The ‘ripple effect’ and the more troubled days ahead
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When you’re going through the most painful season in team history, run by the worst owner of a professional team in Los Angeles history, maybe you tend to think it can’t get any darker. Or anyway, try to tell yourself that.
Alas, it can. And probably will. The dawn is not visible, so prepare for darker days.
It’s not just the frighteningly reduced attendance rate and, as I mentioned Tuesday, how it is likely to continue downward next season. It’s what David Carter, executive director of the USC Sports Business Institute, described to the Times’ Bill Shaikin as the attendance slide’s ‘ripple effect.’’
Less money coming in this season, translates into the Dodgers having less to spend next year, Carter told Shaikin, making the team a harder sell to fans, advertisers and sponsors.
‘You lose free agents. You lose some of your own players. You don’t sign anybody important,’ Carter said. ‘All of that contributes to a very detrimental business cycle.’
Got that? Lose free agents and your own players.
That means no Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols this offseason. No contract extension for Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier.
Even if the Dodgers under Frank McCourt somehow managed to come up with a competitive offer, why would a big-time free agent want to play for a franchise in turmoil? An organization in Bankruptcy Court? For an owner who could be gone at any time? And play in a half-empty stadium?
Think Ethier is all excited about driving in runs before 20,000 at Dodger Stadium? The thrill is not there. Don’t think it doesn’t make a difference.
Most of the premier free agents are looking at the last, big contract of their careers. They not only want to cash in but -- the Jayson Werths notwithstanding -- want to go to a place where they believe they’ll have a good chance to win.
Right now, that ain’t the Dodgers. That detrimental business cycle rolls on and will continue to as long as the myopic McCourt puts his personal agenda above that of the team and City of Los Angeles.
Dark days now, darker ones ahead.
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-- Steve Dilbeck