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CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 1 CCLB 3/15/2007 2:15 PM Page 1

PIECED TOGETHER Without a quick fix, Shapiro fills , outfield by committee

By JOEL HAMMOND [email protected]

ould Indians general Mark Shapiro enjoy his job as much if he had the resources to W compete with the top spenders in Major League ? Would he feel as satisfied with the product if he possessed the ability to sign or or or , conse- quences and finances be darned? “That’s a tough question,” laughed Shapiro, in his sixth season as the team’s GM. Without that quick fix in his arsenal, Shapiro was again forced to use some creativity: He patched together with three well-traveled veterans a bullpen that suffered badly from its youth in 2006, and completed platoons at first base and in left and right fields by signing two corner who have platooned before.

See PIECED Page 8 ILLUSTRATION: KRISTEN WILSON PHOTO: RUGGERO FATICA CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 2 CCLB 3/15/2007 1:10 PM Page 1

I-2 CRAIN’S BUSINESS MARCH 19-25, 2007

Marking memorable Indians moments Tribe history in the making Below are some of the top team milestones to be highlighted at Once completed, the $1M Heritage Park Heritage Park: ■ , , project will feature 38 memorable moments Oct. 2, 1908, vs. Chicago. ■ , homers from both sides of the plate in the By DAVID PRIZINSKY generations.” DiBiasio said this same inning, April 8, 1993, vs. [email protected] last goal of bridging the genera- Yankees. tions through shared memories is ■ aseball and an appreciation “what makes baseball special.” Joe Jackson hits .408 in 1911. of the past go together. “It will be the signature land- He is the last Indian to .400. Toss in more than a century mark at Jacobs Field,” he said. “We ■ Sam McDowell, tosses consec- Bof local want every trip to Jacobs Field to utive one-hit, complete games, and you have the ingredients for include a visit to Heritage Park.” April 25 and May 1, 1966. Heritage Park at Jacobs Field — a Professional baseball in Cleve- ■ , tosses four consecu- $1 million project dedicated to land can be traced to 1869. In tive , April 25 to May history located 1901, the franchise became a 12, 1965. beyond the center field fence. charter member of the new Ameri- ■ , wins third World Heritage Park, which will can League, and the Indians Series game to clinch 1920 encompass 4,300 square feet on was adopted in 1915. title, Game 7, two levels, is scheduled to be “We are one of the oldest insti- Heritage Park at Oct. 12, 1920. ready for fans on . tutions in the city of Cleveland,” Jacobs Field, a ■ , collects six hits The top tier, rotunda area will DiBiasio said. $1 million project in 22-0 win over New York feature plaques honoring the 15 The franchise predates many of dedicated to Yankees, Aug. 21, 2004. players in the 27-member Cleve- the city’s oldest corporations and Cleveland Indians ■ , homers in first at- land Indians Hall of Fame who are has outlasted long-forgotten history, is located bat, April 16, 1929. also members of the National automakers, steel producers and beyond the center ■ Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooper- oil refiners. It has survived depres- field fence. Johnny Burnett, nine hits in one stown, N.Y. Names appearing on sions, world wars and the chang- Heritage Park will game ( this level include Earl Averill, Nap ing area economy. encompass 4,300 record), July 10, 1932. Lajoie, , The idea of honor- square feet on two ■ Bob Feller, strikes out 17 as , Tris “We didn’t have an ing the team’s history levels. rookie , Sept. 13, 1936. Speaker and Cy had long been on the enclosed space for PROVIDED ■ , club record, 52 Young. minds of the team’s runs, 2002. The lower tier a museum, but we officials. ■ Bob Feller, opening-day no-hitter, will spotlight the wanted to find a “We didn’t have an April 16, 1940, at Chicago. remaining 12 enclosed space for a place in Jacobs ■ Cleveland Indians Field to celebrate museum, but we “A major challenge was avoiding brick pavers purchased by fans , integrates the Hall of Fame wanted to find a place any visible activity that could be who want to link themselves , July 5, 1947. members as well the Indians’ history.” in Jacobs Field to seen from home plate. The activity and family members to Indians ■ , 4-for-4 to lead as the 100 players – Bob DiBiasio, vice celebrate the Indians’ in Heritage Park, which will be history. Tribe to victory in American who have been president of public relations, history,” DiBiasio said. accessible to fans during games, The brick pavers sell for between League playoff game at Boston, named as the best Cleveland Indians The organization will be hidden from the batter by $150 and $375, depending on the Oct. 4, 1948. all-time Indians. settled on Heritage trees and shrubbery. size and the length of the messages ■ , belts two home runs Each of these players will have a Park just beyond center field, but “The ultimate goal was to create inscribed on the bricks. in 1954 All-Star Game. granite plaque built into the brick it had to be designed in such a way a shrine for the fans,” Wynn said. Bricks sold now will make it to ■ , 1955 American wall that will link the lower and that it would not interfere with the “This will give the fans a chance to Heritage Park for the 2008 season. League Rookie of the Year, upper tiers. integrity of ’s hitting take a step back in time.” The Indians said thousands of the 16-10, 2.45 ERA. In-ground markers throughout background, which must not The 38 memorable moments brick pavers already have been Heritage Park will commemorate distract the batter. highlighted in Heritage Park sold and will be in place by open- the 38 most memorable moments Christopher Wynn, lead archi- include the Oct. 2, 1908, perfect ing day this year. The proceeds will in the team’s history. tect on the project for Osborn game by Addie Joss, and the 1911 help defray the cost of the project. ON THE WEB To find out There were three goals behind Architects & Engineers in Cleveland, season, when “Shoeless” Joe Wynn said provisions have been what other moments the development of Heritage Park, said he began working on the Jackson hit .408, the last Indian made for the Indians to add player round out the list, visit according to Bob DiBiasio, vice concept in fall 2005. “Heritage Park to hit .400. The 38 was names to Heritage Park. Next up www.crainscleveland.com president of public relations. was over a year in the making.” determined by what would fit into are likely to be Jim Thome and “We wanted to preserve history, Construction on the project the layout of the park. Omar Vizquel, according to most Source: Cleveland Indians honor excellence and connect the began last October. Heritage Park also will include predictions. ■

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MARCH 19-25, 2007 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS I-3

