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Cleveland Indians: Minority Owner Not Going To Change Much

By Ryan Rosko

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Changes are needed with the Cleveland Indians. First and for most, changes needs to occur starting with the ownership.

According to Josh Kosman and Claire Atkinson of the New York Post, Cleveland Indians owner Paul Dolan is looking to sell 30% of the team.

A minority owner would be great for the Indians organization and their fans. However, even if  a deal can be made, the minority owner does not have the capability to change much within the organization. Ideally a complete change would be preferred, but in time that may happen. In order for such a business move to happen, Dolan may have to readjust his belief on how much the team is currently worth.

"“Dolan believes the franchise is worth around $800 million, which is rich considering the team is just breaking even.”"

Multi-generations of fans share the same hope in that one day the Dolan family sells controlling power of the Indians. If someone does end up agreeing to take on a percent of the team, then that is a good start.

"“Without a big TV contract, sports industry sources say, the Indians are worth about $600 million.”"

There is no guarantee that someone will end up being a minority owner. It is going to be tough to have that happen. One issue that minority owners will have to encounter is that they are not going to get the final say.

The Dolan’s have signed free agents to bigger contracts since purchasing the team, but not very often, and those contracts were to veteran players who for one reason or another failed to live up to expectations. Ownership has failed to continue to provide enough help when it was appropriate.

Cleveland has been in rebuild mode for years. They sign the occasional under the radar free agent, but plan to continue to grow from within. It’s good to continue to build the farm system, but sometimes players in the minors need to be traded for immediate help.

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Could a new person in ownership help improve the talent on the field. Yes, but that is not going to happen tomorrow. Cleveland would likely have to wait as they have been to take the next level.

That is not say they are far away. Actually far from it. They have four quality starting pitchers, plus there are two talented rookies showing great promise in Giovanny Urshela and Francisco Lindor. There is also a young core led by Corey Kluber, Michael Brantley, and Jason Kipnis.

Just like all teams, there are a few areas that needs to be improved. Areas where that could be a possibility includes improving the bullpen, figure out who rounds out the starting pitching staff, and acquiring more power likely in the outfield. Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies is the type of player that would be a good fit.

He will have to be acquired via trade, which would include trading minor leaguers, but he is worth it. He is going to be also plenty expensive in the checkbook too, but again he is a player who the Tribe should acquire and sign long-term too. It is just a matter of ownership willing to stretch the payroll.

In the not to distant future, hopefully Cleveland fans will find out the team is exchanging hands. To give myself and fans all over the world, the excitement and confidence in the front office to do whatever is needed rather than just settling would mean not a portion of the team, but majority share be bought.

Next: Jason Kipnis In Cleveland Indians Outfield Come 2016?

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