Indians' Paul Dolan Discusses Team's Finances, Future Outlook

Indians President Paul Dolan reiterated that his family has "'no plans' to sell the team," nor have they "had any serious offers," according to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. Dolan in July said that the Indians were poised to lose $16M this season, but last week clarified that the team was $16M "in the red already in late July." Dolan pointed out that the "final total was headed" to $20M, but now will be closer to $12M following the trades of P Cliff Lee and C Victor Martinez. He indicated that the Indians were "looking at losses" of $30M next season had they not made any trades. The Indians are averaging 22,365 fans per game at 43,345-seat Progressive Field, 27th out of MLB's 30 teams, but Pluto noted that the "problem is not just dwindling attendance." The economy and the "rise of the Cavaliers" have made a "major dent in sales of corporate suites, luxury boxes and advertising." Several companies that "bought those suites and perks in the 1990s are now gone from Northeast Ohio, or have been dramatically downsized." Meanwhile, Dolan said Indians Exec VP & GM Mark Shapiro will return next season, but added marketing the team in '10 "will be a big challenge." Dolan: "Even if we had not made the trades, it still would have been a challenge because we could not have improved the team, and been in even bigger trouble in 2011" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 8/30).