will be taking calls and answering YOUR questions. Join us at http://blogtalkradio.com/the-average-joe-show.

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Joe Arrigo: My ran-DUMB Sports Thoughts

I took a little break from writing (or blogging) after the NFL draft because I was burnt out after all the blogging during that time period. The world of sports has had a lot going on during that time frame, and Joe Pacheco and I continued The Average Joe Show every Tuesday at 8pm pst.

 

But let’s get to my ran-DUMB sports thoughts…..

 

NBA:

As I write this blog during the final moments of the NBA Finals I can’t help but think about Lebron James place in NBA history. While James has his detractors (or “haters”), no one can question his overall game. He is the most talented player in the NBA today, period. His skill set is reminiscent of Magic Johnson’s game, except James has more spring in his legs and Magic was a better free throw shooter. I admit  I am and was highly critical of James lack of “clutch gene” throughout his career, but this series in-particular he showed not only me, but every other critic (including Skip Bayless of ESPN)  that he doesn’t need to make the last shot of a game to win it for his team. He also hit a 3 pointer to put the Heat by 5 in game 4 (on a cramped leg) that was the dagger and sealed a Heat victory.

 

But where does that leave James in the world of NBA greats? Is he better then Michael Jordan? NO. Magic? Not even close. Larry Bird? Nope. Kobe? Not to me. LeBron, to me, is not in MY top 5 NBA players of all-time. He is however in my top 10 and could climb to as high as #2 IF he wins 4 more titles. Here are my top 10 NBA players of All Time.

 

1. Michael Jordan: He redefined the NBA by globalizing it. No player has had the type of global impact that Jordan has had. Kids from Chicago to the Congo from Spain to China and beyond knew (knows) who Jordan is. His shoe brand (Jordan Brand) and NIKE has played a huge role, but his game and personality (on camera) really is what sets him a part. 6 NBA titles & Finals MVP’s, 5 time NBA MVP, 14 time NBA All Star, 10 time scoring champ, 9 time All NBA Defensive team, NBA Rookie of the Year, 1988 Defensive Player of the Year, 3 time steals champion, 3 time NBA All Star MVP, 2 time NBA Slam Dunk champion and a 2 time gold medal winning Olympic champion. One could argue that he really could have been MVP every year he played (from 1988 on) and may have been an 8 time champion if he didn’t retire to play baseball for a season and a half.  He took a franchise that was an NBA also-ran and made them a proud franchise with a history that includes most wins in a season (72) and the third most NBA titles in NBA history (6).

 

2. Magic Johnson: Most will be surprised that I have Magic up this high, but he and Larry Bird saved the NBA. Magic was everything you’d want in a player and leader of men. He was a 6’9 Point Guard that (as a rookie) played Center against Moses Malone in the NBA Finals in the deciding game and led the Lakers to his first NBA title and a Finals MVP. Magic led the “Showtime” Lakers to 5 titles in totality and he would have been the NBA’s All-Time assist leader if it weren’t for the HIV virus he contacted and forced him to retire. That year (1991) he came back to the NBA in the All Star game and won the MVP. Later, in 1992, he was a part of the “Dream Team” which won the Gold medal. He led the “Dream Team” and won his last title, a gold medal, as a player. Magic off the court has been even more successful as a businessman, he now is an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Karrem is the NBA’s leading scorer and block shots leader, 6 time champion, 6 time All Star and arguably the most fundamentally sound big man to play the game. His “sky hook” was unstoppable and I feel Kareem is underrated by most people. While some think Chamberlain is a better player, I think Kareem played against tougher competition when he played and still was the best player in the game for a very long time.

 

4. Wilt Chamberlain: Wilt was (arguably) the most dominating player in the history of sports. He was a Center that could do no wrong on the court (or off it), except for his free throw’s. He scored 100 points in a game, averaged a triple double and simply dominated the competition, except for Bill Russell and the Celtics. Wilt won 2 NBA titles to go along with 4 MVP’s.

