They have averaged 2 million the past six seasons, and things might turn even worse in 2009, considering the impact of the recession on northeast Ohio.

Ramirez, never much of an economist — "gas is up and so am I," he said famously last October — surely has no idea about the Indians' precarious financial position.

The team's fan base already is tenuous. A poor season could lead to further erosion, forcing the Indians to adopt even more of a low-revenue mentality.

Much is at stake, from the future of manager Eric Wedge to the Indians' ability to retain their best players. But let's not get carried away by the team's 3-7 start.

The Indians, who continue their visit to the new Yankee Stadium this weekend (MLB on FOX, Saturday, 3:40 p.m. ET) figure to contend in the AL Central — yes, even with right-hander Carl Pavano as their No. 3 starter.

The strength of the team's farm system, ranked No. 7 in the majors by Baseball America, should ensure that the franchise remains competitive long-term.

The Indians' 10-2 victory over the Yankees on Thursday featured two encouraging developments — the return of the Cliff Lee of 2008 and the biggest eruption yet from a lineup that should be among the best in the majors.

Even after losing six of their first seven, the Indians are just 2 1/2 games back in the Central, where no team is more than one game over .500. Wedge, the AL Manager of the Year two years ago, remains relatively secure. While losing strains even the strongest of bonds, he and general manager Mark Shapiro enjoy one of the closest manager-GM relationships in the sport.

The Jacobs Field of Ramirez's memory was an electric place, packed with fans energized by the team's dynamic collection of stars. The Indians won six division titles in seven years, reaching the World Series in 1995 and '97. But by the time Shapiro took over in Nov. 2001, the team was old and the farm system was down.

Shapiro's first big move — the Bartolo Colon trade in the summer of '02 — brought Lee, center fielder Grady Sizemore and second baseman Brandon Phillips, who later was sent to the Reds. The Indians won 93 games in 2005 and reached the American League Championship Series in '07. Then history repeated: Shapiro traded Sabathia for outfielder Matt LaPorta, outfielder Michael Brantley, lefty Zach Jackson and righty Robert Bryson last June.

The Indians could not afford to retain Sabathia as a free agent. Another losing cycle, coupled with dwindling attendance, would lead to other trades or departures. Lee and catcher Victor Martinez are under club control through '10, shortstop Jhonny Peralta through '11, Sizemore through '12, designated hitter Travis Hafner through '13, Carmona through '14.

The A's have mastered the art of tearing down and starting over, but Cleveland is a different market than Oakland; the Indians must deal with greater scrutiny from their local media and less patience from their fans.

The proximity of three Indians' minor-league affiliates — Class AAA Columbus, Class AA Akron and Class A Lake County — gives fans more affordable options than attending a game at Progressive Field. Rather than pay major-league prices, fans can simply watch the Indians on TV.

The idea that the Indians might spend on a player such as Ramirez in the current economic climate is preposterous. Ideally, the team will develop another Manny, another Sabathia, another Thome, another Colon.

Its margin for error is all but gone.