Tribe approaching season with platoons for some positions

By JOEL HAMMOND “We’re a veteran group focused on could see time in center field if prepared for each at-bat,” time dramatically. [email protected] winning, so it’s easier. Sizemore, who played 162 games Michaels said. “You have to have a “All it takes is one guy getting “(Platooning) is especially tough there last year, is physically removed short-term memory.” hurt or traded, and you’re back n a perfect world, the Indians on younger players. You can get out from the lineup by manager Eric Nixon pointed to injuries playing playing every day,” said Nixon, would have at every position a of whack. Young players can get Wedge. a significant factor in the way a who pointed to the job Kapler did player who could play every day, frustrated and upset not knowing “David’s a tremendous player, team’s season — and platoons — in Boston’s I hit right- and left-handed whether they’ll start, not start, pinch and I think we’ll be successful,” play out. Shapiro saved $5 million when Nixon was injured and equally well and maintain continuity hit, not pinch hit,” Nixon said. Michaels said. “When you’re in when reliever played just 48 regular-season in the lineup. this situation, getting in there and abruptly retired at the outset of games. Kapler, in 136 regular- Instead, general manager Mark Prepare to play getting the job done is something , but that money is season games, batted .272, and Shapiro believes he’s assembled the The main reason Michaels you look forward to.” unlikely to be used on the outfield, stemmed the tide until Nixon next best thing. signed with the Indians after the Both he and Nixon said prepa- even if an injury occurs there. returned healthy for the playoffs. The Indians will open the season 2005 season was a chance to play ration — perhaps even more so Thus, a flare-up in Nixon’s “You have to keep the mindset of April 2 against the White Sox every day in left field. He did just than an everyday player — is vital back, for which he had offseason being prepared to play no matter employing three platoons, which is that, but fell short of expectations. to success. surgery, or another injury to if you’re starting or not. You have the practice of having two or more Still, he said he’s looking forward “You’re not sure when the at- Blake, who played in 109 games to be prepared to be called on at players — at least one left- and one to splitting time with Dellucci, and bats are coming, so you’re more last year, could increase any player’s all times.” ■ right-handed-hitting batter — alternate at the same position to exploit advantages against oppos- ing pitching staffs. Left-handed-hitting David Delluc- ci and right-handed-hitting will split time in left, Dellucci likely getting the nod on opening day against White Sox right-hander Jose Contreras. and newcomer will platoon in right field, with Nixon, a lefty, starting against Contreras. Blake, Victor Martinez and at times, youngster , will split time at first base. “We’ve had success with (platoon- ing) in the past, but the ideal situation would be not to do that,” Shapiro said. “The ideal would be to have guys at every position who could play every game and rarely use the bench, like the Yankees do and maybe what we did in the mid-’90s. “Platoons are a by-product of trying to creatively impact and incrementally improve the run production,” Shapiro said. “It’s not ideal, but it’s something we feel can work.” A matter of percentages Shapiro’s confidence likely stems from each of the players involved being veterans who have platooned before. Before signing with the Indians last offseason and playing every day in left field, Michaels succeeded as a platoon player in Philadelphia in 2005; Dellucci did the same in Philadelphia last year and Texas before that; and Nixon often shared time, most recently with , in Boston. Blake has seen time at third base, first base, right field and as the in his four seasons with the Indians. Additionally, the numbers indicate that the Indians will benefit greatly from these platoons: Michaels hit .291 against lefties last year, but just .252 against righties. That prompted the signing of Dellucci, who hit .299 against righties, but .200 against lefties. Combine their best work, and you have a hitting .296. Nixon hit .288 against right-handers in 2006, but just .204 against lefties. Blake, meanwhile, hit .272 against lefties. Combine them, and you have a that bats .284. Add those numbers to the on-base percentage of and the power of and Victor Martinez, and you’ve got an even more potent offense than the one that was second in the majors in runs scored with 870, or 5.37 a game. “The guys we have platooning, we’re going to find enough at-bats,” said the 32-year-old Nixon, entering his ninth full season in the majors. CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 4 CCLB 3/15/2007 1:10 PM Page 1

I-4 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS MARCH 19-25, 2007

Venue’s offerings can ensure event is a

By CHRISSY KADLECK “Our wedding business has really zation also receives an auto- [email protected] increased. We had 12 wedding graphed bat or ball to be auctioned events in 2006 and already in 2007, or raffled at the event. acobs Field is more than a we have 11 scheduled,” said Ms. In addition, Jacobs Field is able game-day destination to soak Dolan who added that all special to offer discounted parking for in nine innings of Major events such as weddings have to special events at Gateway Garage. League play. be scheduled around game days J Bigger and better Boasting first-class banquet and the current schedule. facilities, state-of-the-art meeting Jacobs Field officials promote For those looking to celebrate an rooms and gourmet catering, Jacobs that the venue is not only equipped event with a big group during an Field aims to have its bases covered to handle special events, it has a Indians game, your statistical for hosting special events year- built-in ambience and a lineup of probability of getting a suite big round, not just during the Cleveland extras that can liven up a corporate enough just greatly improved. Indians’ 81 home games. get-together or charitable fundraiser. During the off-season, four luxury “The ballpark is the most unique “The ability to have a meeting, suites were transformed into one venue in the city,” said Kristan Dolan, luncheon or dinner in the Terrace luxury suite that can accommodate coordinator of special events for the Club or even down on the field is up to 60 fans, said Bob DiBiasio, Cleveland Indians. “People can something that you won’t get any- vice president of public relations utilize it on game days for pre-game where else in the city of Cleveland. for the Cleveland Indians. meetings, but more importantly on DAN MENDLIK, CLEVELAND INDIANS Plus you get the mystique of being The new suite, which offers a non-game days for events such as “The ability to have a meeting, luncheon or dinner in the Terrace Club ... is some- at the ballpark when there aren’t view down the right field line, near corporate outings, holiday parties, thing that you won’t get anywhere else in the city of Cleveland. Plus you get the thousands of people here,” she said. the right field corner, was remodeled bar and bat mitzvahs, rehearsal mystique of being at the ballpark when there aren’t thousands of people here,” The Terrace Club can accommo- to meet the needs of the business dinners, wedding ceremonies on says Kristan Dolan, coordinator of special events. date up to 500 people on its two community and others, he said. home plate or wedding receptions in levels, and the largest meeting room “We knocked down the walls the Terrace Club.” said catering sales in 2006 totaled “When the team is on the road, at Jacobs Field can hold 100 people. between those areas so we opened more than $750,000, far exceeding even in season, we are very, very “Whether it’s putting your it up to make it a suite that would Out of the ballpark the more than $400,000 logged in busy with events,” she said. In fact, message up on the scoreboard, have two or three bathrooms and Dolan, who joined the organiza- 2005. Those figures are generated the number of events increased taking a ballpark tour, hitting in the two or three refrigerators and sinks tion in July 2005 to focus solely on mostly from non-game day events, close to 70% from 77 events in cages, having cocktails on and much bigger space because we building the special event business, she said. 2005 to 128 in 2006. the field, meeting in the dugouts, are learning that sales groups and contacting former alumni to come businesses are looking to entertain out or even having down on affordably and in a group size of 50 the field, there are ways to enhance to 60 at a time,” he said. A typical your event here at the ballpark that luxury suite in a ballpark accom- cross over through age generations modates 12 to 16 people. that you cannot do at a hotel for “We only had three areas in the example, or some of the other facil- ballpark where people could come ities in town,” Dolan said. in groups in an indoor setting to All charitable organizations are have their own private bathrooms. offered 50% off room rental fees Those three party suites held 50 and for fundraising events at Jacobs now we have added one more to Field, Ms. Dolan said. Each organi- that inventory.” ■

