Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011
Commissioner Bud Selig rejected a proposal under which the Fox TV network would have loaned about $200 million to Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, the Los Angeles Times reported.
McCourt, according to the newspaper, would have used the team's cable TV rights as collateral, extending the current contract with Fox up to four years if he did not repay.
Major League Baseball, Fox and McCourt declined to comment.
Selig made his decision several weeks ago, the newspaper said. McCourt has since explored options that would satisfy Selig and manage a debt that court records say was about $430 million as of November 2009. The Los Angeles Times reported last month that Fox had advanced McCourt money from the team's current TV contract to help cover operating expenses.
When McCourt bought the team from Fox in 2004, Fox loaned him $145 million. He used his Boston parking lots as collateral. Fox has since foreclosed on and sold them.
McCourt is going through a costly divorce with Jamie McCourt, who alleges she owns half the team.
Mets loan: The Mets acknowledged they received a loan from Major League Baseball in November to help cover expenses. They did not say how much. The New York Times and New York's Daily News reported it was $25 million. Owner Fred Wilpon and family members are being sued for about $300 million over accusations they profited from disgraced financier Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Last month, Wilpon said he was looking to sell 20 to 25 percent of the team.
Torre hired: Major League Baseball hired former manager and player Joe Torre as executive vice president of baseball operations, the Associated Press reported. An announcement was expected today.
Angels: First baseman Kendry Morales, whose 2010 season ended in May when he broke his left leg jumping on home plate to celebrate a game-ending grand slam, should be ready to play by opening day, manager Mike Scioscia said. But it hasn't been determined if he can play the field. Scioscia said Morales will be the designated hitter for the first few spring games. Also, pitching coach Mike Butcher said he is cancer free. The former Rays pitching coach was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and his thyroid gland and 14 lymph nodes were removed Feb. 10.
Rangers: Third baseman Adrian Beltre is out at least a week with a strained right calf. An MRI exam showed an overstretched muscle but no tear.
Royals: Pitching prospect Henry Barrera walked off the mound holding his right arm during an intrasquad game. Barrera, who had reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in 2009, was scheduled for an MRI exam today.
Twins: Outfielder Michael Cuddyer is day to day with an infected wart on his left foot.