Dodgers Notes: Offseason Moves, Walter, Payroll

Here are a few items out of Los Angeles as the Dodgers enjoy an off day before starting a three-game series at Wrigley Field…

• The Dodgers' seemingly minor offseason acquisitions have played a large role in the club's early success, writes MLB.com's Ken Gurnick.
• Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles profiles Mark Walter, the Dodgers' new majority owner who has purposely taken a back seat behind Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten as the faces of the team.
• At the new ownership group's introductory press conference on Wednesday, Kasten told reporters (including Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. Times) that he will be flexible with any limit on the team's payroll.  “I expect moving forward it’s going to be north of where it is now,” Kasten said. “But I have to tell you, I never focus on a target in getting the 25 guys….So focus on the players that we get and don’t worry so much about the payroll. I don’t have a set number for you because we’re not going to do it that way. We’re going to take every opportunity that we can. If that means increasing payroll, then that’s what’s going to happen.”
• In news from earlier tonight, the Dodgers designated Mike MacDougal for assignment in order to make roster space for another right-hander, Ronald Belisario.