CHANGING TIMES: New gate times will be in place for the 2007 season at Jacobs Field. For Monday through Friday 7:05 p.m. games: Gate C opens at 4:30 p.m. for access to Heritage Park, Market Pavilion, Sections 101-103 and Kids Land; Terrace Club and LF Bridge open at 5 p.m. for access to Terrace Club, Club Lounge and suites; and all gates open at 6 p.m. for access to public areas. For Saturday 7:05 p.m. games, Terrace Club and LF Bridge open at 5 p.m. for access to Terrace Club, Club Lounge and suites; and all gates open at 5:30 p.m. for access to public areas. For Saturday and Sunday 1:05 p.m. games, Terrace Club opens at 11 a.m. for early seating; and all gates open at 11:30 a.m. for access to public areas, Club Lounge and suites. For weekday 12:05 p.m. games, all gates open at 11 a.m. for access to public areas, Terrace Club, Club Lounge and suites. FREE MILK Why buy the cow?

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MARCH 19-25, 2007 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS I-5

Unique Venues...

JANET CENTURY Memorable Events Tom Hamilton signed a contract extension earlier this year that will keep him broadcasting games on the team’s flagship station, WTAM-AM 1100, through 2011. He’s seen with a Tom Hamilton , a promotion slated for this season.

Hamilton said it’s a lot more fun broadcasting a team that’s winning and it’s hard not to root for a team Landerhaven Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum Calling the shots he spends so much time with. But at the same time, once the game starts, he calls it like he sees it. Announcing games ‘was the next best thing’ “While I work for the Indians, in essence I really work for the fans,” he to playing for broadcaster Tom Hamilton said. “If you don’t have credibility, you won’t last at the job.” Cleveland Convention Center Oakroom at Tower City Center Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage By ERIC STOESSEL and put together a tape to send to Radio partner said [email protected] the Indians. The four finalists there are no facades with Hamilton. became five and the rest is history. “Tom is what you hear every day,” om Hamilton has seen the Hamilton eventually was promot- said Hegan, who also received an best and worst the Cleveland ed to the top position in the Indians extension that will keep him with the Indians have to offer. In his Radio Network in 1998 after the Indians through 2009. “He’s that way 17 seasons of calling games retirement of Herb Score. He signed T on the air, off the air. He’s just a gen- 440.449.0700 | www.executivecaterers.com on the radio, Hamilton has seen a a contract extension earlier this year uine person and that comes across Full service catering at any of these fine venues or any location of your choice. 105-loss season (1991), a 100-win that will keep him broadcasting loud and clear in his presentation. ■ season (1995) and the Indians’ games on the team’s flagship sta- return to the World Series that year tion, WTAM-AM 1100, through 2011. and again in 1997. Hamilton said he knew early on He’s called 57 postseason while growing up in games, including 13 World Series that he wasn’t going to play sports games. He’s witnessed the greatest professionally, so announcing in Major League Baseball them “was the next best thing.” history, the Indians’ improbable He went to Brown College, a rally from a 14-2 deficit to beat small school near Minneapolis, to Seattle 15-14 in 11 innings on a study communications and worked Sunday night six years ago. his way up from “a real small station But a game that didn’t even count in a real small town in Wisconsin.” is the one he cherishes the most. He broadcast University of Wiscon- “Nothing will ever top my first sin football games and University of game of the major leagues,” Colorado games before Hamilton said. “Nothing will ever landing in Columbus. top that. It’s an impossible dream His arrival in Cleveland coincided that becomes a reality. Unfortu- with the team’s rebirth. Jacobs )NDIANS#LUB3EATING nately for me, it was against the Field opened in 1994, and a year in April of 1990. later the Indians were playing in #LUB#HOICE A blizzard came off and their first World Series since 1954. the game was snowed out.” “The next most special game to Welcome to Cleveland. me was Game 6 of the ALCS in 'AME The debut capped a whirlwind 1995,” Hamilton said. “I can see it year for Hamilton, who had been like it was yesterday. &LEX0LAN working as a radio broadcaster was at second base, Randy John- for the Yankees’ former -A son throws a passed ball (Dan Wil- 9OUCHOOSETHEGAMES affiliate, the . son was catching). We score two nONLYPERSEAT He heard of the opening with runs off it and Kenny scores from the Indians in fall 1989, but he was second base. When he did that, 1˜ˆ“ˆÌi`Êvœœ`Ê>˜`Ê busy working on State foot- you could just sense the ballclub ˜œ˜‡>Vœ œˆVÊLiÛiÀ>}iÃÊ ball broadcasts and he and his wife knew it was going to win that game ˆ˜VÕ`i`° of one year were awaiting the birth and go to the World Series.” of their first child. A decade later, Hamilton had “I never really had enough time that same feeling. September 2005 or put much thought into putting a didn’t lead to the postseason as the tape together,” said Hamilton, Indians couldn’t quite reel in the whose son was born in November White Sox, but it was still one of the of that year. “I saw a story that they highlights of Hamilton’s career. narrowed the list to four candidates “You went to the ballpark every the week of Christmas. I was kicking day knowing every game had play- myself for not trying for the job.” off-like implications,” said Hamil- After some prodding from his ton, who lives in Avon Lake with  wife Wendy, Hamilton went to the his wife and four children. “That radio station after midnight Mass was as thrilling as it gets.” CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 6 CCLB 3/15/2007 10:36 AM Page 1

