According to an AP report on SI.com Indians owner Paul Dolan projects that the team will lose $16 million in 2009. He also said that the recent trades of Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez were necessary long-term moves, despite the backlash from fans. From the article:
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.