MLB Takes Over Dodgers, Locals React

Citing concerns over the embattled franchise's financial future, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced on Wednesday that he was appointing a representative to take control of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The clubs' owners, Frank McCourt, was informed of the move on Wednesday afternoon.

Selig told MLB.com that he made the move due to his "deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the Club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball."

According to reports, McCourt had recently made a pair of moves indicating that he could no longer financially support the Dodgers.

Major League Baseball had reportedly denied McCourt's request to take a $200 million advance in television revenue earnings and as recently as last week the Los Angeles Times reported that McCourt took a $30 million loan from Fox Corp. to cover pressing payroll obligations.

For his part, McCourt issues a written statement saying he had not violated any of the financial guidelines put in place for the league's 30 teams.

McCourt, who purchased the Dodgers in 2004, has never been fully embraced by the team's fans, despite overseeing an era in which the team earned their first playoff win in over a decade and reached two National League Championship Series.

His public divorce battle with his wife and former Dodger's CEO, Jamie McCourt, has cast a shadow over the team's future since the summer of 2009 and called into question the couple's financial solvency.

The teams's security operation has also faced increased scrutiny following the brutal beating of Giant's fan Brian Stow following the Dodgers' opening day game late last month.

Many fans have noted that the stadium had become less family friendly during the McCourt's regime due to lightened security and have also pointed to increased parking prices at the stadium for the spillover of cars into the nearby neighborhoods of Echo Park and Elysian Park.

In response to the attack, the Dodgers hired from LAPD Police Chief William Bratton to conduct a thorough overhaul of the team's security policy.

It is not unprecedented for Major League Baseball to assume control of financially struggling franchises. In 2001, the league took over the Montreal Expos ball club, who were eventually relocated to Washington D.C. As recently as last year, the team stepped in to assume control of the financially struggling Texas Rangers. Shortly after being taken over, the team was sold at auction for $550 million and then went on to compete in the 2010 World Series.

At Taix, a sports bar in Echo Park, fans seemed eager for a drama free future. 

"I was shocked and appalled, but not surprised," said Matthew Richmond, a long-time Echo Park resident.

"The McCourts had it coming," he added.

Another patron, Darell Mead, who lives on Marview Avenue, overlooking the stadium, was hopeful that the takeover may finally bring change to the streets outside the stadium.

"The issue has been parking fees, " said Mead. "I've been in Elysian Park and it's full of people parking and partying. They've even been on our street."

Check out Echo Park Patch for more local reaction.