I-6 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS MARCH 19-25, 2007

Ariz. training complex will offer team more modern amenities

By SCOTT SUTTELL clear: They want spring training in [email protected] Goodyear,” said the Arizona city’s mayor, Jim Cavanaugh, who sees the he Cleveland Indians are about complex as a way to “catalyze eco- to shabby-chic for sleek nomic development” in Goodyear. when it comes to their spring The Goodyear City Council this Ttraining environs — a move month unanimously approved an that other teams are making as intergovernmental agreement with towns in Arizona seek to give their the Arizona Sports and Tourism economies a shot in the arm by Authority that will pay for half the attracting the presence of Major complex. The rest will come from League Baseball. the city and developers. Come February 2009, the Indians Goodyear Baseball LLC, an entity plan to conduct spring training in jointly owned by Goodyear-based a complex in Goodyear, Ariz., about development company Rose Prop- 20 miles west of Phoenix, that will erties Southwest, and - feature a 10,000-seat ballpark based JMI Sports LLC, will manage expected to cost $75 million. The the design, development and ballpark will include suites, 8,000 construction of the Indians’ spring seats and lawn seating for an addi- training complex. tional 2,000 fans plus parking for HOK Sport of Kansas City, Mo. 3,000 vehicles. The complex also — the firm that designed Jacobs will feature a 38,000-square-foot Field, Stadium clubhouse, six full practice fields, and some of the most architecturally two half practice fields and an significant new sports complexes in agility field. the country, including the striking The Indians plan to use the Arizona Cardinals stadium in Goodyear complex and its fields as Glendale, Ariz. — will serve as lead a year-round center for rehabilita- architect and planner for the base- tion and training. ball portions of the development. When the Tribe ventures west Specific land plans and architec- two springs from now, it will leave tural designs aren’t complete but behind its spring training home will be developed in the coming since 1992 in sleepy Winter Haven, months. RENEW ONLINE NOW! Fla. That complex has plenty of charm — heck, it’s old enough to Creating a draw www.CrainsCleveland.com/renew have seen train there Erik Judson, principal of JMI with the Boston Sox — but it’s Sports, said the project “is break- lacking in modern amenities. (Ted ing new ground in the develop- Williams wouldn’t have cared about ment of spring training facilities” that, but it makes a big difference as a sophisticated sports and in a baseball world that places lifestyle complex that will draw great emphasis on state-of-the-art travelers and Phoenix-area residents player training and fan comfort.) to Goodyear. Goodyear will represent a back- John Ruggieri, managing direc- to-the-future move for the Indians, tor of Rose Properties Southwest, who trained in Tucson, Ariz., from said his firm’s preliminary analysis 1947 to 1992 before moving to indicates there’s demand for up to Winter Haven, which is in central $700 million of office, housing, Florida about halfway between hotel and retail development in Orlando and Tampa. the area. If that prediction were to The Indians in the early-’90s hold true — and many projections High Speed Internet planned to move to a modern of future growth don’t in the world complex in Homestead, Fla., but a of sports complexes — Goodyear For Your Business. hurricane derailed those plans and could reap more than $100 million prompted the team to switch gears in tax revenues in the next 15 and move to the friendly confines years. If you have a T1 or better we can of Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes David Carter, executive director offer 300% more speed for less. Park. The Arizona deal finally will of the University of Southern Cali- give the Indians the modern training fornia’s Sports Business Institute, complex they sought 15 years ago. said team owners in all major “A state-of-the-art facility has sports now look for every possible Ask Us How_ the ability to impact your culture, way to improve the experience for your atmosphere and your rehabil- fans and the environment for itation,” Indians general manager sponsors. Spiffier settings for Mark Shapiro told MLB.com in a spring training baseball give them recent story about the rebirth of a chance to do that, he said, “while Arizona’s spring training Cactus improving the quality of their League. “We’re currently at a brand and making a little more disadvantage and have been for money.” some time.” Arizona has had good success of late in expanding Major League Village people Baseball’s Cactus League of teams The Goodyear development is training in the state. Currently, 12 called Ballpark Village, but it’s teams train there, up from seven in 1.866.276.2973 about much more than baseball. 1992, and the Indians and Los The Indians’ training complex will Angeles Dodgers, who currently anchor a 240-acre private develop- train in Vero Beach, Fla., will land ment that’s expected eventually to in Arizona in 2009. The moves by include office space, retail shops, the Indians and Dodgers will give www.expedient.com restaurants, loft-style housing, a the Cactus League 14 teams by hotel and a conference center. 2009, with Florida’s Grapefruit “Our residents told us loud and League retaining 16 teams. ■ CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 7 CCLB 3/15/2007 1:41 PM Page 1

