Frank McCourt digs in as new hire calls MLB 'irresponsible'

Dodgers fans hopeful for a quick resolution to their ownership mess may not get their wish. Frank McCourt may be digging in.

After Major League Baseball announced it was seizing control of the franchise, McCourt's latest freshly-hired lieutenant, Steve Soboroff, blasted MLB's actions as "irresponsible" and vowed that McCourt "can pay the piper."

Soboroff, hired Tuesday as Dodgers vice chairman, told the Los Angeles Times that there is a "pre-determined campaign to blow McCourt out of town" and added, "We need more people like Frank McCourt."

Soboroff's theory: A lucrative local TV deal with Fox is in place, and there are other revenue streams available that will keep the club viable even after McCourt settles his divorce with ex-wife Jamie.

But commissioner Bud Selig did not approve the TV deal, not wanting such an integral portion of the franchise's future locked up during a time of distress for the franchise. Soboroff likens that to "having money in the bank and having somebody hold your ATM card."

MLB has not yet revealed who it will assign to take over day-to-day operations of the club. Soboroff, so new to the gig that the ink may not be dry on his business cards, doesn't sound like he's ready to move his office into a broom closet.

As he tells the Times: "I'm going to work until that magic man comes in and tells me to leave," Soboroff said.

Soboroff, who was integral to the development of Staples Center and other key developments in L.A., is cited as a potential mayoral candidate.