Going to be a long 'long time' for McCourt

When the McCourts divorce trial resumes Monday, Jamie McCourt will be on the witness stand. Frank vowed at the Don Mattingly unveiling that he's going to continue to own the Dodgers for "a long time," but if so he's in for some rocky public relations. He's already lost the Times. Columnist Bill Plaschke's take, before the Dodgers won on Sunday:

Less than one year after being perhaps a couple of Jonathan Broxton strikes from reaching the World Series, the Dodgers are the length of one Ryan Theriot bunt from being one of the worst teams in baseball next season. Until owner Frank McCourt finally sells, bringing in new money and fresh hope, they will probably remain that way.

If Friday was a day to recognize Mattingly as the Dodgers' manager for 2011, then Saturday was a day to start feeling sorry for him. For him to have a chance with this mess, he needs to change his nickname to Donnie Miracle.

It's in line with what I wrote last week: "it's conceivable the Dodgers free-fall into a last-place team by next year." With the stunning change in civic opinion about the McCourts, and the trial resuming, my KCRW column on Monday says it's all enough to make even me think about football. It airs at 6:44 p..m.