MARCH 19-25, 2007 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS I-7

“Tribe Report” show. 24/7 sports network.” Most game days during baseball The network already has aired season will look like this on Sports- a fair share of non-Indians Time Ohio: An early-afternoon programming, including golf, No off-season on air replay of the last Cleveland Indians martial arts and outdoor programs, game; a three-hour sports call-in along with non-game Cleveland show; a 6:30 p.m. Indians pre-game Browns coverage. SportsTime Ohio has kept busy, adding more amenities show; that evening’s Indians game; But Liberatore is looking to grab and a post-game show. even more local interest. SportsTime to its production area and broadcasting other sporting events has aired Youngstown State Univer- Local, local, local sity football and Ohio Athletic By JOHN BOOTH is physically scattered throughout Kilkenney said SportsTime Ohio Still, Liberatore — who bristles Conference football and basketball. [email protected] the Lakeside Avenue building, it’s will have access to footage from when he hears the regional sports The network also has broadcast all connected through the network’s cameras rolling at a dozen Major network described as “Cleveland high school basketball champi- t’s been a busy off-season for new master control center. A League baseball games per night, and Indians-owned” — is adamant that onships in Akron and Cleveland, SportsTime Ohio. limited-use studio at Jacobs Field — Al Pawlowski, who has produced and there’s more to SportsTime than and arranged to swap college Yes, the network is on air which according to presi- hosted the network’s “Ohio Sports the Tribe. hockey coverage with a Detroit Iyear-round, and yes, it broad- dent Jim Liberatore likely will be a Profiles” program, will man the “If you look at regional sports television station. casts more than baseball, but with simple one-camera-and-a-back- update desk at the WKYC building. networks in general, a lot of them Beyond event coverage, though, its close affiliation to the Indians — drop arrangement — also is slated The two in-studio cameras will have what they call a national Liberatore said, “What we really its parent company, Fastball Sports to be linked to the control center. be operated remotely through the backdrop,” he said, meaning their want to do is interact with the fans.” Productions, is owned by the team’s master control room one floor up. On-air personality non-local hours are filled with He talks about ideas he has for Dolan family — SportsTime’s Indians’ games will also have programming from the likes of locally generated content such as calendar year is inextricably tied to The technical additions mean more on-screen bonuses such as ESPN or Fox Sports. “We are going open-microphone-style shows that the arrival of spring training. more on-air material for SportsTime super slow-motion zoom capabili- to be a hyperlocal network. That’s would invite viewers to share photos Since the end of the 2006 base- Ohio viewers. ties, pitch-tracking graphics and where we think our niche is.” and videos, or promotions offering ball season, SportsTime has added For instance, explains SportsTime “spray charts” that illustrate where SportsTime Ohio’s current the chance to chat with pro sports its own master control center, two Ohio programming director/exec- hitters are placing their shots. And programming hours are 4 p.m. to coaches and management. There high-definition video editing suites utive producer Pat Kilkenney, the 88 of the Tribe’s contests will be midnight. By April, Liberatore says, also are plans for a high school and a new studio to the production network’s new studio will be staffed aired in high definition. the network will achieve its goal of sports magazine show on the air space it occupies in the WKYC-TV during Indians games to provide SportsTime’s on-air talent for In- being on the air around the clock. before the end of the school year. building on Lakeside Avenue. live updates of other events, such dians games will be “The whole plan of the network “We don’t think it’s a quixotic Despite its location at WKYC, as relevant American League Cen- and Matt Underwood, and former was to maybe, after three years, go notion that this can be an impor- SportsTime controls its own tral Division games or Cleveland Cleveland pitcher 24/7,” he said. “There’s so much tant network in Cleveland,” he programming, and Indians games Cavaliers’ scores and highlights. will be contributing to the weekly opportunity in this market for a said. ■ are wholly SportsTime produced. SportsTime tested the idea of WKYC personnel sometimes are live updates last spring during the paid for specific operations, such as Cavs’ playoff run that coincided in-studio camera work and technical with baseball season, and Kilken- directing, for SportsTime shows. ney said the network got great Although SportsTime’s new setup feedback from fans. What’s it like to work with people who love what they do? The results are now in!

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ON THE TUBE: All 162 regular season Indians games will be tele- vised this season. SportsTime Ohio will televise 141 games; WKYC- * Based on 2005 Grant Thornton client satisfaction study and TV3 will air 20 games; and ESPN will broadcast one game nationally independent client satisfaction research survey sent to clients of the Big 4 and Top 50 U.S. accounting firms. For on May 27 from Detroit. details visit www.GrantThornton.com/GTSurvey2005. CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 8 CCLB 3/15/2007 2:12 PM Page 1

I-8 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS MARCH 19-25, 2007

Pieced: Opinions mixed on team’s season outlook continued from PAGE I-1 whom will be key to the team’s we just didn’t feel like we could their first World Series since 1997, The GM maintains, however, goal of contending in the American afford to run the same guys out opinions seem to be mixed this that the Tribe entered the offseason League Central. there again. From a sheer talent spring. Some writers have high with all options open. Compare that collective impact, standpoint, I think we felt pretty expectations, while others, includ- “There wasn’t a strategic assuming a relatively healthy good about our guys that we could ing some locally, are more reserved approach to sign a number of season, to one of the “one guys” field a good bullpen. Our ’pen in their predictions (perhaps because guys rather than one guy,” Shapiro Shapiro was rumored to be after, certainly suffered some trauma they’ve seen this act before). said in a phone interview from former Tribe right fielder Manny last year, and it was a situation that Included in that cautious group Winter Haven, Fla., the Indians’ Ramirez. in light of that trauma, we felt like is ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick, who spring training home. “If the right The enigmatic Red Sox we needed to do a good job of pointed to the uncertainty at the one guy is there, we’ll sign that will make $38 million over the bringing in a veteran dynamic. back of the bullpen as a cause for one guy. But in the areas that we next two years, and the Red Sox — “Veterans are better able to concern. had need, the areas that were most who signed the aforementioned handle the ups and downs that, if “I’m not sold on the bullpen important for us to address, either Matsuzaka to a six-year, $52 million we hit a rough patch like we did moves that Shapiro made,” Crasnick the one guy wasn’t there or if he deal straight out of Japan — could last year, we weren’t going to said via e-mail during his spring was, it was a prohibitive situation.” have been convinced, in the name revert back to last year, that we’re tour around the Cactus League. of savings, to part with Ramirez for going to understand that it’s a “Borowski saved 36 games for Let’s compare a price similar to what the Indians natural part of the game.” Florida, but the spent on their five signings. East is not the American League Shapiro said all winter that the The good … Indians’ 2006 payroll, 24th of 30 in Committing to Ramirez’s salary Central … Roberto Hernandez the majors at $56.8 million, would FILE PHOTO/DAN MENDLIK, CLEVELAND INDIANS would have prevented the Indians Shapiro’s non-strategy certainly turns 43 in November. The Phillies, be increased and made good on “We have to search for the best value from doing little else in the free- has its positives, despite lacking who have bullpen issues of their his promise. In adding veteran and build the best team,” says general agent market, including fixing the the sexiness of making a big-name, own, weren’t in any hurry to bring relievers , Roberto manager Mark Shapiro. bullpen’s woes. Signing Ramirez, Ramirez-type splash. back Aaron Fultz. Hernandez and and or any other hefty-salaried players, Of the five free-agent acquisi- “Is there someone in this group outfielders Trot Nixon and David not be counted in the Indians’ would again have left the bullpen tions, the team is committed to you can classify as a ‘sure thing?’ Dellucci, Shapiro committed $16 payroll figure.) in the hands of youngsters. only Dellucci past 2007, having The Indians are going to have to million more to the 2007 books. For that price, the Indians got “We have to search for the best signed the 10-year veteran to a get lucky with some of these guys, (Since another reliever, Keith five impact players — their , value and build the best team,” three-year deal worth $11.5 million. as well as with their kids.” Foulke, retired before the season, two situational relievers and two Shapiro said. “In light of what Fultz, Borowski and Hernandez Dan Connolly, The Baltimore his $5 million, one-year deal will platooning outfielders, each of happened in our bullpen last year, have 2008 club options, and Sun’s national baseball writer, was Nixon’s deal was simply a one-year, a bit more confident in Shapiro’s $3 million contract. moves. Additionally, the Indians also “Relief pitchers are the most were able to maintain some difficult commodity to gauge in financial flexibility with three key all of baseball; there should be a players closing in on free agency at warning label on free-agent Crain’s press time: relievers — they couldn’t be riskier,” after this season, and C.C. Sabathia Connolly said via e-mail after and Travis Hafner after next. spending much of spring training Despite sticking to a short-term fix checking on Grapefuit League and facing the prospect of doing it teams. “That said, if you buy a all over again next winter if these chunk of them, like the Indians moves don’t pan out, Shapiro did, the margin of reduces. If maintains he isn’t concerned with half of the new relievers in Cleveland a lack of continuity. work out, that’s still two reliable “There will always be continuity arms they didn’t have in ’06.” with a core of guys,” Shapiro said, He also said Keith Foulke’s abrupt “and there will always be guys retirement, which made Borowski around that core that we have to the closer by default, should help view as, if their value is good, the Indians, not hurt them. we’ll stick with them; if not we’ll “The problem is closing by re-examine our alternatives. That’s committee doesn’t work. Mixing a reality of the business of building and matching during the season a successful team or a sustainable doesn’t work, because fragile team.” relievers perform better in set roles,” … and (maybe) the bad he said. “But even the best struggle when there is no assigned role, Unlike last year, when the Indians when they close on Wednesday, were universally picked to be a and set up on Friday and Saturday major sleeper and advance to and close again on Tuesday.” ■

