There was still plenty to be thankful for in 2011 Dodgers season

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Feeling bloated yet, guilty over that second — or could it possibly have been a third — helping of dressing?

Fear not, amidst the travails of a wild season, the year offered plenty in Dodger Land to be thankful for:

• Frank McCourt agrees to sell the team. Always start these things big.
• Clayton Kershaw. And then keep the momentum going.
• Don Mattingly. He stayed above the fray and developed as a manager as the season progressed.
• Last game of the season. Meant an end to putrid baby-blue throwback uniforms.
• Kenley Jansen — excitement on the mound.
• Dodgertown — again under the direction of Peter O’Malley.
• Matt Kemp — who became the player both his supporters and detractors knew he could be.
• James Loney — the second-half version.
• Andre Ethier — the 30-game-hitting-streak version.
• Chattanooga. The double-A club produced a bevy of prospects.
• Dioner Navarro — when he was released.
• Frank McCourt agrees to sell the team. Sorry, worth repeating.
• Dodger Stadium. It’s old, it needs work, its concession lines are ridiculously long — and it remains one of the most beautiful ballparks in the game.
• Dee Gordon. At least when he slows down enough to be visible.
• The final two months — a winning team and hope for the future.
• Javy Guerra. Like anyone saw him coming.
• The MLB. It stood up to the ownership travesty.
• Dodgers fans. Their boycott was heard throughout Los Angeles and all of baseball.
• Vin Scully. Always end these things bigger.

— Steve Dilbeck