Sheldon Ocker notes that the Tribe’s ownership under Larry Dolan and sons has been a financial boon to the franchise. Writes Ocker,
"Some fans still describe the Dolans as cheapskates, unwilling to keep up with the Joneses. In truth, they have been responsible owners, who not only realize the limits the size of the market imposes, but also have managed to increase revenue in ways not done by their predecessors."
Despite payroll commitments already made for $132MM between ’09 and ’14, plus $61.5MM in club options to exercise or decline, Ocker says the Dolan’s creation of TV network SportsTime Ohio has allowed the team to increase its revenue to the point where signing more young players to long term deals is still an agenda.
Ocker mentions Ryan Garko may be the next to get a long term deal, and that GM Mark Shapiro is not "pessimistic" about re-signing C.C. Sabathia. It still remains a long shot, but we certainly shouldn’t write it off.
By Nat Boyle