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ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL, DATEJUST AND TURN-O-GRAPH ARE TRADEMARKS. CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 9 CCLB 3/15/2007 3:31 PM Page 1

MARCH 19-25, 2007 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS I-9

BY THE NUMBERS Ticket sales/record since opening of Jacobs Field Making connections Total Average Overall Year Attendance (home record) record

Fans have plenty of options when 2006 1,997,936 24,666 (44-37) 78-84 (fourth) Club hopes grassroots marketing focus buying tickets. They can choose from the “Six Pack Plans,” which of- 2005 2,013,763 24,861 (43-38) 93-69 (second) helps to win more attendance by fer various combinations of six 2004 1,814,401 22,400 (44-37) 80-82 (third) games. New this year is the “Pronk employing a personal touch with fans Flex Plan,” which allows fans to se- 2003 1,730,001 21,358 (38-43) 68-94 (fourth) lect a combination of 20 games. 2002 2,616,940 32,308 (39-42) 74-88 (third) Tickets aren’t the only product By ERIC STOESSEL Attendance dipped to a low of the Indians are selling. The retail 2001 3,175,523 39,694 (44-36) 91-71 (first) [email protected] 21,358 per game in 2003 when the side of the business is just as 2000 3,456,278 42,670 (48-33) 90-72 (second) Indians won just 68 games and important. 1999 3,468,456 42,820 (47-34) 97-65 (first) ic Gregovits was handing out climbed to 24,861 in 2005 when Kurt Schloss, director of more than just candy last they just missed the playoffs with merchandising and licensing, said 1998 3,467,299 42,806 (46-35) 89-73 (first) Halloween. The Indians’ a 93-69 record. The Indians were that in 2005 the Indians ranked 1997 3,404,750 42,559 (44-37) 86-75 (first) V senior vice president of sales 78-84 last year with an average eighth in retail business out of the and marketing was also passing attendance of 24,665. 30 Major League Baseball teams. 1996 3,318,174 42,536 (51-29) 99-62 (first) out the team’s 2007 schedule and “It’s just a different time and we They ranked fourth out of the 16 player cards. have to adjust and do things differ- teams that have out-of-stadium 1995 2,842,725 40,038 (54-18) 100-44 (first) “We believe there’s nothing ently,” Gregovits said. “There are a stores, he said. The Indians have 1994 1,995,174 39,121 (35-16) 66-47 (second) more important than reaching out lot of fans of those glory days. How five team shops outside of the and having that personal touch do we get them re-engaged with us?” one at Jacobs Field. They’re SOURCE: Cleveland Indians with fans,” Gregovits said. The easy answer is by winning. located at malls in Fairlawn, North “Everyone knows you work for the Expectations were high after 2005 Olmsted, Elyria, Mentor and and Grady Sizemore and legend “For us it’s all about being fan Indians, so when they come to and the front office is again confi- Strongsville. Bob Feller, Schloss said, and that and family friendly,” Schloss said. your house why not have some fun dent. Wins are just as important on the is nearly 20% of the total retail “Is it a great place to come? Is there with it? What better way for me to “Last year we were still going retail side, Schloss said, but market- business. value to it?” put our marketing message out through a lot of things for the first ing individual players also helps. Whether it’s a trip to or The Indians are doing every- there.” time with a lot of young players,” Nearly 70% of player product sales to Jacobs Field, the Indians’ strategy thing they can to make sure the The message starts from the Indians general manager Mark are for fan-friendly Travis Hafner is the same. answer is yes. ■ top. It’s part of a new grassroots Shapiro told Crain’s Cleveland marketing focus, something the Business. “I feel like we’ve been club is doing to enhance ticket and through about everything we could merchandise sales. Wins are the go through at this point. We’re greatest selling point, but as the better equipped and better Indians found out last year, that’s prepared … I would be very no guarantee. They have to be surprised and disappointed if we 4HEINVESTMENTOFALIFETIME prepared to overcome that. are not a good team.” “We believe there’s nothing more important than reaching out and having that personal touch with fans.” – Vic Gregovits, senior vice president of sales and marketing

