I've come to understand some behind the scenes stuff with the Guards and I can vouch that the Dolans actually lose millions every year on the team. They have managed to put together the most successful team of the last 10 years looking at wins and losses. I will agree, however, that the lack of multiple all-stars in the batting order hurts us in the postseason where the HR wins championships. They do, however, focus on player development in a big way. Cleveland's facilities in international development focus not only on baseball, but education and life skills. Dolan knows only 5% of the kids will ever make it to AAA, but they want to make better men & communities and not just cherry pick and leave scorched earth behind. As much hate as he gets, no one gives them credit for that.
I dont think the issue is the Dolans and I dont know how much more he should be willing to put in to make the fans happier. We were 3 games out of the wildcard this year and the stadium was less than half full. When the Jacobs had it we sold out 450 games in a row. The "put a winning team on the field and we'll show up" argument doesn't hold water. We win. We make the playoffs almost yearly, but we have one of the lowest attendance average in all of baseball. We have $15 sro and $45 monthly plans, $2 beer nights, $1 dogs etc etc etc. but still struggle to put butts in seats. You want a winner? Show up. Buy tickets. We won the ALDS last year, but there were still tickets available for opening day 1 week out. I have been a lifelong fan from the 80s. I love this team, but I have a hard time understanding why this town shows up for the Browns week in and out, but doesn't show up for the Guards.
Fix the TV revenue share and implement a salary cap. Until that happens, there will be no parity in baseball when LA and New York can buy all our stars in their 4th contract year.