Indians owner discusses financial state of Tribe

8/6/2009

CLEVELAND Cleveland Indians owner Paul Dolan projects the team will lose $16 million this season and says the recent trades of Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez were necessary long-term moves.

Dolan estimates the team will draw about 1.7 million fans this season, more than 500,000 less than the team expected before opening day.

The Indians, who came within one win of the World Series in 2007, expected to contend this season but went into Thursday s game at 45-62 and in fourth place in the AL Central.

The trades of Lee and Martinez have led to a backlash from Indians fans.

Dolan also said ownership will have input into whether manager Eric Wedge returns next season.