As part of a team speakers’ Winning can’t be everything bureau, members of the organiza- tion and sales staff, including team The trick for the sales staff is president and execu- to succeed with or without the tive vice president of business wins. Dennis Lehman, were scheduled “We try to capitalize on the to spend the offseason speaking to team’s performance if things are business, civic and educational going well,” Gregovits said. “And organizations. if they’re not, hopefully we’ve The presentations are 30 minutes created a special event to help. and include a video presentation All our research shows ballpark and a question-and-answer session. experience rates very high with The goal is to connect with fans, Cleveland fans.” giving them a taste of the upcoming Gregovits said they’ve enhanced season. the promotional calendar and That effort probably wasn’t as the giveaways are for all fans or important 10 years ago when the children, depending on the pro- 7HILEPLANNINGTHEFUTUREOFYOURESTATE THEKNOWLEDGEANDEXPERIENCE Indians were in the midst of a motion, not just the first 10,000 record streak of 455 consecutive as it was two years ago. For the OFTRUSTEDADVISORSPROVETOBEESSENTIALTOOLS!T3KY OURWEALTH sellouts from 1995-2001. second straight year, every ADVISORSHELPYOUCUSTOMIZEAPORTFOLIOSUPPORTINGYOURSHORT AND Jacobs Field opened in 1994 Friday is a fireworks night. with a first-year attendance total Sundays are “Kids Fun Days,” LONG TERMFINANCIALGOALS of 1,995,174 (39,121 per game attracting families with events average). The next season the and activities for children, even $ISCOVERHOWTHEBROADRANGEOF3KY7EALTH-ANAGEMENTSERVICESCAN Indians reached the World Series allowing them to run the bases SECUREYOURFUTUREANDTHATOFYOURLOVEDONES and averaged 40,038 fans, begin- after the game. ning a string of six straight years The Indians also focus on the with an average attendance of more traditional sales tactics, like &ORMOREINFORMATIONCALLONEOFOURKNOWLEDGEABLEADVISORSTODAY more than 40,000 per game. mass advertising, direct mail, After another first-place finish telemarketing and will even try 3TEVE0UTINSKI 6ICE0RESIDENT in 2001, the Indians fell to third in door-to-door sales, Gregovits 2002 and won just 74 games. said. 3KY4RUST   

NOT YOUR TYPICAL BOBBLEHEAD: The Indians are set this year to become the first Major League team to unveil the “Bobsterz.” Created by Cleve- land-based Fun Enterprises, the Bobsterz are a cross between a Bobblehead and a figurine. 7EALTH-ANAGEMENTs)NVESTMENTSs4RUSTs0RIVATE"ANKINGs2ETIREMENT3ERVICES The Indians will distribute a cape-wearing Grady Sizemore Bobsterz on April 28 and a ./4).352%$"9&$)#/2!.9'/6%2.-%.4!,!'%.#9 -!9,/3%6!,5% ./4!$%0/3)4/2 SponseBobsterz to children on Sept. 16. To view '5!2!.4%%$"9!.9"!.+/2!.9"!.+!&&),)!4% the 2007 season’s promotional schedule, visit 3ECURITIESOFFEREDTHROUGH/NLINE"ROKERAGE3ERVICES )NC-EMBER 3)0#)NVESTMENTSARESUBJECTTORISK ANDMAYLOSEVALUE www.crainscleveland.com/promo. 7EALTH-ANAGEMENT3ERVICES4RUSTPRODUCTSANDSERVICESAREOFFEREDBY3KY4RUST .! ANATIONALBANKINGASSOCIATION 0RIVATE"ANKINGPRODUCTSAREOFFEREDBY3KY"ANK ABANKINGSUBSIDIARYOF3KY&INANCIAL'ROUP )NC3KY"ANKISA DAN MENDLIK, CLEVELAND INDIANS -EMBER&$)#%QUAL(OUSING,ENDER CCLB 03-19-07 Indians 10 CCLB 3/15/2007 3:09 PM Page 1

I-10 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS MARCH 19-25, 2007

Former pitcher aims to keep farm system’s winning ways

By DAVID PRIZINSKY Indians, which lacks the deep ment program that brings top [email protected] pockets of the richest teams and prospects to Cleveland for the those teams’ ability to purchase month of January for instruction n his first year on the job, players in the increasingly expen- in conditioning and nonbaseball Cleveland Indians player devel- sive free-agent market. issues, such as personal banking. opment director The concept of the minor league The team’s player development Iintends to maintain the high farm system can be traced to Ohio operations won the Co.’s standards established by his native , who “organization of the year” designa- predecessors that have earned developed it in the and tion in 2006. The accolade was high marks from baseball observers. 1930s while based on the 10 awards that Topps Atkins, 33, a former pitcher in the working for the gave Indians minor league players Indians organization, was named St. Louis Cardi- last year. Congratulations to our 2006 Top Achievers! director late last year, replacing nals. Rickey The publication, USA Today , who joined the created the role Sports Weekly, also has singled out as pitching . of the general the Indians several times in recent Atkins has been part of the play- manager and years as its “organization of the year.” er development department for six was the first to About 40 staff people in the minor years, first as assistant director use statistics in league system are under Atkins’ Atkins and until this year director of Latin developing and direction. There also are more than American Operations, a strategic signing players when he was with 150 players in the farm system. position considering the increas- the Dodgers. The Indians’ affiliates are the Buf- ing number of Latin American The reliance on data, scouting falo Bisons (AAA); Akron Aeros, (AA); players in the major leagues. expertise and a sound evaluation (A), Kinston, N.C.; He ties the reputation of the system is vital to Atkins. (A), Eastlake, Don Bain, Jr. George Elliott Chris Livingston Indians farm system and player “The more thorough the process Ohio; Mahoning Valley Scrappers development department to “a very is, the better the outcome will be,” (A), Niles, Ohio; Gulf Coast League good scouting department and the he said. “The challenge lies in taking (rookies), Winter Haven, Fla.; and culture of high expectations.” your gut instinct or bias out of the (non- The team’s player development process.” drafted free agents). operations rely heavily on software The new director, a graduate of and data management systems that Wake Forest University with a Training ground Atkins described as state of the art. degree in economics, said the key Running Latin American opera- More importantly, he said, a key to to his job is accurately evaluating tions was a good training ground the department’s success has been each of the players and making for Atkins, who speaks Spanish. A.J. Magner Rob Roe “hard work by my predecessors to sure that each is developed by the “Latin America is very important, make sure that the systems and pro- best manager and coach possible. and I grew in that role,” Atkins said. grams in place were not only cutting “We are in the people business.” Latin American players now make edge but managed and used daily.” Since acquired the up about 30% of professional And special thanks to... “But, there is no crystal ball or franchise in 2000, the Indians have baseball, he estimated. magic bullet. … We have to outwork spent an average of $22.5 million Atkins said the broad approach the other guy, and we have to be annually on the player development to player development will get a successful,” he said. “In the short department. This figure is 27% boost from the team’s planned term, we have to ask, how is the more than the Major League aver- spring training move from Florida organization getting better and age, according to Curtis Danburg, to Goodyear, Ariz., in 2009. Real Estate Advisors more efficient?” Indians manager of communica- “The Arizona facility is an elite tions and creative services. facility. It is also for year-round use,” 216.861.7171 Growing a team The Indians have concentrated he said. This facility is part of a 240- The success of the farm system on taking a broad approach to acre, $75 million mixed-use devel- is paramount for a middle-market player development. This includes opment that will include the “ball- franchise such as the Cleveland the innovative winter develop- park village.” ■ …Our clients who made it possible!

