Fans aren't feeling blue over owner's ouster

Posted:�04/20/2011 07:54:59 PM PDT

Updated:�04/20/2011 07:58:33 PM PDT

Dodgers fans pack Dodger Stadium on opening day. (Photo by Larry Maestas/L.A. Daily News)

News of Major League Baseball's takeover of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday drew mixed reactions from fans - some rejoicing that Frank McCourt has lost control of the storied franchise, and others hoping their beloved Boys in Blue will have fewer distractions to play serious ball.

"It should have happened a lot sooner," said Alexander Mendoza, who was sipping on a can of cold beer at an Echo Park bar called the Short Stop that caters to fans.

"For us fans, it's like, `Thank God,"' the 22-year-old said. "Ever since (McCourt) took over, he's been spending the money on other things."

Mendoza and other fans said the McCourt years haven't been so kind to their team.

There's the bitter divorce between

McCourt and his wife Jamie, the revelation of the couple's lavish lifestyle and spending habits, and the brutal beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow on opening day this year.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig also noticed the dark cloud over Chavez Ravine, saying in a statement that the takeover was needed to brighten an otherwise now tarnished franchise. Selig said an MLB representative will be taking over day-to-day business of the Dodgers organization.

"I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the club," Selig said in a statement. "The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all

of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future."

At the Short Stop, some said the takeover could bring more stability to the organization, which will help the team focus.

"I think they need to force (McCourt's) hand to sell the team," said Jake Leannah, a Brewers fan who likes the Dodgers. "Everything is in limbo."

Nathan Fetzer, who said he was born blue, added that the team hasn't seen much glory since the O'Malley years that ended in 1998.

"McCourt just saw the Dodgers as a way to make revenue," Fetzer, 28, said.

Bland Dortch arrived at Dodger Stadium early, and was taken aback when a reporter told him of the takeover.

"It's the greatest thing to happen," Dortch said. "McCourt took this organization and ran it like a business and changed the whole atmosphere. The players don't want to play anymore."

Relaxing at Elysian Park with his family a few hours before game time, Bruce Oropeza said McCourt seemed to overlook how to strengthen the team.

"What they need are bigger names," Oropeza said. "Look at the Yankees."

Ruben Mendoza said McCourt wasn't so bad, until the nasty divorce ensued.

"Maybe now the team can concentrate," he said.

Fan Sebastian Aurifonti, 36, said McCourt or no McCourt, a Dodgers fan is fan for life.

"As long as the Dodgers keep playing, the fans will be there," he said. "It doesn't matter who the owner is."

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