Web musings: When the McCourts are done, what will be left of the Dodgers?

For a couple so concerned about their image that they went through public relations types like most people go through socks, The Times’ T.J. Simers finds the McCourts' willingness to publicly trash each other astonishing.

Of course, this being Simers -- and Frank and Jamie McCourt -- he finds a lot of what they do astounding.

Simers takes a look at the coming trial and its potential impact on ownership, the team, management and the broadcasting booth.

-- In case you missed The Times’ Bill Shaikin’s latest piece on the McCourts’ divorce proceedings, here's his piece from Saturday on the couple at least attempting to settle before going to trial but remaining far apart on judging the team's value.

-- Shortstop Rafael Furcal is headed to the disabled list with his strained lower back, reports The Times’ Dylan Hernandez. Juan Castro is expected to replace him on the roster.

-- Zack Lee, the Dodgers’ No.1 draft pick in camp as a quarterback at LSU, told the TheNewsStar.com that he hasn’t talked to the Dodgers since the June draft and is proceeding with plans to be with the Tigers.

"I haven't really heard anything from them [the Dodgers]," Lee said. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm here to stay until something else happens. And I don't really see it happening."

The deadline to sign this year’s draft picks is Aug. 17.

-- Dodgers.mlb.com’s Ken Gurnick reports that three specialists agree that surgery for catcher Russell Martin’s broken hip is not necessary, at least for the next three weeks.

Martin is now expected to be on crutches for four weeks, and then reevaluated.

-- Times columnist Bill Plaschke profiles Tommy Lasorda's undying commitment to the Dodgers.

-- ESPNla.com’s Jon Weisman writes that if Joe Torre retires at the end of the season, he will be remembered much more as a baseball manager than a Dodgers manager.

-- The Riverside Press-Enterprise’s Gregg Patton thinks the newfound strength of the Dodgers’ rotation still gives the club a chance at a playoff berth.

-- Dodgerdugout.com’s Robert Timm wonders if reports the Dodgers have some interest in signing Jose Guillen means they’re not figuring on the return of Manny Ramirez.

-- TrueBlueLa.com’s David Young examines the Dodgers’ success and failure on their recent East Coast trips.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Comments

[skyharbor]

The McCourts are liars. From one side of their mouths they "want to preserve the organization for their children"....how sweet!...from the other side of their mouths they are ordering $150,000 worth of haircuts!....how gross! Every money grubbing scheme that flies across Frank's desk is sent straight to PR and neatly packaged and stamped "for the fans". It has never been for the fans. Never have they demonstrated their "love of the game." And they have come up pretty short in the common decency department as well. Who is going to win the divorce....it's ego vs greed.....not much chance for a winner there. The McCourts have carved the heart out of the Dodgers and left only the business of baseball. Once upon a time in Camelot we had Peter and Tommy and Vin and soon we'll be left with Frank and Jamie. Will this wrong ever be righted?....hey...we're Dodger fans and we won't stop believin'...........

[KoufaxFan]

Bravo skyharbor!

[Wilbur Post]

It is clear to everyone, Lee included, that the Dodgers never intended to sign Lee. They'll get a compensatory pick next year and save money (err pay divorce attorneys) this year.

[These Dodgers Suck!]

As long as Tommy is still around to feed himself (OK, gorge himself) on linguine,

there will be plenty of Dodgers left ...

and some might say, 'too much!'

[Tom]

Frank McCheap, Big dork and Jenny, little dork.