McCourt says cutting players’ salaries was part of plan to restore Dodgers to profitability

McCourt: Plan was to cut Dodgers players’ salaries

LOS ANGELES — Frank McCourt says his plans to turn around the Los Angeles Dodgers’ fortunes included reducing players’ salaries.

A business plan created for McCourt called for cutting payroll by 11 percent and 21 percent in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

The plan was aiming for a team operating budget at about $85 million. It was shown Wednesday at his divorce trial that could decide whether he should share the team with his estranged wife and former team CEO, Jamie McCourt.

McCourt bought the Dodgers in early 2004 from Fox Corp. for about $430 million. The previous owner was bleeding money — as much as $55 million in 2003 — before McCourt took over.