 

5. Larry Bird: Larry Bird, along with Magic Johnson, helped save the NBA when they entered the NBA in 1979 & 1980. The rivalry between the Bird led Celtics and the Johnson led Lakers was must seen TV for any sports fan. Bird is a 3 time NBA champion, 2 time Finals MVP & the best pure shooter I have ever seen. He wasn’t flashy (like Magic) but he was a hustler that was consistent game in and game out and had a killer instinct that only Jordan could best. Larry “the Legend” helped turn the Celtics back into an NBA title contender and restored pride to Boston and the Boston Garden.

 

6.Bill Russell: Bill Russell’s statistics don’t tell the whole story. He was a 13 time NBA Champion, played great defense and sacrificed his offensive stats for the greater good of his team. He played Chamberlain better then any player their era and bested “the Big Dipper” in 9 NBA Finals in a 10 year span.

 

7. Kobe Bryant:

I have Magic a head of Kobe in terms of All Time players because of Magic’s role in saving the NBA, but Bryant maybe the greatest Lakers player to ever play. He is a 5 time champion, 2 time Finals MVP, 14 time All Star, 4 time All Star MVP, 2 time scoring champ, 9 time NBA all defensive team, gold medalist and scored 81 points in a game. Kobe is the closest player I have seen to Michael Jordan. He is the ultimate competitor and has no fear taking (and hitting) the big shot, no matter the angle, location, distance or how much time is remaining in the game.

8. Jerry West

 

9. Oscar Robertson

 

10. LeBron James

 

MLB:

The Dodgers need to make a move or two to jump start their offense and Kevin Youkilis is NOT the answer. “Youk” is not the same hitter fans are accustomed to seeing and would only be a 1 year stop gap (he can be bought out of his $13 million dollar deal for $1 million at the end of the year). I was told that the Dodgers have engaged in talks with the Mariners for Ichiro, but no deal is eminent. They also called the Nationals about first baseman Adam LaRoche and like Ichiro, nothing is close to happening.

 

The Yankees are baseball’s hottest team and they are winning with pitching. But as good as the Yankees are pitching, the Pirates and Nationals are pitching just as well if not better. AJ Burnett and James McDonald lead the Pirates staff while Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez lead what maybe the best pitching in baseball in D.C. Both teams need to add more offensive punch (sorry Nats fans, Bryce Harper can’t do it all) and both look to be “buyers” at the trade deadline.

 

Speaking of Harper, he and Mike Trout of the Angels are the just what MLB needed. They two under 21 rookies are the future & face of MLB and have done nothing to make people think differently of their hype. Trout is being over shadowed by Harper, but who hasn’t been. All Harper has done at 19 years old is become the biggest hitter in the Nats line-up and do everything he has been asked to do (and more). He has also impressed with poise and maturity on the field, as well as his advanced approach to hitting. A former MLB exec told me at the beginning of the year that “Harper is  Pete Rose and Trout is Dale Murphy”. So far he looks to be right.

 

While I don’t agree with “cheating” in pro sports, I also don’t agree with snitching. What Davey Johnson did was HIGHLY hypocritical on his end considering he managed Roger McDowell, who was known to “grease up” while pitching in the Majors, as well as other MLB players that have a history of “altering” or practicing habits unbecoming of a Major Leaguer. Johnson did the same thing to the Dodgers Jay Howell in the 1988 NLCS while managing the Mets. Joel Peralta pitched for the Nats previously and Johnson must have known that Peralta hid pine-tar in his glove. As a former pitcher, I see no use for tine-tar in a glove considering it doesn’t do anything to the ball, unlike a tac or nail in a glove, nail file super glued on a finger or vasoline under the bill of a cap.

 

This week on The Average Joe Show we will talk about Rodger Clemens being cleared of federal charges, should Pete Rose be let in the Hall of Fame and the NBA Finals. Tune in Tuesday at 8pm pst on http:blogtalkradio.com/the-average-joe-show.

Tonight 8pm pst-The Debut Of The Average Joe Show

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Joe Arrigo & Joe Pacheco

Joe Arrigo: My 2012 MLB Predictions

The Major League baseball season opens in the United States tonight and like every other “know-it-all” sports blogger and podcaster I have an opinion about it.

Let me first say I am excited baseball is back. I love the smell of fresh cut grass, the brick dust & white chalk in the diamond. I can already taste the sunflower seeds, hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jack along with an ice cold beer or a soda. The sound of the ball making the gloves “pop” and the “crack” of the bat are music to my ears.

