MLB Takes Control of LA Dodgers Franchise

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced Wednesday he is appointing a trustee to oversee and manage the famous Dodgers franchise, marking another strange turn in an already bizarre story of sex, lies and and financial disaster.

"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 downfall of the Dodgers began seven years ago, when Frank and Jamie McCourt bought the Dodgers from FOX in a deal that, in retrospect, maybe shouldn't have happened. The McCourts had to overleverage themselves to buy the Dodgers, and the downturn in the real estate market absolutely crippled their financial empire.

Then came allegations of affairs and divorce proceedings, as well as a protracted legal battle to determine whether Frank McCourt owned the Dodgers outright, or if he and Jamie McCourt shared control.

Selig is said to be working on a short list of candidates to run the Dodgers, presumably up to and through their eventual sale to another buyer. Analysts at espn.com do not expect the McCourts to retain control of the franchise.