The 2013 Cleveland Indians

[AZ_]

I kinda hope Shappy doesn't get pegged as the next Commissioner... I like him and would like to keep him around.

House money is on Rob Manfred.

Seems like the heir apparent.

I don't think Shapiro is even in the discussion at this point. Just going by what little I've heard.

 

[shoes22]

This pretty much sums it up.

He's moved somewhat away from baseball operations and let Antonetti handle that aspect of the organization. Obviously he's still there to provide counsel for that department, but he's playing a bigger role in marketing/fan experience and trying to get ahead in that area. It's something a lot of teams are doing based on the overwhelming consensus that people are losing interest in baseball and they need to figure out every way possible to keep fans coming to games.

If Shapiro's been responsible for marketing/fan experience the last couple seasons...can we even say he's doing a good job?
Before the last few weeks of the season, attendance and interest was probably at an all-time low.

 

[Derek]

If Shapiro's been responsible for marketing/fan experience the last couple seasons...can we even say he's doing a good job?
Before the last few weeks of the season, attendance and interest was probably at an all-time low.

Attendance isn't really good indicator of how well he's done at his job developing the fan experience. People that go have had few complaints, correct? That means he's done his job.

Not to mention the relationships he's fostered around the league led to us snagging Francona.

 

[ssopata]

If Shapiro's been responsible for marketing/fan experience the last couple seasons...can we even say he's doing a good job?
Before the last few weeks of the season, attendance and interest was probably at an all-time low.

Attendance, yes, interest, cannot agree with you

Mr. Shapiro said, citing the Tribe's television ratings on SportsTime Ohio, which are up 36% this season from last season. A Fox Sports Ohio source says the Indians have been watched by an average of more than 81,000 homes in the Cleveland-designated market in 2013.

 

[The Oi]

Shapiro and the organization as a whole have more than done their jobs over the last year. It's going to take time to re-build the fan base after those years of mediocrity. There's no better PR than winning, and they've done a lot of it this year.

Regardless of what happens in the one game playoff...the team hired a highly credible coach, signed some guys who have been key cogs in an exciting run, showed resilience, improved the pitching staff significantly and showed resilience most people doubted they had.

When they lose 10-0 in the WC playoff game, this season was still a win and the team deserves to have more asses in the seats after the home opener next year.

 

[AZ_]

Aside from winning, they've gone above and beyond to make coming to Progressive Field a value.

Their concessions and tickets are amongst the lowest in the league and they've done a ton of work pushing these reduced prices and upgrades to that end.

What tangible effect that has had might not be known for a while.

 

[Frank Stallone]

Shapiro and the organization as a whole have more than done their jobs over the last year. It's going to take time to re-build the fan base after those years of mediocrity. There's no better PR than winning, and they've done a lot of it this year.

Regardless of what happens in the one game playoff...the team hired a highly credible coach, signed some guys who have been key cogs in an exciting run, showed resilience, improved the pitching staff significantly and showed resilience most people doubted they had.

When they lose 10-0 in the WC playoff game, this season was still a win and the team deserves to have more asses in the seats after the home opener next year.

Exactly to all of this (especially your game prediction, sorry folks). Like it, or not, there was never a reason to believe till they proved their worth. If people can't rally behind them now, then they probably aren't that big of fans. Winning a World Series would obviously be the biggest validation, but the way they just finished the season? Wild card or division doesn't matter, you can't really ask for anything better to close it out. The game at home Wednesday is icing on the cake and that is why I wanted them to grab it so bad.

 

[shoes22]

I REALLY want them to win on Wednesday, just to spare the anti-fans from coming on here and saying "What's the big deal? It was only one extra game".

 

[AZ_]

In other news

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Former MLB Pitcher Jaret Wright has filed suit against his former financial advisers, alleging he lost $7.5M in high risk investments.</p>&mdash; Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBJLizMullen/statuses/384721995541135361">September 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MalTalm]

In other news

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Former MLB Pitcher Jaret Wright has filed suit against his former financial advisers, alleging he lost $7.5M in high risk investments.</p>— Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBJLizMullen/statuses/384721995541135361">September 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So wait, if you lose money in the stock market, you can recoup it by suing your financial advisors? Awesome. I'm sure this will work out well for Mr. Wright.

 

[GreasySpread36]

I REALLY want them to win on Wednesday, just to spare the anti-fans from coming on here and saying "What's the big deal? It was only one extra game".

I want a crack at the Red Sox. I hate them.

 

[Frank Stallone]

In other news

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Former MLB Pitcher Jaret Wright has filed suit against his former financial advisers, alleging he lost $7.5M in high risk investments.</p>— Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBJLizMullen/statuses/384721995541135361">September 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Damn... he was my favorite Yankee of all time.

 

[Frank Stallone]

It amazes me that this was two years ago.

 

[shoes22]

The only guy I recognize is O-Cab.
Don't care to know who those other guys were.

 

[Frank Stallone]

The only guy I recognize is O-Cab.
Don't care to know who those other guys were.

Well, now I have to tell you...

Travis Buck (I could've posted his go-ahead vs. CIN or his game-tie shot vs. TOR, but I was at this below game):
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Cord Phelps (His walk-off vs. PIT, when they were playing well in 2011, doesn't load - sort of fitting for this post):
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Austin Kearns (LOOOOVVVVE his swing... His "big" July 4th HR vs. NYY won't load):
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