Memo to the Tribe FO: Moves the Organization Should (and Should Not) Make
August 6, 2009Orlando’s Rashard Lewis Tests Positive for PEDs
August 6, 2009What happens when you combine a team that arguably overachieved in 2007 with a tight budget and one of the worst economic downturns in recent history? A $16 million loss, as in the one projected by Paul Dolan via the Associated Press.
On opening day, the Indians expected that approximately 2.2 million fans would cross through the gates of Regressive Field. However, with the team starting slow out of the gate (yet again) and then trading away franchise players and fan favorites, the front office has adjusted their forecast a bit. Now, the team feels that $1.7 million fans will be accounted for by the end of the season; representing an adjustment of nearly 25 percent.
Then again, on opening day, fans and pundits alike thought that the Indians would compete at the top of the AL Central after adding players like Mark DeRosa, Kerry Wood and Carl Pavano. While those three performed relatively well, the team has been unable to make of for the regression experienced by several other areas of the team. One can only assume that this will result in even less spending come the 2009-10 offseason.
16 Comments
In all fairness, unless they are spending money on Choo or another 2-3 type pitcher, I don’t want the Indians to even touch the free agency market next year. They need to bring up their own guys and see what they have before they invest any money on another Delluci.
surprised by fan turnout?
well.. ‘everyone loves a winner’
Kerry Wood has performed relatively well? i would say that is a bit of an overstatement. He has had more than a few truly awful outings…
Incoming Isis in 3…………2………….1……………………..
Isis is so entertaining…he is the reason that i make sure i read all the comment boards, even if its the next day when i get to a computer.
Gotta agree with #3. I’m not sure why Wood keeps getting a pass from folks this year…he’s been pretty awful this year.
2008: 66.1 IP, 54 H, 3 HR, 18 BB, 84 K
2009: 37.0 IP, 33 H, 7 HR, 19 BB, 42 K
He’s allowed more than twice as many HR and walked more guys in 29 LESS innings pitched this year. I know the work has been irregular, but he has been pretty unimpressive when he has pitched.
Just get rid of Wedge.
For a guy with the nickname (self proclaimed) of “creative”, it’s kid stuff.
ANY pro sports franchise owner doesn’t buy a team to run it on a year to year capital operating basis……..they buy it as property (much like you or I own a stock) and watch as that asset appreciates in value over their tenure, until such time as they want to sell and then make their PROFIT. This year to year thing (such as the $16M Paulie quote) is meant to get you hook, line, and sinker into their trevails, probably as Mr. Creativity is at this moment.
Net-it’s pathetic and nothing more than a lame excuse by an ownership group that from day one was swiming way over their heads. The cash that brother Charles provided for Chardon lawyer Larry to buy the team was only that…….their was and is no operating sustenance. You can choose to buy it as they want you to, or expect more. They will continue to tell you they will spend when you show up……versus committing and providing a product that garners your attendance. (foolish business people who don’t understand business principles about providing your customers experience). You can jump on their bus and peddle towards mediocrity KC Royals style or demand better……..it’s your choice. Didn’t Shapiro tell you that Nick Weglarz was part of the future core?
“Every four or five years, if we can have a shot at the World Series and compete for the playoffs like we did in ’05, that’s as good as it gets,” Dolan said.
Paul A. Dolan
If ANY of you would pay your money to that organization after that quote, have at it. How absolutely pathetic. OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT.
Viva la Economics!
Somewhere Dan Gilbert is laughing so hard he lost his milk through his nose.
Dolanomics.
who the hell is going to pay to go see a team thats only competitive 1 out of 5 seasons?
did he really say that?
I’d love to see Dolan open up the books. Now that our payroll has decreased by 20 mil are we elgible for the tax money from the Yankees, Boston, L.A. pay? Doubt that is figured into this year’s “losses”. How much money do they get from their own TV station every year? I guess were not going to include that Forbes has valued the Indians at 390 mil… do you count the 70 mil apprecitation since they bought team from Jacobs as part of these “losses”? What a joke.
Dolan mentions that attendence is 500,000 less than projected, but doesn’t mention why this is …. it’s called bad baseball for all of April and May to put you out of contention by Memorial Day brought to you by the Grind Master.
I just wish someone in the Front Office or Ownership would step up and say “We made mistakes, the last two years our product was s***, and we don’t blame the fans for not coming out.” What makes me furious its as if they are blaming the fans not showing up as the reason they stink.
I understand the need to rebuild (and the economics of baseball), but the arrogance of this organization is sickening. To have the front office say “were a contender next year.” is a joke and/or straight up lie. I’ve had partial season tickets for 5 years and I just upgraded my Cavs tickets for next year. I figure I’ll have no problem getting a good seat next year, so why should I be financially committed …. the Indians certainly aren’t !
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