Spring training is ending and fans are getting their first look at new Angels Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson along with Prince Fielder wearing the Detroit Tigers uniform for the first time. Story lines such as 49 year old Jamie Moyer making the Rockies starting rotation, the Marlins spending a ton of money on Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle while moving into a new stadium.

The Dodgers are being sold by Frank McCourt to a group led by NBA legend and L.A. icon Magic Johnson and former Braves and Nationals President Stan Kasten for $2.15 billion dollars and to top it off the Reds signing Joey Votto to a $222 million dollar extension,  I think it’s safe to say we are all ready for some baseball.

Every year MLB has a new storyline and surprise teams. I think this year will be no different.  Teams like the Marlins, Angels and Tigers all look to go deep in the post season with their new “toys”, while the Nationals, Dodgers and Brewers  will try to “sneak up” on teams since expectations may not be as high, but the talent level on the teams can not be overlooked.

Then there is the AL East. Will the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox continue to battle for AL East supremacy or can the Blue Jays close the gap and surprise everyone and sneak into the post season? Another question that has to be asked is how active will the Dodgers be at the trading deadline? How will the new expanded playoff format  work out?

Lastly, with the new ownership already talking about making moves to improve the team the opening day starting nine for the Dodgers most likely won’t resemble what fans see in late July and into the latter part of the year.

Only time will tell how accurate my predictions will be. I look at certain aspects of the game that many don’t look at, most notably the make-up of the team in the clubhouse and how the team plays for their manager.

I did that again as well as I took one interesting fact that I know only a slight few people know, the last six times the Kentucky Wildcats won the NCAA Men’s basketball championship, the New York Yankees won the World Series.  So let me dust off my crystal bat, put on my hat with some flip down shades and try to be smarter than the “Average” Joe!

American League Predictions:

AL East: New York Yankees

AL Central: Detroit Tigers

AL West: Los Angeles Angels

Wild Cards: Texas Rangers & Tampa Bay Rays

A.L. Champion: New York Yankees

Rookie of the Year: Lorenzo Cain- Kansas City Royals

Cy Young: Felix Hernandez- Seattle Mariners

MVP: Albert Pujols- Los Angeles Angels

I like the Yankees starting pitching this season better than I have the past three years but also think they will add another starting pitcher by the trade deadline to give them depth for the post season. I am leery of the Tigers pitching depth behind Justin Verlander.

National League Predictions:

NL East: Miami Marlins

NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers

NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers

Wild Cards: Philadelphia Phillies & Cincinnati Reds

N.L. Champion: Miami Marlins

Rookie of the Year: Devin Mesoraco- Cincinnati Reds

Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw- Los Angeles Dodgers

MVP: Matt Kemp- Los Angeles Dodgers

I think Miami will finish ahead of Philadelphia because the Phillies will have trouble scoring with the injuries to Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. I think the Dodgers will add a bat (David Wright?) and a starter (Francisco Liriano or Roy Oswalt?) at the deadline and make a big push in the post season.

World Series Champion: The New York Yankees over the Miami Marlins in 6 games

“Average” Joe Arrigo

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Magic Johnson and Dodgers: Fanbase Hopes That New Ownership Has Magic Touch

On Tuesday, March 27th at approximately 7:45 p.m. PST, the Los Angeles Dodgersfan base got their wish, and the landscape of the Los Angeles sports scene changed forever for the better.

At about that time, news broke that embattled Dodgers owner Frank McCourt agreed to sell one of the most storied franchises in sports history to Guggenheim Baseball Management (GBM). The group is led by Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten and Mark Walter (Peter Guber, Guggenheim Partners president Todd Boehly and Bobby Patton are also partners in the group).

For Dodgers fans worldwide, it was the best possible news and brought a renewed sense of hope to a franchise that has become more of a soap opera than a title contender.
Earlier on Tuesday, MLB approved 3 groups, GBM, the Steven Cohen Group and Stan Kroenke, as the final three bidders for the franchise. Tuesday night, Johnson, Walter and Kasten called McCourt in New York and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, $2.15 billion for the Dodgers, Dodger Stadium and a 50 percent (and final say) in the land surrounding Dodger Stadium (the parking lots), which allows McCourt to remain as a minority owner of those portions of Chavez Ravine.

