Posted on Monday 20 February 2006 by Bob @ 9:17 pm
I was reviewing the Cleveland Indians’ 2006 schedule to determine how many games are going to be nationally televised this year. This number is a good indication of what the experts think of the Tribe for the upcoming season. So far, the baseball world believes Cleveland is a middle contender, as they tentatively have the Tribe slated for a handful of games on the national stage.
While reviewing this, I wanted to see how many games my local cable company was covering (Comcast) or my families (Adelphia) and as of today the answer is none. That’s right, zero.
I attached the article so fans understand that the Indians are asking us, the fans, to call our cable companies to petition for airing the games on cable. Fox Sports Network announced that the Indians were “ridiculous” in their demands to keep the team on their station. Did I miss something, or are the Indians still an “up and coming” team that need fan support? The organization really can’t be trying to squeeze money out of these networks before they are even winning, can they? That being said, it’s time for the Dolan family to put up or shut up. This city needs an owner that believes in winning by spending money. I know I have said this at least ten times, but do we really have to call our cable company to plead or should the Dolans put some money into this team and PROVE their worth? I think we should all call THE INDIANS and demand they start making the playoffs before wanting more money to watch games on TV.
One thing to keep in mind is, this new network should give Shapiro more payroll flexibility going forward, perhaps as early as this summer if/when the Indians need to make some moves before the trade deadline. It’s in every Tribe fan’s best interest that this new network is a success.
JEC,
I agree with you. I still believe we must win before we raise the stakes to the cable companies. What happens if Adelphia and Comcast don’t work out a deal. No Tribe for Avon Lake and Westlake?
I definitely hear that. At the same time, I seriously doubt that a deal won’t be worked out. At some point, someone will cave — whether the Indians come down on their demands or the cable companies agree to the Tribe’s numbers. Fortunately, I have Time Warner, which means I’m all set! Yep, I’m selfish.
“I still believe we must win before we raise the stakes to the cable companies.”
That makes sense, but the sooner the Indians start bringing in that added revenue from the new network, the sooner that money can (hopefully) be thrown back into the team.
The assumption is that the added cable $$$ will go back into the team’s payroll. For Dolan’s sake, I hope that is the case, or he will be lynched in public square. I have supported everything he and Shapiro have done up until now, but this is the year to see if they are willing to try to win, or just be happy about “contending”. The future looks bright, but they need to get some help to this team before the season starts…there are too many ifs and hoping still lurking on the roster (starting pitching, bullpen, left field, right handed bat).
I’m excited for the season to start, but the cable channel wil not help me in NY. I’m going to have to rely on ESPN for my “handful” of games. Good thing WTAM comes in most evenings.
Clearly Dolan will have absolutely no excuse to not beef up payroll when the money from this new network starts pouring in. I honestly believe they’ll add some salary at the deadline, assuming they’re still in contention.
The one thing people who are calling Dolan cheap don’t realize is, he was willing to spend some money this winter, he just didn’t get a chance to when nearly every one of Shapiro’s targets signed elsewhere. I’ve been one of Dolan’s biggest critics, but it was at least encouraging to see the Indians in on some bigger names. The next step is to raise the payroll to a level that allows you the flexibility to sign a top free agent for $10 million a year. You just need to make sure it’s the right free agent.
We’ll see how this all plays out. And Dave in NY, tough luck. That’s great that WTAM comes in for you, though. Nothing better than Tom Hamilton on radio play-by-play. “A swing-and-a-drive…way back…!”
Man, I can’t wait for the season to start.