This is a tired old excuse that carries very little merit. The fact is, Mark Shapiro is incompetent. The team can't draft, overpays for washed up has-beens (the latest, Russell Branyon), and pays big money to sign free agents to platoon (ie Dave Dellucci in 07). The coaching at the major league and AAA level is horrible, year in and year out the Aeros are a threat to win the title. Yet by the time these guys make it to Cleveland, they act like the simplest fundamentals are beyond them.
I don't hear anyone in Tampa Bay whining about the salary disparity. Florida has two rings. Arizona has one, St Louis has one. Colorado went.
It's all just an excuse for an owner who doesn't want to invest in a real management and a real roster who can win, even though this market has proven over and over it will support a winner.
I do support the pro and college teams teams who at least try. Once the football team melted down last season, I was done. I put all of my support on a program that deserved it so much more, the soccer team. I refuse to waste time and money on a circus run by clowns. Now this year, I'll start supporting the football program (and the Browns) unless they prove they don't deserve it.
But the Indians? They're dead to me. It's much more fun right here in Akron at Canal Park.
good points but, although st louis isnt a "large market", it is a HUGE baseball town. In baseball terms it is a large market team.