Los Angeles Dodgers: Fabulous Future of Franchise Hangs in Limbo

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. 

Charles Dickens may have been comfortable sipping on $2 PBR's at The Shortstop before Dodgers games. He might consider that the Blue Crew have it all—a Cy Young that has claim as the best southpaw in the game, and a slugger that threatened to hit for the Triple Crown just a mere four months ago. 

There is also the other face of the Dodgers, the one that is currently nailing a "For Sale" sign to the front lawn of Chavez Ravine. 

Frank McCourt may be on the outs, but he is not yet out. The fact that the Dodgers are being sold and have not yet been passed over to new and fresh hands means a great deal. It means that the Dodgers are in a state of limbo. 

Andre Ethier's status speaks volumes to what this upcoming season means, and the Arizona native did the club a solid by signing a one-year $10.95-million deal. 

A player that was fourth in MVP voting two years ago may have commanded more and for more years on the open market. The extension was a handshake gesture. It was his way of telling the Dodgers he is with them, but only if...

That if is the same for the rest of the franchise and will serve to answer whether Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw are utilized or squandered. It will serve to see if James Loney can again play a role as a solid average-hitter with Gold Glove quality defense, or if Dee Gordon can flourish as the next star in blue. 

It will all only happen if things are different after Frank McCourt, and if the transition happens quickly. 

The Dodgers' opening-day payroll is estimated at $90 million, down from $119.8 million. As CNN reports, the sale of the Dodgers could top $1 billion. 

Finances have been an issue for the Dodgers for far too long. It's worked out for the time being, with youthful players like Kemp, Kershaw and Ethier shouldering the load, but it's time for an owner that will spend, and do it handsomely. 

A botched sale or the wrong owner will mean Ethier bolts next summer and that an immense amount of youthful talent is squandered. 

Prince Fielder is off to Detroit; Albert Pujols is wearing an Angels jersey, and the Rangers are constantly opening up the pocket book. 

The Dodgers, meanwhile, sign the Chris Capuano's and Aaron Harang's of the world. The time to shop in the discount bin of free agency has to end. 

The Dodgers Nation is hopeful that things will change when a new owner breaks down the door. That was supposed to be the case when Fox sold their stake a long time ago. Instead, the depression deepened, and the problems were immense. 

Instead of the Dodgers buying the wrong talent, they failed to buy any. 

Now, the same franchise that brought western expansion and integration to the bigs is facing another crossroads. The last couple of sales have lead to bleak days. I am not so sure that any franchise could afford another. 

One more blunder could mean utter ruin. Here is to hoping the good time and the budding stars of the franchise win the day. 

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