In Columbus, there might be fewer Cleveland Indian fans than there are in the home city, but there is a good populus of them. Having the AAA affiliate based in this city does make the fan base grow. With that, there are people who want the same accountability held that fans in Cleveland expect.

The latest example took place earlier this week when WBNS-FM radio host Bruce Hooley, who used to be a sports writer for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, wanted answers from the top of the organization. In that, he wanted to talk to General Manager Mark Shapiro. Unfortunately, he was unavailable to comment. Therefore, Shapiro sent Assistant GM Chris Antonetti to face the questions from Hooley and his co-worker, former Ohio State and NFL linebacker Chris Spielman.

The following audio clip is of the conversation that took place: Note: WBNS AM and FM are part of the Indians Radio Network.
http://blog.971thefan.com/bigshow/2009/08/interview_with_indians_assista.html

Afterwards, the Cleveland Indians PR department sent a letter to Hooley and Spielman saying that Hooley was "confrontational" with his questioning. No, really?! Last time I checked, a person with Hooley's credentials is allowed to ask these questions in this kind of forum. I feel like I side with him even more when the team's GM cannot take the time to answer these questions and basically throw the Assistant GM under the bus. Last time I checked, a now former Cleveland GM (*cough* Phil Savage *cough*) could not find a way to be held accountable and look how that turned out.

Then came word from ownership. Paul Dolan actually came out and said that his club is set to lose $16 million at the end of the season and that Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez were traded for necessary long-term stability. I live in Columbus for 10 months out of the year, and I work for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ownership just announced earlier this summer they lost around $8-10 million after this season. Are they scrounging around to fill that gap? Yes. Are they putting a competitive product out on the playing surface for everyone to watch and enjoy and root for? Yes. That evidence has been shown these past 12 months.

So why isn't Dolan following the same plan John P. McConnell has been going on? There is a reason why the Rooney family (yes, shower me with boos right now), has been so successful. They are worried more about winning and putting a successful product for viewing than they are about the money.

As another Bruce--Drennan from SportsTime Ohio's "All Bets Are Off with Bruce Drennan"--would plead with another Cleveland owner--Browns owner Randy Learner--publicly: "Either have accountability and show this team can win, or sell the team. We cannot go through another 5-year rebuilding plan."

And that is the truth. There needs to be accountability in the Cleveland professional sports scene. In seven years, Shapiro has cleaned house and decleared this a "rebuilding team" as many times as years the Indians have been in contention to either enter the playoffs or win the pennant. And do not compare yourself with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, saying that you are similar in that you are in the same market. Pirates ownership should not hold that position for their antics and the Reds are--well, the Reds. Ten years ago, money was free-flowing, the organization was a serious World Series contender, and the team held a consecutive-sellout streak.

What happened? The Reds drew more fans Wednesday night (22,098) against the Cubs than the Indians-Twins game that night (17,683). I will conceed that it is unfair to compare the two games because the Cubs travel well. I know this first-hand because I attended a Cubs-Reds game two years ago in Cincinnati, and I swear it felt like it was Wrigley East. But, where is the fan support from the loyal Tribe fans? It's gone because they are showing the same amount of caring managament is.

Sometimes, I just don't know.

Cody

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