Advertisement

Dodgers Web musings: What are the Dodgers really worth?

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Traditional answer: Whatever someone is willing to pay.

OK, so that’s also the final answer. But in what baseball stratosphere will the sales price finally hover?

Forbes’ last estimate of the franchise’s worth pegged it at $800 million, which is now starting to sound like an opening bid. Only $1 billion has somehow become a popular number, even though no one has yet to look at their books. Still, even Forbes via Michael Ozanian now thinks the Dodgers could prove ‘easily worth over $1 billion.’

Advertisement

Of course, the numbers being thrown around assume the new owner buys what the McCourts originally purchased – the franchise, the stadium and surrounding parking lots. And Frank McCourt is of the mind that his final price would be enhanced if he’s allowed to sell his TV rights package first.

ESPN/LA’s Arash Markazi spoke to some sports economists, who estimate the final price will be approximately $1 billion. The Times’ Bill Shaikin has reported McCourt may need at least that much just to break even.

Anything over the $845 million the Cubs sold for two years ago would be a Major League Baseball record. And the Cubs did not come with all the valuable acreage surrounding their stadium.

In a video, Fox Sports’ Rick Horrow outlines his reasons why he thinks the Dodgers will shatter the Cubs’ record:

Also on the Web:

— Peter O’Malley tells the Daily News’ Jill Painter he’s behind in putting his group together but is not concerned. He also, interestingly enough, warns against overpaying for the team.

— What next, an annoying Giants fan? Billionaire Tom Golisano, the former owner of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, said he’s preparing a bid on the Dodgers. Golisano actually describes himself to the Wall Street Journal as a lifelong Yankees fan.

Advertisement

— ESPN/LA’s Ramona Shelburne warns the Dodgers don’t need to simply return to their past but find an owner ready to lead them into the future.

— The Hollywood Reporter on why it thinks Fox should reconsider buying the Dodgers back and the advantage of a cable operation ownership.

— Dodgers.com’s Ken Gurnick writes the Dodgers are looking for a starting second baseman, a utility infielder and a veteran option at catcher.

— Haven’t we gone this route before? Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci writes the Dodgers are ready to go sabermetric with the addition of Alex Tamin to the front office. Gurnick also profiles Tamin.

— ESPN’s Christina Kahrl is not impressed with the Twins’ signing of Jamey Carroll.

— Ex-Dodgers outfielder Mike Marshall is the new manager of the independent league San Rafael Pacifics. His wife, Mary, will serve as the assistant general manager. Both had the same roles last year for the Chico Outlaws.

Advertisement

— Steve Dilbeck

Advertisement