2012 MLB Season Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers were a team without direction last season.  They had two controversies to deal with during the 2011 season.  First, and lasting the entire season, was the Frank McCourt divorce/bankruptcy issue.  McCourt’s use – or misuse – of Dodgers revenue left the team bankrupt.  Major League Baseball had to swoop in and instill someone for oversight reasons.  In the meantime, McCourt refused to sell the team.  His wife, Jamie McCourt, wanted the team sold, and she wanted her cut.  Eventually, Major League Baseball assumed full control of the team while McCourt’s bankruptcy proceedings made their way through the court system.  Ned Colletti, the Dodgers’ GM was essentially handcuffed.  He could neither unload players he did not care for, nor could he bring in players that would help the team make a run.

The second controversy had nothing to do with the team necessarily.  It had more to do with the types of fans the Dodgers were attracting and security at the ballpark.  Bryan Stowe, a Giants fan, was attending a game at Dodger Stadium.  As he was leaving the game, he was assaulted and left unconscious with a severe brain injury.  He is still recovering after spending weeks in a coma.  The backlash from this was fierce, but Los Angeles police and the Dodgers responded appropriately.  They increased security, and the police department appears to have found those responsible.

All of this translated to the field.  A team that should have had a real shot at winning the division, struggled to finish over .500.  The Dodgers managed an 82-79 record while boasting an MVP candidate in Matt Kemp and a Cy Young Award winner in Clatyon Kershaw.  That being said, the Dodgers did still manage a winning season, and that gives those in Los Angeles hope.