Despite having financial problems the Dodgers just might be able to renew Matt Kemps contract. or attract some of the big name free agents like Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.
Here is the rest of the story:
The Dodgers' status as a bankrupt company should not prevent owner Frank McCourt from offering big contracts this winter, according to parties involved in the federal bankruptcy proceedings.
"Whatever happens with the club, it's in everyone's interest for the team to be competitive and not compromised in trying to operate," said Michael Weiner, executive director of the MLBl Players Assn., which, as co-chair of the bankruptcy creditors' committee, represents the interests of every party to whom the Dodgers owe money.
"They'll be permitted to make whatever decisions they have to make."
The critical decisions include whether the Dodgers can persuade All-Star center fielder Kemp to forego free agency and whether General Manager Ned Colletti can implement his plan to upgrade the offense in "the most dramatic way we can."
Kemp, a leading contender for the National League's Most Valuable Player award, would be eligible for free agency after next season. Dave Stewart, his agent, said the Dodgers have not opened talks on a long-term contract but that Kemp would be receptive to such an offer, even amid the prolonged ownership uncertainty.
"I don't think he's so much worried that the team isn't going to be able to contend," Stewart said. "He's been very supportive of today's ownership — Frank McCourt — and sympathetic to the situation."
Stewart said he was not apprehensive about a long-term commitment to a team that could be sold next year.
"Because 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," Stewart said. "In this market, you have to go out there and win. We're not so worried about that. We're pretty confident about that."
Fielder and Pujols might not be so confident.
Dan Lozano, the agent for Pujols, declined to comment. Scott Boras, the agent for Fielder, would not discuss the Milwaukee Brewers' slugger in particular but said some players would be comfortable making a long-term commitment to a team with ownership uncertainty and some players would not.
"It's the Los Angeles Dodgers," Boras said. "It's a storied franchise. Because of that, it will right itself in time. The question is, how much time?"
Boras clients have signed with a high bidder even if that team did not appear poised for immediate success, including Alex Rodriguez with the Texas Rangers and Jayson Werth with the Washington Nationals.
Fielder, however, told The Times at the All-Star game that he would evaluate teams first and foremost on their ability to win.
"That's the obvious part, especially for you to be somewhere in the long term," Fielder said.
Similarly, Pujols plans to evaluate every interested team beyond its contract offer, including the quality of its minor league system and the desire of ownership to afford a team that can get to the World Series, and get back, according to a person who has spoken with him.
Although the Dodgers accepted a $150-million loan from MLB to fund the team through the bankruptcy case, the league does not have a say in player acquisition under the terms of the loan, said Bruce Bennett, the Dodgers' lead bankruptcy attorney.
"The bankruptcy case imposes no limitations on the ability of the Dodgers to operate their business in the ordinary course," Bennett said, "which includes managing the roster in any way the Dodgers see fit."
written by Bill Shaikin
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