Major League Baseball

McCourt: Divorce not affecting Dodger finances

Published Mar. 6, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt insisted divorce proceedings with his wife are not affecting the team's finances.

"The vast majority of it has nothing to do with baseball," McCourt said Saturday while visiting with reporters for about 10 minutes during the fifth inning of the Dodgers' game against the White Sox.

"The fans know, I believe, where I stand in terms of wanting to bring a world championship to Los Angeles. They know where I stand in terms of what has been accomplished since I have owned the club. They know where I stand in terms of investing in Dodger Stadium and their fan experience. And I'm going to continue to do those things."

McCourt was visiting his team for the first time this spring.

He has had only brief interaction with the media since the 2009 season ended and has made fewer public appearances. With reported allegations that he hasn't paid any income tax in six years, McCourt declined to get into specifics.

"I firmly believe in taking the high road and the long view on things and my image and reputation will be fine," McCourt said. "I've lived my entire life that way. I'm not going to get into the back and forth of it. I'll leave the (divorce) process to the lawyers to deal with."

He and his wife, Jamie, have been going through a messy divorce and there has been speculation that it is the reason the team made few offseason moves.

McCourt spent time signing autographs and said fans only were interested in talking about baseball.

"I think the fans want to focus on baseball," he said. "And they want us to win a world championship. I think that's the same thing I'm focused on. I really think that's what matters to them."

Joe Torre has expressed a desire to come back for one last season in 2011. His contract expires after this year. McCourt also said he wants the manager to return.

Yet the deal has not been completed and Torre has said the hang-up has been agreeing to financial terms.

"Those conversations are ongoing and I haven't heard anything specific about that lately," McCourt said. "I know that Joe had an expressed an interest in that and I'm certainly all for that."

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