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MARCH 19-25, 2007 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS I-11 Tribe to offer ticket holders profitable option

By BRAD DICKEN 10% to the seller and 10% to the “If it’s third- or fourth-hand, everything, and sooner or later Indians’ Gregovits said. [email protected] buyer. there’s no way we can track it back,” somebody won’t be able to make As with any new initiative, it may Security and convenience will he said. “This cuts down on forgery.” one of the Tribe’s 81 home games. take some time to work out the orget the shady looking guy on draw in fans, Gregovits said, because Jennifer Brumbaugh, a season kinks in the system. the corner outside Jacobs Field by using the Indians site they’ll Flexibility for fans ticket holder from Willoughby, said Price could be an issue, but that waving a fistful of tickets the next know exactly what they’re getting. This year, Gregovits estimates she typically sells off most of her will depend for how much ticket Ftime you’re looking to score a “It’s secured, it’s controlled, it’s there will be about 13,000 season tickets through the Indians, but holders try to sell their tickets. If way into a Cleveland Indians game. guaranteed by the Indians to be tickets sold, ranging in price from until now hasn’t made a profit on it. the price goes too high, the Indi- Starting this season, the Tribe is authentic,” he said. $7 to $42 a game. Many of those “I think this could be a huge ans might have to cap how much getting into the ticket resale business, That authenticity isn’t so certain tickets will be split up between perk for ticket holders,” she said. they can be sold for, although or at least the online ticket resale when fans buy their tickets from friends, co-workers and other “There’s always about five games I there is no such limit in place now. business. other sources, Gregovits said. groups that purchase tickets and can’t make or sell, so with this you But it will be what the fans want Season ticket holders will be able Every year, fans show up looking then divvy up the games. don’t take as big a loss.” that will drive the system, Gregov- sell their tickets for a profit on the forward to a game only to discover It’s a practice that the Indians The move isn’t entirely its said. Indians’ web site, and fans will be that the tickets they purchased are encourage, but even the most altruistic. “If someone can’t make “The fans have to get comfort- able to reap the benefits, so long as fake or invalid. careful division can’t account for the games, this helps us out,” the able with it,” he said. ■ they’re willing to pay the price. Vic Gregovits, senior vice presi- dent of sales and marketing for the Indians, said the new policy will make it easier — and safer — for fans to get into even a sold-out game. “It’s a service to our ticket holders,” he said. Cashing in The Indians TicketExchange, which can be found at Indians.com, was online last year, serving as a marketplace for ticket holders look- ing to sell. The big change is that this year, the season ticket holders can make a profit. Under a regulation passed MERCHANT SERVICES by the city of Cleveland last June, ticket holders may resell their tickets for a profit — so long as they do it on the Internet. NEXT-DAY SETTLEMENT OF SIX-MONTH TERMINAL RENTAL – FREE Season ticket holders simply post FUNDS FOR CREDIT CARD which tickets they want to sell in the online market run by Ticket- TRANSACTIONS DEDICATED BUSINESS BANKERS Master for the Indians, but it’s not WHO COME TO YOU an auction, Gregovits said. NO APPLICATION FEE Sellers can ask whatever price they want to get and buyers can take it or leave it on a first come, first served basis. In business, having a partner you can trust is imperative. Charter One Merchant Services™ Once the ticket is purchased it’s simply a matter of the seller e-mail- ing the tickets to the proud new is that partner. And right now, business checking customers who sign up for Merchant owner, which can then be printed out and presented at the gate. Services get a six-month terminal rental – free. Plus, you can start earning Everyday Points™ It isn’t exactly a new idea. The run a similar program, and Gregovits admits toward some great rewards right away. To learn more, visit your nearest branch, go to Indians fans have been doing the same thing on other web sites for charterone.com/merchantservices or call 1-877-431-2540. years. Tad Carper, the Cavs’ senior vice president of communications, said fans loved the idea of making a profit on their tickets through that team’s Flash Seats program. The team tested online sales last season and launched it this season in a way that allows for a profit. If your business relies on funds “The response from season ticket holders is 98% approval,” Carper said. A key difference between the two being there tomorrow, we’re programs is who picks up the tab. The Cavs charge 20% of the ticket cost, which is paid by the purchaser, the people to rely on today. while the Indians split the charge —

SOLD OUT: The Indians’ 2007 home opener on April 6 vs. Seattle is sold out — the 14th consecutive home opener sellout at Jacobs Field. All hope’s not lost, however. As of early last week there were two pairs of tickets available through Indians TicketExchange for the home opener — one selling for $206.99 per ticket the Member FDIC. See a banker for details and funds availability. All accounts and services subject to approval. Offer available only to new-to-Charter One Merchant Services merchants who have a Charter One business checking account. Standard rental other for $143.75 per ticket. agreement is required. Six-month period begins when contract is entered. Offer subject to terms and conditions set forth in Charter One Merchant Services terminal rental agreement and is available through April 13, 2007. Contract must be signed by April 30, 2007. SBA ranking based on number of approved SBA loans from October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006, for SBA’s defined Midwest region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin). Loans subject to approval.