In the words of Vin Scully, the Dodgers announcer and icon: “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.”

Fans are excited about Magic being the owner, but he is only 33 percent of the management puzzle for the new Dodgers leadership. Magic is the most beloved man in L.A. and rightfully so. He came to L.A. and brought five NBA titles to the city of Los Angeles and the Lakers. He is charismatic, funny, grounded, respected, genuine, thoughtful, iconic, philanthropic, entrepreneurial, and most importantly, a winner.

Stan Kasten will run the day-to-day baseball operations.
Greg Fiume/Getty Images

Everyone in L.A. considers Magic “one of our own” and he gets the job done when he is involved in any business venture. Magic will be the “face” of the group and sell the team not only to the fans, but to MLB players who are free agents. He is the closer, on and off the field. He will be relied upon to make sure certain deals get done in Los Angeles since he is connected to many of the communities (white, African-American, Hispanic and Asian) and to the L.A. politicians. Magic is also the first African-American “owner” or face of the franchise in MLB.

Stan Kasten is the baseball man, and to me, the key member of this group. Magic and Walter already have said that Kasten will run the day-to-day baseball operations. Kasten was the president of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) at the same time for multiple seasons and most recently was the president of the Washington Nationals.

He was involved in the drafting of Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Steve Avery, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. He was also instrumental in the acquisitions of John Smoltz and Mark Teixeira, the signing of Greg Maddux and 14 straight playoff appearances for the Braves from 1991-2005. Kasten knows how to structure the front office and build a farm system. He also knows that he needs to get the Dodgers back into the Latin markets and tap into their rich baseball system.
Kasten and current Dodgers GM Ned Colletti have a good relationship and have known each other for years. They have already had communications and are expected to get together later this week. Colletti said last night that he talked to Kasten throughout the Dodgers’ sale process. I wouldn’t look for Kasten to fire Colletti or clean out the current Dodgers front office right away; rather, he will look to work with Colletti, assistant GM Logan White and farm director DeJon Watson and wait and see how well the group works together.

A champion on the court and in the business world, Magic wants to bring the Dodgers their first World Series title since 1988.
Peter Kramer/Getty Images

I also think that Kasten will keep current manager Don Mattingly, who has shown that he can be a really successful manager at the major league level.

While Dodgers fans and the city of Los Angeles are excited to have McCourt gone and the GBM group in, this will not be a “quick fix.” The Dodgers are not a bad team on the field, but there are other aspects of the Dodgers that need to be fixed. Guber, the former head of Sony Entertainment, was brought into the ownership group at a later stage, but is expected to bring “Showtime” back to Chavez Ravine.

Additionally, the facilities at Dodger Stadium are outdated and need to be upgraded. These improvements are both costly and time-consuming. The on-the-field product could use another big bat, more starting pitching and must lock up current Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw to a long-term deal. While each of those needs could be achieved relatively soon, it won’t happen overnight.

What the fans feel today and going forward is “we have one of our own running the Dodgers” in Magic. He’s someone they trust, a person who knows how they felt when the Dodgers became an episode of “The Real Housewives of Chavez Ravine.” The shame, disgrace and dishonor the McCourts brought to a franchise that has meant so much to not only MLB and Los Angeles but also American history is now a thing of the past.

Frank McCourt has been many things, been called many things and done many things which have drawn the ire of the Dodgers faithful.

But let me say THANK YOU.

Thank you for making a decision that was done in the best interest of Dodgers fans and the city of Los Angeles (although we all know you made it for your bank account). It is a move that will benefit all. You get out of debt, pay your ex-wife and make a profit on an investment while the Dodgers organization, fans and MLB will no longer be held hostage by you.

The Dodgers faithful receive an ownership group that is not only committed to winning, but also has a plan to ensure the Dodgers future, as a whole both on and off-the-field, will be restored to its rightful place in MLB and Los Angeles.

Fans and players alike are ecstatic after MLB announced the group led by Magic Johnson has bought the Dodgers.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Today is a new day. A day filled with hope, joy, excitement and, yes, “Magic”. I can’t wait for Vin Scully to say those “magical” words: It’s time for Dodgers baseball!