MCCOURT'S DODGERS: `WE'RE GOING TO WIN' OWNER MAKES PITCH, BUT HOW MUCH IS SPIN?

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

Into the great unknown went the Dodgers, their new owner saying mostly all the right things Thursday, yet still leaving very little certain.

Frank McCourt stood before the assembled media at Dodger Stadium and did not have to dodge a single rotten tomato. Not a hiss was heard. The only things thrown at him were tough questions, most of which he nimbly sidestepped.

If he said little of surprise, he at least said it more enthusiastically and passionately than most probably expected. Say this for him - he can talk.

As a public speaker, he was polished. Everything about him seemed pretty polished, if not slightly on the slick side. He makes eye contact, uses his hands and plenty of inflection, made a few jokes at his own expense. All in a noticeable Boston accent.

He said a great many things fans wanted to hear. That he has no plans to tear down Dodger Stadium. That the payroll will remain over $100 million. He talked about a commitment to winning and a dedication to community.

He promised to return the Dodgers to the ``glory days of baseball.'' He said he would bring in players to improve the offense and would spend money.

``If recent history has taught us anything, money alone does not buy championships,'' McCourt said. ``It's not how much money you spend. It's how smart you spend it.

``Having said that, I'm not afraid to spend whatever it takes to bring a world championship back to Los Angeles.''

He is clearly a strong family man. His wife, Jamie, will serve as the team's vice chairwoman. Two of his four boys were part of his large entourage. Two others remained in Boston because of exams.

He was forceful and intense. Flashed some ego, but nothing over the top. Sometimes he seemed on the Democratic campaign trail, promising the world, if giving precious detail on how he would take the team there.

``Welcome to a new era of Dodger baseball,'' he said. ``I'm mindful of the fact it's been 15 years since your team last won a playoff game, and as far as I'm concerned, that's way too long. And I want to tell you here, it's my objective to end the drought.''

You half waited for the confetti to fall from the rafters and a band to break out in ``Happy Days Are Here Again.''

He seemed personable, likable, as did his firecracker wife.

Yet all it is for now is more promise. More jazzed-up words and pledges and good intent.

It will take time, maybe two or three years, before we really can find out what kind of owner McCourt will be - if he really is so strapped financially at purchasing the team that he is unable to operate it at a level to which fans are accustomed.

McCourt's bid was said to be so heavily leveraged that several times he had to make over his offer, with News Corp. finally having to agree to retain an equity share in the $430 million purchase.

Yet Thursday McCourt said, ``We're putting in over 200 million dollars in cash.''

Since most of his wealth is tied up in Boston waterfront property, it's assumed he took out an additional loan against the land. When asked about the cash, however, McCourt said only: ``We're putting a tremendous amount of money into the team here.''

Understandably, neither was he willing to discuss specific personnel moves, though if you're general manager Dan Evans, packing might be in order.

``I think what we need to do, in fairness to everybody here, is spend some time with people,'' he said. ``Let them make the case as to whether they can do the job that we want done now. And we'll make our decisions accordingly. No decisions from a distance.

``But I intend to act quickly and decisively in making changes necessary to get to our goal as fast as we can.''

He called the Dodgers fans the best in all of sports, a claim they wouldn't even make, and said, ``I believe Dodger Stadium is one of the most beautiful places in the country to watch a ballgame.'' Then he later admitted to never having seen a game there.

He said he and his wife would be open and available to the media. That they would hold regular luncheons with small groups of season-ticket holders. That beginning with this season, every Dodgers game would be televised.

He made light of reports he would cut the team payroll to under $75 million.

``We don't have a big plan that says we're going to ratchet up all the costs and cut the payroll,'' he said. ``I've been stunned at my plan, reading about it in the paper. Who would want that plan? Who would want that guy?''

This is the Dodgers' new guy. A real estate developer. A businessman. A man who clearly loves baseball and sports. An obvious competitor.

``I'm the kinda guy that when I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is pick up the sports section,'' he said. ``And the last thing I do at night is watch 'Sports Center.'''

Fox officials were not available for comment.

McCourt looks at the Dodgers and sees opportunity. Sees a once-great organization ripe for what he believes he can bring.

``I think I know what it takes to inspire and lead an organization,'' he said.

He starts now. His first moves could come quickly, delayed just long enough so they can't be accused of being rash.

Spring training is only three weeks away. A new era has begun, a very uncertain one. Thursday the Dodgers were off into the great unknown.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) New team owner Frank McCourt makes a toss from the mound at Dodger Stadium after a news conference Thursday announcing the sale's approval.

(2 -- color) Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie, who will be the team's vice chairwoman, hold up jerseys at a press conference at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer