The president of the Indians says that Lindor is "a national star"
Paul Dolan highlighted the value of the Puerto Rican in his organization and in the city of Cleveland
The value of Puerto Rican shortstop Francisco Lindor for the Cleveland Indians is an easy one to qualify for the multiple positive effects he brings to his MLB organization.
But judging by the expressions of Paul Dolan, co-owner, president and chief executive officer of this club of the Majors, the Puerto Rican has other attributes that transcend the monetary value for a franchise.
"It is important for anyone to have a star like him (Lindor)," Dolan said in an interview with El Nuevo Día during his visit to Puerto Rico to formalize the series of two games against Minnesota in mid-April at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
Winner of the Silver Bat of the American League in 2017 and Gold Glove in 2016, Lindor has been one of the great figures in the resurgence of the Indian franchise, which returned two years ago to a World Series for the first time since the 1997
Since he was chosen in the first round of the 2011 Rookie draft, in the eighth round, the organization had his hopes pinned on the talented player, born in Caguas.
For a baseball franchise in a market not so big compared to the squares of New York, Boston, Los Angeles or San Francisco, and, without enjoying the economic power of those clubs mentioned, teams like Cleveland's depend very much on good results on the pitch with how little or how much you invest. But they also require other ingredients.
Very popular player
"The Cleveland market loves its stars and Frankie has a personality that is very, very attractive. Yes, he plays baseball with such energy and with such obvious love for sports, that translates to our fans very well. So, he instantly became one of the most popular players on our team. That is good. It's good for us, it's good for the sport and ultimately for the player, "said Dolan.
A proven success formula for a professional team without a large checkbook is to arm themselves with young talent developed in their minor league farm system, promote several prospects at the same time so that they rise together, and wait for the harvest in a certain number of years. It's the recipe that worked with the last champions like Chicago and Houston in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
He is a winner
And Lindor has been an impact where his team also needs it: in the win column.
In his first two campaigns in the majors, the young player contributed a batting average of .300, and in the third, in 2017, he imposed a record for the franchise of more home runs connected by a player of his position, with 33, and, incidentally, , became the Puerto Rican shortstop who has most home runs in a campaign.
Not to mention his contribution with the glove on the defensive.
"The first and most important thing is that, because of the type of player he is, we win more," Dolan replied when asked about ways to quantify the impact a star like Lindor can have on a team. "And winning is really the key to generating more ticket sales, more profits that come from there," said the manager.
"Beyond that, when a player is so popular and the day the team does not win comes, the popularity of the player ties the community to the team, while the transition is continued (of the team). And that is a great value, "said Dolan.
He has a lot of charisma
During the 2016 World Series, when the Indians eventually dropped to seven games against the Chicago Cubs, and again in the 2017 playoffs, Lindor's presence was highlighted and recognized by the media and the players themselves. They highlighted his skills as a player, but in each comment there was always some mention of his happiness and the way he enjoys playing.
"We are in a business that generates emotions. And a player like Frankie, who makes direct connections with fans, is very helpful. I think that not only in Cleveland, I think it is a national star, "said the executive of the Indians.
Part of the family
Dolan, in turn, highlighted not only the presence of Lindor, but also that of his compatriot Roberto "Bebo" Pérez, substitute receiver of the Indians.
"For who they are, their personalities, for their emotional bond with the fans ... my wife refers to Frankie as our third child. And I'm sure he's not alone. There is a great feeling for both boys. They have become part of our community, part of our family, and that is great for us because the more connected people are, the more connected they feel with our team, the better it is for us, "he said.
"It's great for the sport to have young stars. It's great for the sport to have attractive, energetic people, and it's great to have different stars. Because not only do you have people from the United States and places like Puerto Rico, but also from the Dominican Republic or Japan. That global reach is better for our sport, "concluded Dolan.
